Honda Accord Maintenance Opinions

[Ohbebe75]

I took the car back to Jiffy lube. Turns out, it was a faulty oil filter. The oil was slowly leaking under high temperatures onto the exhaust system. They replaced the filter and an extra oil change for no charge and everything is fixed. Up next is timing belt, EGR port service, and full fluid maintenance. Thanks to all that posted, I am contemplating doing a picture and write up on the timing belt.

[double b from wv]

cool. its awesome when something is a simple fix!

if you havent already, you might check the FAQ before you write it up. there may already be a writeup on your engine. if not, it'd be nice to have one though!

for the fluid changes... (and again, i work with my 91, so...)

• the trans fluid usually has to be siphoned out the dipstick hole (there is a plug on the side, but couldnt get it loose). i can only get about 2.5 qt out at a time before its too low to siphon any more. i add the 2.5 and drive for a couple weeks, then repeat. eventually most of it is new fluid.
• if you want to drain power steering, you should be able to pull the return line at the pump. put a bucket under the hood to catch the fluid when it comes out of said line, then start the car and crank the wheel from lock to lock several times. it should push all or most of the fluid out of the system.
• im not sure about the brakes though... i guess you could siphon the fluid out, then open all the bleeders to purge the lines.
• coolant is pretty standard... drain plug on radiator and one on block (near oil filter, if i recall... on mine).
• the washer fluid reservoir can be drained by pulling the pump off the bottom of the jug.
• the fuel tank might have a drain plug on it.

[Ohbebe75]

Does anyone know how long I should wait to do my valve adjustment after driving? I have heard it should be cold, but I have also taken cars to the shop for a valve adjustment in the past and they have completed it within an hour or so. I am wondering, If i park the car, and pull the valve cover so it can cool down. How long should I wait? Thanks

[phootbag]

Valves should be under 100 degrees F. You should be able to do the valve adjustment while performing the preventative maintenance on your headgasket.

[Ohbebe75]

My compression ratios were great, and now that my oil is under control, I am going to skip out on the head gasket. I am going to do brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission flush and filter, oil, and valve adjustment. Then next week I am going to do the timing belt.

Questions.
I will buy a valve cover gasket just in case mine is shot, but if it looks ok, can i reuse the gasket for another week or so?

If I pull the valve cover off to let it cool, do you think it will be ok to do valve adjustment in about an hour or so after i do the tranny, oil, steering, and brake fluid?

[phootbag]

The valve train needs to be below 100F. I use a pyrometer ( infra red temp gun ) to check temps before doing valve adjustments. Or, just make sure they are cool. You can remove the valve cover and set a small fan above the valve train to help it cool if the engine was warm. Also, you can reuse the valve cover gasket when you do the timing belt. However, since you have to remove the valve cover to do the timing belt I would do the valve adjustment at that time and save some time. Don't forget to put a small amount of sealant in the crotches of the cam caps for the valve cover gasket. I have seen most of them leak when no sealant is used.