Nicholls1014

Hey guys so I have 99 Accord LX with about 110k miles on it. Transmission was rebuilt a year ago at about 100k miles after it started slipping. Just today I got it back for Timing Belt/Waterpump replacement.
I wanted to know if there was any other major maintenance I should be looking to get done if the need arises. Have had the car since 86k miles, 3rd owner.

schreps

Nothing major but the usual stuff, which you probably know, is as follows: if the ignition hasn't been touched then, distributor cap, gasket, rotor, wires and plugs (ngk or nd), use a little anti-seize on the plugs, 13 ft-lbs (any oil in the plug tubes?). Replace distributor o-ring if its leaking. Adjust valves. Clean EGR passages and IACV if idle speed is surging (I remove the plenum to do this). Replace pcv valve. Use a obd2 tool like torque to see if the o2 sensors/cat are working properly, have a look at idle vacuum level (20 to 22 in-hg), engine highway temp (183F, F23A) and fuel trims for indicators of leaks etc. Does the radiator fan turn on at the correct temp (about 203F, F23A)? Radiator, heater, TB and IACV coolant hoses ok? Look in the coolant overflow tank for signs of oil or crud. Is the radiator (and OEM cap) in good shape and free of debris? Air filter and box inlet clean? I pull the connectors once a year and shoot a little contact cleaner on them. If the PS fluid is dirty change it but use a honda approved fluid (may prevent the dreaded leaky rack). Clean battery terminals, check that the hold down is tight, is the battery box/tray clean? Is the pan, axles seals, rear seal or PS high pressure hose o-ring leaking? Are the motor mounts ok? Is the AC system pressures ok? Cabin air filter? At 110k if the axles, ball joints, tie rod ends and wheel bearings haven't been touched then keep an eye out. I just changed my sway bar bushings, easy job, but mine had 390k on them. Maybe measure compression to have as a baseline on condition. Honda coolant (its not cheap), at 2 yrs, Maxlife trans fluid at 30k, techron injector cleaner in the tank 2x year and Mobil 1 High Mileage oil at 4k, it keeps the seals in good shape.

Nicholls1014

Wow thanks so much for this!
I actually already changed the Distrubtor cap, starter, radiator hoses and O2 Sensor before the transmission so that's good.
Ironic enough, after I got it back from the shop I started having a Cyl. 1 Misfire/ CEL for it. Upon changing the Spark plugs/wires (which were in good condition still) I noticed that CYL 1 had oil around the tube. So I changed the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals (the other 3 showed no leaks) The CEL has not come back on after 200 miles so I guess that's fixed.
When idling under load though I do feel it run rough as if it is misfiring but I haven't gotten a CEL or felt the plug "flicking" back at me. (Fuel injector maybe???)
Otherwise I'll definitely keep an eye out for the other things you listed
Again thanks so much for this and if you have any idea what could cause that rough idle under load I'd appreciate the advice!

schreps

It could be IACV is a little dirty/sticky or the egr is clogged. Buy a bluetooth obd2 dongle and install torque on your phone, monitor the o2, vacuum, fuel trims, temp and idle speed. There are great youtube videos on how to trouble shoot using fuel trim. example if the long term trim is running more than say 10% negative (lean) then the ECU is probably compensating for a leaky injector, if running 10% positive (rich) then there could be a vacuum leak or egr issue. You should do a compression check just for the heck of it. Bleed any air from the coolant system, hondas hate air. learn to tinker using the torque data.

Stelcom66

Schreps - that's 390km, not miles, right?

schreps

That's all miles. i have a 60 mi one way drive to work, it adds up... I had a 91 CB7 with 480k, never touched the engine internals.

Stelcom66

Holy smokes, that's amazing! And I'm not even talking about the 91. I like to read such things because last month I got a 1999 with a mere 169k on it. Excuse my ignorance, what's a CB7?

I love that '99, It's an EX 2.3L 5MT and fun to drive. Calculated my first mpg today - 27. That's with only about 20 - 25% highway. Better than expected. I'm saving your post for notes. Evidently you know how to keep a Honda running into very high mileage territory.

schreps

CB7 is the 2dr, 4th generation accord.

hondaslave1342

1995 accord.right at 708,500 miles..all stick engine

schreps

that's impressive, my auto trans died, engine is still good. If someone wants to donate a functioning trans ill get it back in the mileage race

Stelcom66

Got it - I really like that era of Accords, as well as the gen 6. Even the new ones look good! Can't say that about all makes which can be over styled IMO. Part of the reason I got this '99 was I previously had Subarus - the 2002 Forester I had was a great SUV but needed AC work. Then there's the matter of when - not if - headgaskets would need to be replaced. I wanted a car (high mileage Ok, have a company van) that I may be able to take to 200k without worrying about headgaskets.

The Subaru's H4 was rated at 165hp, my 1999 Accord it 150hp I believe - the Accord feels significantly more powerful. Maybe there's more drag/friction with the AWD? Also - just calculated my fuel economy for the first time with the Accord. I was surprised - it's rated at 28mpg highway, with about 20-25% highway my average was 27. Not bad at all.

schreps

Yeah, subie head gaskets are a real downer. However if you use Subaru coolant and keep the coolant clean it will last longer. Just like Honda, the factory coolant has better corrosion inhibitor chemistry. On 50% highway driving, 65 mph, I get 30.5 mpg (auto trans). You should get a obd2 bluetooth dongle and put torque on your phone and watch the data (temp, vacuum, long term fuel trim, idle rpm, o2 voltage and response), you probably still have something going on. for me 10% better fuel economy makes a big difference in my pocket change and therefore worth having the dongle plugged in.