Hi, I just took my '95 Honda Prelude SE to the shop, as it's idling very low (like 700 rpm or less). Prior to that, it was revving constantly, from 1K-2500K. I used to think it might be the idle air control valve, or whatever it's called. According to the mechanic, I have a blown intake gasket, and it'll cost $420 to replace it.

I called another shop, very reputable & cheaper, but very overbooked, and they quoted me $300, but can't get to it until 8/18, which is not soon enough.

I have a buddy, who used to be a mechanic & he says as long as he doesn't have to reset or mess with the computer, he can do it, so is there a site somewhere that gives step by step directions on removing all of the necessary parts to get to the intake manifold gasket??? Short of me going & buying a manual, that is...

I've been searching on this site & will continue to do so, but if you could point me in the right direction, I'd be very grateful.

Thanks -- BC

 

Haha OMG $420!!! Intake manifold gaskets are not hard, just labor intensive to do it right. You can get an insulating IM gasket (which is an upgrade) for $20 and install it yourself for free provided you have the tools.

Get a Helms manual and do it yourself: helminc.com

 

Alright, I'll check to see if I can locate a manual later today...I knew the quote was really high, and the guy must be charging $60-70/hr...the other mechanic, who's always booked up, charges about $20/hr less...

My buddy says he can fix/replace it, as long as he doesn't have to mess with or reset the computer...was hoping to just find directions of what all has to be removed.

I simply can't afford to pay either price, especially considering I'm going to put it up for sale right after it's fixed. Hate to do it, but we have another baby on the way & need the cash...

Thanks for the advice, and let me know if you think the computer has to be messed with in anyway on replacing the gasket, thanks!

-- BC

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sitcomactor3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I simply can't afford to pay either price, especially considering I'm going to put it up for sale right after it's fixed. Hate to do it, but we have another baby on the way & need the cash</TD></TR></TABLE>

Selling a Lude because of a kid?!?!? Just another reason why you should always wrap your ******. But since you've already gone there, just sell the other vehicle. Afterall, the Lude has plenty of room in the trunk for children under the age of 12.

 

that should be an hour/hour and a half job, especially with a lift ! I do it in my driveway in that time (not even rushing). And the gasket itself isnt expensive. Just gotta scrap the old one off.

The only issue ive found with the thick insulating gaskets is the fact that it sits out farther and you grab less of the stud. I ended up running stainless extended studs.