So, in reading up on this site, I've seen several things mentioned that make me wonder about the future of my car. One thing is that '98 Accords have transmission problems, and the other is frequent mention to keep up with timing belt changes.
I can tell you with certainty that I'm still on the original transmission on my Accord, with no issues at this point, and I didn't actually know I had a timing belt. I thought it was a timing chain. The things I learn...
anyway, it's still original, too.

Should I do something, or let them go by this point?

 

On the 1998 LX 4cyl?

Jesus ****ing christ. Have that changed immediately - do NOT just 'let them go'

I wonder what other maintenance items haven't been addressed. At 230k miles you should have changed out whole lot of fluids (tranny, oil, coolant, brake, etc) the timing belt and water pump TWICE

*edit*

May I recommend you NOT treat the 2006 Accord like that.......it has a timing belt as well. The 4 cylinder switched to a chain but V6 did not.

And I would be on the edge on having the transmission fluid changed. Changing it may introduce more problems than you have now.

 

Holy crap im surprised nothign has already happend. A always muffinman has given good advice, now follow it. I hope you arent the original owner of that accord and other things have been done. You do change the oil right?

Also i thought just the V6's had tranny issues? or not?

And for muffinman, what ever happened to PAdams???

 

Honestly all the 98-02 automatics have had reported issues, I think just more prevalent in the V6 models.

And not sure what happened to P, I haven't seen him online in awhile.

 

To add to that original list

- spark plugs
- spark plug wires
- air filter
- oil
- brake fluid
- brake pads/rotors
- timing belt
- water pump
- coolant (use OEM Honda stuff)

I'd check bushings and ball joints to see if they're busted (probably are) and check all the seals you can.

 

You may need to get a new tranny swapped in there soon bro. Definitely get that belt done ASAP too man. No joke.

 

AS far as maintenance, I've always done the minor maintenances, so oil has always been changed, spark plugs/wires, air filters, etc. Just got new rotors installed a few months ago, as well as pads in the front.
Only reason i asked if I should just let them go is because, like transmission fluid, I know that with some things, making the change could lead to more problems than not making the change. Sounds like timing belt is something I should make sure to get done now.
As for the '06, it'll be a while before it gets to the point of needing a new belt, mileage-wise.

 

Correct, timing belt is not one of those items. Worst case scenario (surprised it hasn't happened yet) is it snaps on you on the highway and your motor stops. This can (and will) caused bent valves (amongst other things) and can literally destroy the motor due to the fact it is an interference motor. While you have the timing belt done you will want the water pump done as well. Personally, I'd also suggest purchasing OEM parts and then taking to a secondary mechanics shop to have the work done.

 

For the labor involved, this seems like a good price?
HONDA TIMING BELT PACKAGE*
$399.99
We will replace your engine's timing belt, water pump, external drive belt's and coolant with original equipment Honda parts. We will also inspect all engine oil seals along with timing belt tensioner. Don't wait until it is too late. A broken timing belt can cause extensive engine damage. Call us today for an appointment at 704-220-1555 or just click here for an appointment

*Coupon not valid with any other offer. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Limit one coupon per person. Coupon does not apply to prior purchases. Other Restrictions may apply. Void where prohibited. V6 timing belt service slightly higher.

 

Is that at a dealership? Honestly doesn't sound too bad to me at all. I've seen it vary between 300-400 (parts & labor)

Here is an AFTERMARKET timing belt kit that is $100 without shipping. (TAS Auto is a legit source fyi)

http://tasauto.com/Product/Detail.aspx?s=185254

So considering the parts alone for aftermarket are probably $100, OEM is probably close to $150 on their own. So $250 in labor seems like a great deal with the work involved. You can get an idea of the work needed by going through the Accord FAQ and looking at the Timing Belt install for the F22B1. It's similar to your F23.

 

Yes, it's at Metro Honda a little bit outside of charlotte. Thanks.