I just got a 98 hatch from an older gentlemen (he traded it to a dealer towards something else, I picked it up a few days later) who only drove the car to and from work 20 minutes from his house for the last 14 years. The car only has 18k miles, and he has records of maintenence being performed regularly on it.

My question is, since there are only 18k on it is it even worth doing a tune-up? I was thinking about buying and installing this kit > http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-1997-19...sories&vxp=mtr

Is it still worth doing a tune up just because most of these parts are 14 years old? My main concern is the spark plug wires since those are from 97, and I was afraid that they might need to be replaced just because of how old they are. Not too concerned with the plugs themselves, rotor, and cap since the miles are so low. Are those worth changing or should I wait?

I also didn't see anything on his records about the gas filter being changed, so I think I might buy one and change that out as well. Air filter was just changed as well, but I think I may end up putting an AEM short ram in there anyway. I appreciate any help/suggestions.

 

Yea I'd still do a tune up. That link you posted looks good stay OEM

 

Dunno what your records show....but Id strongly reco doing the timing belt if it hasnt.

14 years old, its time to change. The plug wires Id do, however you'd know if they were bad...so really up to you. Hows your gas mpg? is it normal, 30' ish highway..

 

I just bought, received and installed that same kit from DCH of Lemon Grove.

It was awesome, OEM FTW.

You should always do a tune up when you change owners.

RedM3Turbo has a good point, althought it has low mileage, rubber (like the timing belt) will get dried up and crack etc.

Do a full tune up, what is it going to hurt?

 

Thanks guys. Yeah Im sticking with OEM for all of these parts

I searched this before I posted this thread and alot of other people also recommended replacing the timing belt. I havn't looked into this too much yet so Ill need to do that and figure out whether or not its something I can tackle myself.

As far as mpg goes I seem to be doing great. Ive only driven the car around 500 miles, but so far Ive been averaging 31-32 mpg combined highway and city.

Thanks for letting me know that you had good experience with this kit deving916. Only reason Im asking this is because if it wont do me too much good than I would rather put the money into something else. Im a college student right now so any money I can save goes a decent way

 

^ honestly Id put my money into the timing belt.... if a spark plug wire starts going bad, youll get a little warning, same with distributor cap/rotor. If its running good, starts all the time (especially say after rainstorms, etc) most likely they are fine. If your getting good gas mileage etc, Id change the plugs (just get a set of NGK V power--they are 2 bucks a plug and best for our cars)

And Id put the money into the t belt. Timing belts go bad and you could need a whole new engine...depending on how it breaks. The ignition system at least gives you a little fair warning. Timing belts dont. Just my opinion, leave the air filter thats new in place, wait on the short - ram air intake, and get a gates timing belt, they are like 50 bucks/a 40 oem waterpump and start reading how to change a timing belt yourself.

Also, check out all the fluids. Trans/Power steering/Brake etc. Those are cheap/easy to replace, and can make your systems last ALOT longer. Then just look everything over. Be concerned with Rubber parts. You didnt list location but if your near a ocean, or in the rust belt...go over the suspension rubber bushings, the belts, tires, you get the picture.

 

I don't care what anyone says timing belt is not an amateur job.

 

DCH of Lemon Grove (OEM honda parts seller on EBAY) has a timing belt kit too

It includes timing belt, water pump, ac belt and i think power steering belt.

thats my next purchase.

Theyre right though, holding off on the other maintenance wont be the end of the world because if the timing belt goes, it could be the end.

Better be safe then sorry.

$ is tight for everyone so just make sure you do something right the first time.

 

I agree 100%. I did my first in college, with little to no experience. Once I got the camshaft pulley nut off though, it wasn't bad. Its basically following directions---as long as you dont break anything or run into any weird hiccups---anyone that can twist a wrench can follow it.

Honestly though, first time, best to have someone around who knows a little bit, for the what if, or the oh damn I broke this, or whatever.

It isnt like changing a spark plug, however it isn't rebuilding a transmission either though. Its a big job, however theres a ton of DIY's and then you always have honda - tech to help.

I sorta feel like most everyone learns how to fix cars out of a money pinch. Usually kids in h.s./college. I mean if you aint got 5-600 to pay to have it changed, and you have to have it done, you get the, I can DO this attitude and do it. Maybe its just me. I learned when I was in high school and didn't have the money to do it. Then now, Im older, know a little and refuse to pay 125/hr unless I absolutely can't do it. The first time I heard a quote of $900 to do a 4 wheel brake job (disc brakes mind you, and just turning the rotors) I knew Id be stuck working on my own cars. *It was my gf's car* anyhow I went to advance auto on the way home got a set of ceramic pads and set of rotors, 45 mins later she had all new brakes and $775 more in my pocket.

For me now its being cheap, alot of younger kids dont have that luxury, however---desire and need and pretty powerful

 

Totally agree. I'm out of HS, not in college since I live on my own (have to work FT etc). I asked a shop down the street how much to do a timing belt/water pump and they quoted me around 600$. I almost fell of my chair.

Anyways, I will do anything myself (expect im paying a buddy to do my timing belt and ill just learn then), but Ive been spending more of my money on tools that way I can do most of the work I need to.

The one thing that sucks is if you only have 1 car, you can't really afford down time. I lucked out because I have my Gsxr and my Gf's car now too, so I can afford to have my car sit if im working on it.

It pays off more in the end when you figure out how to do stuff on your own.

Everything I've ever needed to know, I've learned off of this website. Reading gives you Knowledge and Knowledge is power. There is more satisfaction in doing the work yourself too.

 

There is a lot you will have to do simply because of age.

-Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, Timing belt, water pump, accessory belts, PCV valve, valve adjustment, oil change, trans fluid change, coolant change, brake fluid and PS fluid change.

Inspect the radiator and other coolant hoses. They should be replaced as well. Brake pads should be looked at as well.

Just because a car has low mileage doesn't mean nothing has to be done. You should really look into purchasing a "mileage correct" car based on its age. Items get replaced as they should at a timely manner instead of neglected. People think mileage is the most important factor in a car purchase.

The most important part of a car purchase is the way the car was driven, and how it was maintained. OHH and def replace the tires first thing if they are original.

 

@furious94ls Thanks for the help, but I know that things are going to need to be replaced hence why I was asking originally. Ive already replaced all of the fluids, tires, oil filter, and a few other things. Now Im starting to get a list together of what I need to order, which is why I was asking. Still looking for a good place to get an OEM fuel filter from tho.

And I know that mileage doesn't mean everything, but I got this for short money and more importantly as I said in my OP this car was not neglected. I have records from just about everything the po (has only had one po before me) had serviced and the mileage at which it was done, so I know that the car never sat either.

As far as the timing belt + water pump goes, from the guides Ive looked at its going to be pretty difficult for me to do by myself since Ive never done any complicated work like this to a vehicle. I have to do it at some point soon no matter what, but I just cant afford to have anything happen to the car right now if something goes wrong during the replacement since its my only means of transportation

 

i would personally recommend timing belt, but a COMPLETE job, and with ALL OEM parts,
timing belts are sometimes tricky and its best to have someone teach you before tackling a job that could bend all your valves lol, its more than just taking off a belt and putting a new one, you need to make sure timing is at tdc, make sure you dont move the crank or cam at all, then you need to tension the belt CORRECTLY. using OEM parts is going to cost you more but they will LAST. autoparts stores have a lifetime warranty on water pumps that are about 15 bucks cheaper than Honda. makes you wonder the quality of there parts. going back to the tbelt job, this is a list of what you should replace.

alt. belt, a/c belt, p/s belt, cam seal, crank seal, tbelt tensioner, tbelt, water pump.

the rest is just maintenance as you go. and if your looking for oem oil filters, go down to your local honda dealership and ask them if they'll give you a discount if you buy a box of filters,

 

See how much an OEM filter is at your local Honda dealer, then check Majestic honda online. It may be cheaper, but with the cost of shipping/handling it turns out to more that what you would pay locally.

You REALLY have to get the T-belt done. There are OEM kits on ebay for about $125. If you don't have any friends that have done one before on a Honda, or a family mechanic, you will have to let the dealer do it. It's expensive but less expensive if that belt breaks and ruins that motor.

 

Thanks furious. Havn't called a dealer yet but the same seller DCH of Lemon Grove (where Im buying the tune-up kit from) has fuel filters for $30 shipped. I just sent them an email to see if they could give me a discount if I bought the filter and kit together, since they can just ship it all in one box and save a little on shipping. Ill see what they say, then compare it to what I can get it at a dealer for.

As for the timing belt, Ive been asking around for quotes. Best quote Ive found so far is from a shooting buddy, only met him once or twice, but I asked him and gave him my engine size and the next day he quoted me at around $100 for parts and $200 for labor.

Only problem is that when I first talked to him I didn't go into specifics, and just said I needed the timing belt and water pump replaced. Didn't mention the items MIGGZ posted about or anything else that would come in a similar kit. Seems to be a decent price, and hopefully won't be too much more when I tell him that I want everything installed. Does this seem like a decent price for just the tbelt and water pump? Most of the other people I talked to wanted alot more but it was for the whole kit. I just dont want to tell him that I want everything done and then have his quote x2 on me

 

I paid like $120 for the parts, and had an Acura tech do it after work for $200. So I paid $320 total for my T-belt water pump service.

Are you doing everything else yourself? I did, it was pretty easy and straight forward.

 

That was my next thought. To have the mechanic do the t-belt/water pump and for me to install everything else myself. I just got the quote from him about 90 minutes ago so I havnt had much time to think about it and look up how to change everything else myself.

If what your saying is true and everything else is straightforward then that should work out well. If I buy an OEM kit myself for ~$150, give the mechanic the t-belt + water filter and have him install it for around $200 in labor, and then install everything else myself Ill make out pretty well. Do you happen to have any guides for installing some of the other parts? Couldnt seem to find to much, granted Ive only looked for about 45 minutes

 

do a tune up,change all the fluids,and check the timing belt.but cuz its 14 years old I would change it.also check for oil leaks,low mileage on an older car means dry seals and gaskets that will start to leak once you start driving it regularly

 

I did my own
-Plugs
-wires
-cap
-rotor Those are pretty self explanatory. you can also look up on Youtube tutorials that show you.

I also did the fuel filter, and valve adjustment myself. Again, on here or youtube for directions.

The only thing that the mechanic did for me was the t-belt, waterpump, accessory belts. You can change all your own fluids as well.

Def search on here, and youtube for the other stuff. You can get a lot done in a day and save yourself a ton of money. Also the front brakes are really easy to do. I still have to research the drums, as they look more difficult.

 

For $200 in labor, Id let the guy do my timing belt/waterpump --- I say do it yourself instead of taking it to the dealership and paying 600 or more. But for 200, it isnt worth the time in the driveway to me personally.

I feel $200 is more then reasonable...I mean its a bit high (should take any tech *with air tools* 2 to 3 hours to do, and any driveway guy about 3.5hr on these cars) It works out to be 50/hr. However they aren't beating you up on parts. Most shops here in nyc wont take your parts to install on the car, because they want to sell you the parts *at 3x the cost of course* and 9x out of 10 you arent getting OEM.

Alot of the things your mentioning though shouldn't affect the quote. Accessory belts have to come off to do a timing belt/water pump....so realistically whats the big deal if he puts the old ones back on, or puts new ones...? nothing. The seals mentioned above are also right there, so a min to change while its apart. Throw the guy a nice little tip if he gives you any crap...or in my friends eyes a 12 pack. Seems to make everything right in the car world, lol.

The rest of the stuff mentioned is simple. Fuel filter is 2 bolts..one in, one out. Just make sure to have rags handy and open your gas tank prior to starting, oh and pull the neg battery cable. 5 mins to change em...no big deal. Plugs, wires, rotor, cap...easy- unscrew whats there---install new. 10 min job. When removing the wires keep track of them....go one by one or youll be screwed if they end up on the wrong spot.

 

And for me personally---- this is the list Id be concerned with.... and realistically the accessory belts (alt,a/c,p/s) would be luxuries on my list. Accessory belts give you warning when they are going bad, squeal....etc. *do they make noise- look them over, are they cracked? loose? how do they look* Also changing them is no big deal. Timing belts/water pumps go bad all of a sudden and ruin the motor--- the seals are cheap and behind the t belt so must do them. The p/s belt breaks on you and your car is fine, its just hard to steer. Should you change em? of course...do you have to? no. Disregard this if you have a long commute everyday. I mean its better to just change everything at once---be done with it, and have nothing to worry about. However realistically you dont have to.

My feeling is the same with the tune up. If your car is running right, and getting good mpg most likely you can wait on the tune up. If a spark plug goes bad, youll have a warning, and its a 10 min job to fix it. Now if you buy a kit off ebay, and get the parts for a steal...disregard all of this. I usually buy a tune up kit oem, and a timing belt kit oem that has the belt/tensioner/water pump/seals.. Never seen them together, then again, never looked for it as a huge pile either.

Its a new car to you, save your money, you have no clue what could go wrong tomorrow.
I just changed my radiator and hoses because they were 12 years old. Got new ones, took the old ones off, compared them to the new....no difference at all. Then I go on here and talk to people, and people with 300k and 15+ year old cars still running the original radiator hoses.

No sense changing parts, for giggles. If the spark plugs are fine, and you just changed them, realistically you just wasted your money. If the car is running fine, leave it be. I have 6 civics in my family, and I have one with 450k miles that my bro-in-law drives as a commuter. In the last 5 years (and 100k), Id be hard pressed to say we put $300 in parts in it. Its never left him stranded, and everything has always given him fair warning before any problems. (except the timing belts of course, however I change them at 60k like clock work no matter what--helps that I do it for free though obviously)

Two keys of the honda are- never run them low on oil and never let them run hot, and theyll keep chugging along...
Follow these two rules and it'll keep starting and running, you know, til the rust kills it of course.

 

@furious, sorry I think I misunderstood you at first. I thought you meant that you had the tech install the timing belt/water pump and then installed the accessory belts yourself, not the cap/rotor/plugs/etc. Which now that redm3turbo said, these belts have to come off anyway to change the timing belt/pump so that wouldnt really make any sense. Anyway, yes I am definitely installing everything in the tune-up kit myself, and don't need any guides on those.

I was just wondering if this guy was going to try to charge me more to change out the accessory belts just because he could, which redm3 already answered that theoretically he shouldnt. Thanks, and its good to know that 200 is a fair price if he can do the full t-belt kit. I should have the tune-up kit and fuel filter already installed before he does the work, fluids are already changed, brand new tires already installed, then once he does the work I should be good to go.

I actually did have one question about changing the fuel filter tho. I always thought that openeing the cas cap while changing the filter was enough to relieve pressure, however someone recently told me that a better way is to pull the fuel pump fuse and to turn the ignition to discharge all of the power thats in the pump. He said that this was to make sure the pump didnt spray fuel everywhere. Ive changed fuel filters before, but never on a civic, and didn't ever pull the fuse and had no excessive spraying like he described. Any advice/feedback on this?

 

You should pull the fuel pump fuse...
Personally I just open the gas cap, pull the negative terminal, and do it. Like I said, you need a rag there, but Ive never had a HUGE amount pour out- Just a little, easily manageable.

 

Thanks redm3turbo, didn't see your last reply until I just posted my last response. Thats some good info and you gave me alot to consider. I might just hold off on the tune-up kit seeing as how everything is running fine, and just replace the tbelt and water pump. Most of the reason I wanted to do the tune up is because this is my first civic, and while I dont notice my engine "slacking" at all so to speak, Im wondering how much better it potentially could be if I give it a tune up.

Also, this may be a stupid question, but this is my first car with rack-and-pinion steering. So essentially if I did buy that timing belt kit, would the p/s steering belt be useless to me, since I dont have power steering?

 

Thanks for the quick response on the fuel filter. haha I keep trying to post replies but by the time I do, you already have posted another one with more info. thanks again