Hey Guys,

For some reason I am apparently a new member. I used to have an account on here but it didnt register with my email address so I created a new one. (havent posted in a few years)

Anyways I just picked up a 97 Ex Sedan last night and wanted to know what I should do with it as far as maintenance.

The car is a 1 owner car with 59k original miles on it. It's as clean as they come, however I want to make sure that I take good care of it and that it will last for quite some time as my DD.

It was serviced and looked at by the local honda dealership (they did a service inspection and changed the oil).

The car is an automatic and my question is. Would it benefit me to do a general tune up on it?

Spark plugs
Destributor Cap, Rotor, Wires, etc?

Im also wondering when I should change the timing belt as the car is what 16 years old?


Your help is greatly appreciated. If anyone has any questions about domestic vehicles I will happily help. (I have a 99 ls1 trans am and a 93 mustang coup with a built LSX PT88 turbo setup)

Thank you,

Steve

 

The timing belt I think people don't usually change it until around 100k miles I could be wrong, 59k miles is low for a 97 if it doesn't idle wired or sputter or misfire in any way just drive it for a while and see if you have any problems, then go from there on, maybe change you fluids first, that's what I did when I bought my civic 2 months ago

 

I would go ahead and replace the timing belt due to age. You're supposed to replace it at 105k or 7 years. Rubber doesn't last forever. plugs, cap, and rotor I would replace. Should be good to go.

 

Trans fluid and brake fluid and probably a coolant change.

 

Could always just pull the upper timing cover off and visually inspect the belt =/
Same with cap and rotor, but I would replace the plugs and wires.
I would say go through the engine bay and inspect the rubber parts since it's been sitting, but Honda gave it a "Go"?

 

Distributor Cap/Rotor, Spark Plugs, Spark Plug Wires, Fuel Filter, Air Filter, Oil/Filter, Timing Belt & Accessory Belts, Trans Fluid, Brake Fluid, Coolant Flush, Check for any cracked hoses or lines and replace, Pull valve cover and adjust valve clearances. All that I can think of.

 

If it ain't broke dont fix it. Dont change the timing belt and water pump if its not overheating. If the mileage is right, then just follow the service schedule. Also, if its been maintained at the dealer, try to get record to see if the belt and pump replaced earlier. As for general maintenance, change, the spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, oil, filter, spark plug wires, fuel filter, air filter, valve cover gasket, spark plug tube o seals. and maybe even oxygen sensors to see some MPG improvements. Clean the TB while you're at it.