Hello Fellow Preluders,

I am new to this forum, which is a great source of information
and help.
I just bought a '98 Prelude SH from a best friend. She only has
35K miles. After this purchase, a coworker commented that
5th Gen Preludes are not very reliable, but he doesn't know
enough specifics to elaborate.
Are there any problems that this Gen typically have?
Any extra info is greatly appreciated.

Thank You.

J

 

when you start modding a SH the unit tends to fail, but as far as the motor, is can handel a lot.

 

transmission problems with grinding or not finding reverse is common in our cars. GM syncromesh is a good way to fix the grinding if it occurs. Yeah, anything over 250whp (i believe) will make the ATTS light fail. but it's a honda, if you don't mess with anything, it'll last for a while

edit: h22a's tend to burn oil not too much to worry though

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kxkal &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> h22a's tend to burn oil not too much to worry though</TD></TR></TABLE>

i hear it is due to VTEC engagement and such, i still have to read a good reason to why this is happening.

 

Timing belt tensioner

 

Your co-worker was probably referring to the automatic 5th gens which will not pertain to you....

 

I would definately have to agree with this guy. The timing belt tensioners on the 5th gens are a bitch. Took me a couple hours just to get it right on my rebuild. Glad I don't have to do that everyday.

 

i had my 2000 SH for 4 years. i had to replace the CV boot (inner driver side) twice in less than a year. several people have this problem with their SH on PO.com

you might want to check that.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civic_freak &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would definately have to agree with this guy. The timing belt tensioners on the 5th gens are a bitch. Took me a couple hours just to get it right on my rebuild. Glad I don't have to do that everyday.</TD></TR></TABLE>That's not what he was refering to. They are easy to install ESPECIALLY if the engine is out of the engine bay. The reference was about the failure rate of the tensioners.

 

Ive had my 98 Prelude Type SH for over nine months and only problem I had with it was my tranny wouldn't go into reverse and I drive hard daily and its been pretty relieable.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kal &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
edit: h22a's tend to burn oil not too much to worry though</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by naujcdl &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

i hear it is due to VTEC engagement and such, i still have to read a good reason to why this is happening.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

then why do h23's burn so much oil too

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SKDRCR &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


then why do h23's burn so much oil too
</TD></TR></TABLE>

i wouldnt mind hearing the answer to that question either

 

In general ludes are reliable cars when compared to most other autos. However, as an owner, you have to be aware of general honda problems and maintance need to keep the car reliable. Tranny grinds, o2 senors and c.v. joints tend to be common with hard driven and lightly modded ludes. The only thing maintance wise is to always check oil levels.( H22s tend to go through oil) Also your water pump, timing belt, spark plugs and ignition wires as well as a valve adjustment must be completed around 60-65K to keep the lude happy. Enjoy the new ride.