Rep Power: 0

2005 Civic LX 4d, 134k mi

This is a new to me car and I knew it would have some issues when I purchased it. I had to do some work to get it through smog and now I have the laundry list provided by the service department.

1. Brake Fluid Exchange
2. Cracks in Exhaust Manifold
3. New tires + alignment
4. Wiper operation
5. Valve Adjustment

I'd like to do as much as I can myself but am limited by time and ability.

Tires + alignment can wait just a bit, I have 3mil on the tires. I will replace for sure prior to start of the rainy season. I would also like to put slightly larger wheels and tires on--maybe 16x7.

So out of replacing the exhaust manifold and a valve adjustment which should come first? I'll do one this month and the other next.

Drums are also aged and I was considering doing a conversion to disc when their time comes. I'll do that myself and probably service the front discs at the same time.

Here is my proposed schedule. *Indicates I will do it myself. Comments or suggestions?

Sept: *wiper nozzle, valve adjustment
Oct: *wiper trans + motor, exhaust manifold
Nov: *brake conversion, *brake fluid exchange, new wheels/tires + alignment

Thanks!!

 
Rep Power: 229

Brakes and tires first.

Safety is king.

 
Rep Power: 518

mac25, you forgot to unghost the thread

 
Rep Power: 0

So far I've:

-new wheels, tires & alignment
-ATF D&F
-brake fluid exchange
-new lower ball joint, hub & bearings (front)
-replaced ECU
-new gas cap

She's running great and I'm ready to not put more $$ in for a while. How important is a valve adjustment though? How do I know if it needs adjustment--other than the Honda Service Dept saying so...

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 518

WHY?

Um.... what ECU do you mean?

 
Rep Power: 308

Priority one should be timing belt service IMO.

 
Rep Power: 0

The one behind the glove box? Part no. 37820-PLM-A76

It was interfering with the emissions and couldn't pass smog. The dealer wanted $900 new or $500 used...luckily I was able to find a used one and have it overnighted to the service dept for under $200. It was an A73 but worked like a champ when he installed it.

Any opinion on the valve adjustment?

 
Rep Power: 0

Good point. I've assumed it was done, but I will check for sure. It appears the folks who had the car before me took pretty good care of it until the last year or so. The emissions issue which cost me $1100 to fix is most likely the reason they got rid of it.

I imagine after a recent trans rebuild they weren't ready to sink that much into fixing it. Cut their losses.