Rep Power: 0

Hi, I have a 2002 EX 4-dr Sdn 5-spd. And I did read the air intake FAQ. This wasn't covered.

I need to change the air filter, but the screws are so rusted, my mechanic says he's sure they'll break and also crack the box. He's tried to source a used box locally (in New England where moisture and salt are everywhere,) and every place has broken the screws and/or box trying to get it out. From the dealer, it's $157 with hardware, plus maybe the filter, plus like $60 to install it. That's ridiculous, IMO.

So, I'm on the prowl online to get one myself and replace it myself (go Girl Power and Youtube!) However, with so many people using so many names for the air filter box, and often not showing an actual photo of the part, I'm afraid I'm going to accidentally buy a resonator box.

To start, I've been searching on the "Hollander Interchange Number" 319-67018A. Is that the right part number?

And my trouble with parts sites and auctions (with or without that part number specified) is this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/AIR-CLEANER-FILTER-BOX-01-02-03-HONDA-CIVIC-CPE-/310891018627?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2002%7CMake%3AHonda%7CModel%3ACivic&hash=item48628c7983&vxp=mtr and http://www.justparts.com/Auto_Parts/2002-Honda-Civic-Air-Cleaner/21938232?BackToUrl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.justparts.com%2fbuy%2fparts%2fCategory%2f9%2f12%2f10%2f100026%2f17%2f5%2f11%2fAir-Intake-and-Fuel-Delivery%2f12%2fAir-Box-and-Air-Cleaners show no photo at all. And http://www.ebay.com/itm/01-02-03-HONDA-CIVIC-AIR-CLEANER-CPE/181121189856?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222008%26algo%3DSIC.MOTORS%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140107083349%26meid%3D5377295200333854697%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D20140107083349%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D310789624454 shows what I think is the air filter box, but it's upside-down? So it that the right part? Or is this a resonator box? I'm guessing it's the right part due to my research on short ram intakes yesterday: that big-*** hole on the bottom goes to the hole next to the throttle assembly, the big hole on the side goes to the resonator box, and the tube on the side is where you put the sensor. Yes?

BTW, in another thread, I found the specs for the screws, so I can get those cheap at the hardware store. (And if I don't crack the box, I can just re-sell it on CL!)

Thank you for any help, guys!

Kristen

 
Rep Power: 174

They didn't do a good job of getting all the angles in those pictures but it looks like the right air box. That little tube goes to the positive crankcase ventilation valve.
My old air box must have had a similar problem because when I got it (6 years ago) a few of the bolts were broken. It worked fine for me until I sold it last December.
I would recommend getting a new intake entirely. It's a little more money up front but:
A) It's easy to install
B) There's less crap in your engine bay
C) If you get a good filter, you can easily remove it and clean it for years and years
D) You can even see a slight performance gain!

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks. I would kinda like to. I was looking at the AEM 22-501B (sri,) but I'm afraid of this hydrolock thing. I don't drive a lot in the rain, but I wouldn't know what to do or have anybody to call, etc. I gather it destroys your engine. I'd never be able to afford the repairs.

Plus, after I posted, I found a used box from one auction for $60 total (plus new filter.) Saving $70-80 would mean I get to have my timing belt replaced that much sooner. It's overdue by 35K!

BTW, I asked him to remove the box from the junked car first to make sure it doesn't crack and to keep the screws for me. He's in N. Carolina, so it should be in good shape. Oh, and I did ask if it's the right "air box," hah.

I dunno; I have to think on it. I also like the way my car sounds now, really quiet. Where/when I grew up, quieter = newer/better!

 
Rep Power: 244

You don't have to worry about sucking up water with a SRI. Hydro locking only occurs if you completely submerge the air filter in water. Just don't drive Your car through any deep water and you will be okay. I've had my CAI for two years and never had any problems, my car is lowered also.

 
Rep Power: 174

Hydrolocking can definitely F your engine, but GolNat is right, as long as you aren't fording rivers in your Civic you'll be ok since the filter is located up so high. Here's a pic of my Weapon-R Secret Weapon SRI:



It sounds like stock unless I get on the throttle pretty hard. Even then it just makes a lower vroom noise. BTW if I were to get into water that high, I might as well forfeit my license and hike to work because I'm clearly too reckless to be on the road.

Mine was also pretty overdue when I got it done a year ago. Apparently, you CAN put a price on piece of mind though; I had it done at a Honda/Acura shop for $650.00 US since I don't have a garage in which to work. It included the timing belt, accessory belts (which were starting to squeal), and water pump, so it was money well spent.

 
Rep Power: 309

The threads on the stock boxes are exposed underneath.... maybe you can lube them up prior to attempting to take them loose.

 
Rep Power: 156

You can try soaking them with WD-40 or get some "liquid wrench" and put that on them. Then wait 45-50 minutes and try to break them loose. I actually just took mine out and put in a SRI. I still have the factory box if you want it but one of the screw holes is busted on it.

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi guys, thanks for all the info! The screws are so rusted, they're blown up like twice the normal size. I already had my mechanic try to take them off when he was doing my brakes, and he said he's positive the screws will break and afraid the box will crack, putting the car out of commission unless I pay $157 for a new one overnight from the dealer.

Because of current money concerns, I ended up buying a stock air cleaner box tonight off eBay. I emailed first and asked the guy if the screws were all ok, no cracks, etc, explained the deal with mine, and he said it's all in excellent condition and will send the screws with it, just no other hardware. It was only $62 with shipping.

Yeah, that AEM would have been cool, but I be po'! I'm sure I could install this box myself, but it's still winter here. I asked my mechanic to throw it in while he's doing the timing belt replacement. Hopefully I can afford that beginning of April.

Speaking of which, yeah, what "Poopies" said: you can put a price on piece of mind! My neighbor downstair blew her head gasket this summer when she put off the timing belt on her Jetta. Good thing they had her husband's truck. If I destroy this engine, I'll probably never be able to afford to fix it, and that's it for me. We don't even have public transportation in this tiny town. Yeah, being divorced sucks. But that's why I count on you guys whenever I need car advice!

 
Rep Power: 0

Thank you for the offer, but I juuust got one off eBay tonight! Oh, well...

Kristen