2002 Accord LX Maintenance

[PC96]

Hey guys, new to the fourm. I just bought a 2002 Accord sedan MT with 293 000km (182k miles) as a daily driver. The car is very clean, the oil is clean, there is no rust or fluid leaks and it seems like a great buy so far. The car has the original engine and tranny, so I assume it's been looked after.

My question is, if I plan on keeping this car what should I look at doing in terms of maintenance? I think I'm going to put a timing belt and water pump in it when I get the funds as I'm not sure when it was done last. At this mileage, should I look at replacing the tensioner(s) too? Also, the engine seems to have a rattle in it when it warms up I assume this is the valves needing some adjustment, but from what I have read so far this seems like a fairly minor job. I plan to also put some new gear oil in the transmission. Should I think about flushing the brake and clutch fluid as well? Or is that going a little too far you think?

I am a mechanic and am able to do the work myself but have little expierence with Honda's so any other advice or suggestions on what I should do would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted by PC96

My question is, if I plan on keeping this car what should I look at doing in terms of maintenance? I think I'm going to put a timing belt and water pump in it when I get the funds as I'm not sure when it was done last. At this mileage, should I look at replacing the tensioner(s) too? Also, the engine seems to have a rattle in it when it warms up I assume this is the valves adjustment, but from what I have read so far this seems like a fairly minor job. I plan to also put some new gear oil in the transmission. Should I think about flushing the brake and clutch fluid as well?

Gear oil in the trans would be called "manual transmission fluid" or "mtf" for short. Redline makes a great mtf. Yes on the tensioners, valve adj, and brake fluid. I'd stick with oem parts since they last a long time and are about the same price as aftermarket(except for the mtf which can be purchased on Amazon.com).

Add to the list: Honda type II coolant, oem thermostat, oem pcv valve

Check out www.collegehills.com for the parts. Since you will have a good size order shipping to Canada(assuming) should be cost effective. Good luck.

[dorkiedoode]

In addition to your suggestion and satinsilver how about spark plugs too? And I'm a fan of amsoil mtf

Check all belts and hoses as well. Don't the rubber coolant hoses harden over time?

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted by dorkiedoode

In addition to your suggestion and satinsilver how about spark plugs too? And I'm a fan of amsoil mtf

Check all belts and hoses as well. Don't the rubber coolant hoses harden over time?

Good point on the plugs. Either NGK or Densos and whatever the oem spec is for them. Usually Autozone or AA has the best prices on those. About $10 per plug and good for 100k.

The oem replacement interval on belts is around 7yrs/105k. Some on here have 200k plus on the original belts and hoses. The hoses can last the life of the car. Just inspect the ends to see if there is white crusty deposits forming. Once you go to aftermarket hoses they have to be replaced every few years normally. So if you can source oem hoses go for it.

[nehonda]

Since you dont know the maintenance history, might as well change the coolant too - stick with Honda coolant.
You should change both the brake fluid and clutch hydraulic fluid using Honda brake fluid.
I would recommend changing the timing belt tensioners since you dont know their history. Also change any leaking oil seals while you are in there.
"Eric the car guy" has some good Honda videos if you want to search you-tube.