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98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
Hi all!
I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of stuff. Was it unnecessary? Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso plugs? Thanks! TB |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
On Fri, 26 Dec 2003 07:25:17 GMT, "Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com>
wrote: >Hi all! > > >I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the >maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug >replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the >wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my >mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of >stuff. Was it unnecessary? Probably not. No mention of distributor, wires, etc. in manual. Hmmm.. Even to inspect them? Spark plugs take a lot of abuse, they could have been a mess or incorrectly gapped.. Wires can corrode, crack, etc.. They may also be out of spec when tested for resistance. Distributor cap, rotor, etc are all normal wear items. When I hear "tune-up" I automatically think oil change, wires, plugs, rotor, distributor, and blow out/replace air filter. PCVs may be a "maintenance item" on the Honda. They probably should be cleaned/replaced periodically, but I couldn't tell you when. A failure can trip a whole bunch of sensors or worse (blow out seals). They are also pretty cheap. >Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and >wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso >plugs? I do not have any other recommendations other than to stick to the manufacturers recommendation. __________________ Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with 'mail'. N38.6 W121.4 |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
On Fri, 26 Dec 2003 07:25:17 GMT, "Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com>
wrote: >Hi all! > > >I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the >maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug >replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the >wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my >mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of >stuff. Was it unnecessary? Probably not. No mention of distributor, wires, etc. in manual. Hmmm.. Even to inspect them? Spark plugs take a lot of abuse, they could have been a mess or incorrectly gapped.. Wires can corrode, crack, etc.. They may also be out of spec when tested for resistance. Distributor cap, rotor, etc are all normal wear items. When I hear "tune-up" I automatically think oil change, wires, plugs, rotor, distributor, and blow out/replace air filter. PCVs may be a "maintenance item" on the Honda. They probably should be cleaned/replaced periodically, but I couldn't tell you when. A failure can trip a whole bunch of sensors or worse (blow out seals). They are also pretty cheap. >Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and >wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso >plugs? I do not have any other recommendations other than to stick to the manufacturers recommendation. __________________ Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with 'mail'. N38.6 W121.4 |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
On Fri, 26 Dec 2003 07:25:17 GMT, "Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com>
wrote: >Hi all! > > >I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the >maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug >replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the >wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my >mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of >stuff. Was it unnecessary? Probably not. No mention of distributor, wires, etc. in manual. Hmmm.. Even to inspect them? Spark plugs take a lot of abuse, they could have been a mess or incorrectly gapped.. Wires can corrode, crack, etc.. They may also be out of spec when tested for resistance. Distributor cap, rotor, etc are all normal wear items. When I hear "tune-up" I automatically think oil change, wires, plugs, rotor, distributor, and blow out/replace air filter. PCVs may be a "maintenance item" on the Honda. They probably should be cleaned/replaced periodically, but I couldn't tell you when. A failure can trip a whole bunch of sensors or worse (blow out seals). They are also pretty cheap. >Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and >wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso >plugs? I do not have any other recommendations other than to stick to the manufacturers recommendation. __________________ Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with 'mail'. N38.6 W121.4 |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
On Fri, 26 Dec 2003 07:25:17 GMT, "Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com>
wrote: >Hi all! > > >I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the >maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug >replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the >wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my >mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of >stuff. Was it unnecessary? Probably not. No mention of distributor, wires, etc. in manual. Hmmm.. Even to inspect them? Spark plugs take a lot of abuse, they could have been a mess or incorrectly gapped.. Wires can corrode, crack, etc.. They may also be out of spec when tested for resistance. Distributor cap, rotor, etc are all normal wear items. When I hear "tune-up" I automatically think oil change, wires, plugs, rotor, distributor, and blow out/replace air filter. PCVs may be a "maintenance item" on the Honda. They probably should be cleaned/replaced periodically, but I couldn't tell you when. A failure can trip a whole bunch of sensors or worse (blow out seals). They are also pretty cheap. >Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and >wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso >plugs? I do not have any other recommendations other than to stick to the manufacturers recommendation. __________________ Note: To reply, replace the word 'spam' embedded in return address with 'mail'. N38.6 W121.4 |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
"Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote
> I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? I'd say it was a good idea. The Honda [fill in specific model] owner's manual (that comes with the car) has a maintenance schedule that says the PCV valve, distributor cap, rotor and ignition wiring should be inspected after such-and-such miles or such-and-such months, whichever comes first. It's 60k miles or four years for my 1991 Civic. My experience after 150,000 miles is that I should replace the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor about every 30k miles or 2 years for optimal performance. Re the PCV valve-- I just figured out this past year that a fouled PCV valve can really mess up the engine's efficiency. I finally changed mine out after some 140k miles. The old one was full of waxy carbon buildup and probably was barely working, if it was working at all. The new one made a roughly 20% difference in miles per gallon. Now I remove the PCV valve about every other oil change (that is, about every 10k miles), inspect it, and soak it with WD-40. I'll probably buy a new one every 60k miles. I'm thinking of changing out the distributor ignitor and coil, too, around every 75k miles. These parts are more expensive than everything listed above, but on the other hand, I've seen enough fail for Hondas of my vintage that I think this may be prudent. (Others' opinions on this are welcome.) Has anyone had a second Main Relay (for the fuel pump) fail? Was it just the original ones installed in the circa 1990 models that were poorly made? > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? No. All I know is not to buy cheap plugs and preferably get the manufacturer's recommended plugs. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
"Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote
> I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? I'd say it was a good idea. The Honda [fill in specific model] owner's manual (that comes with the car) has a maintenance schedule that says the PCV valve, distributor cap, rotor and ignition wiring should be inspected after such-and-such miles or such-and-such months, whichever comes first. It's 60k miles or four years for my 1991 Civic. My experience after 150,000 miles is that I should replace the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor about every 30k miles or 2 years for optimal performance. Re the PCV valve-- I just figured out this past year that a fouled PCV valve can really mess up the engine's efficiency. I finally changed mine out after some 140k miles. The old one was full of waxy carbon buildup and probably was barely working, if it was working at all. The new one made a roughly 20% difference in miles per gallon. Now I remove the PCV valve about every other oil change (that is, about every 10k miles), inspect it, and soak it with WD-40. I'll probably buy a new one every 60k miles. I'm thinking of changing out the distributor ignitor and coil, too, around every 75k miles. These parts are more expensive than everything listed above, but on the other hand, I've seen enough fail for Hondas of my vintage that I think this may be prudent. (Others' opinions on this are welcome.) Has anyone had a second Main Relay (for the fuel pump) fail? Was it just the original ones installed in the circa 1990 models that were poorly made? > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? No. All I know is not to buy cheap plugs and preferably get the manufacturer's recommended plugs. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
"Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote
> I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? I'd say it was a good idea. The Honda [fill in specific model] owner's manual (that comes with the car) has a maintenance schedule that says the PCV valve, distributor cap, rotor and ignition wiring should be inspected after such-and-such miles or such-and-such months, whichever comes first. It's 60k miles or four years for my 1991 Civic. My experience after 150,000 miles is that I should replace the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor about every 30k miles or 2 years for optimal performance. Re the PCV valve-- I just figured out this past year that a fouled PCV valve can really mess up the engine's efficiency. I finally changed mine out after some 140k miles. The old one was full of waxy carbon buildup and probably was barely working, if it was working at all. The new one made a roughly 20% difference in miles per gallon. Now I remove the PCV valve about every other oil change (that is, about every 10k miles), inspect it, and soak it with WD-40. I'll probably buy a new one every 60k miles. I'm thinking of changing out the distributor ignitor and coil, too, around every 75k miles. These parts are more expensive than everything listed above, but on the other hand, I've seen enough fail for Hondas of my vintage that I think this may be prudent. (Others' opinions on this are welcome.) Has anyone had a second Main Relay (for the fuel pump) fail? Was it just the original ones installed in the circa 1990 models that were poorly made? > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? No. All I know is not to buy cheap plugs and preferably get the manufacturer's recommended plugs. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
"Tera Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote
> I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? I'd say it was a good idea. The Honda [fill in specific model] owner's manual (that comes with the car) has a maintenance schedule that says the PCV valve, distributor cap, rotor and ignition wiring should be inspected after such-and-such miles or such-and-such months, whichever comes first. It's 60k miles or four years for my 1991 Civic. My experience after 150,000 miles is that I should replace the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor about every 30k miles or 2 years for optimal performance. Re the PCV valve-- I just figured out this past year that a fouled PCV valve can really mess up the engine's efficiency. I finally changed mine out after some 140k miles. The old one was full of waxy carbon buildup and probably was barely working, if it was working at all. The new one made a roughly 20% difference in miles per gallon. Now I remove the PCV valve about every other oil change (that is, about every 10k miles), inspect it, and soak it with WD-40. I'll probably buy a new one every 60k miles. I'm thinking of changing out the distributor ignitor and coil, too, around every 75k miles. These parts are more expensive than everything listed above, but on the other hand, I've seen enough fail for Hondas of my vintage that I think this may be prudent. (Others' opinions on this are welcome.) Has anyone had a second Main Relay (for the fuel pump) fail? Was it just the original ones installed in the circa 1990 models that were poorly made? > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? No. All I know is not to buy cheap plugs and preferably get the manufacturer's recommended plugs. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
In article <xnRGb.409261$655.97261009@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net >, "Tera
Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote: > Hi all! > > > I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? > > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? > > Thanks! > > > TB Read more sections of the manual. It will probably say that those other items that you mentioned should be changed at about 50,000 and 100,000 miles or something like that. Some Honda service shops at some Honda dealerships like you to do it more often since they make more money from their customers--Of course--they tell you they are doing it to help you. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
In article <xnRGb.409261$655.97261009@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net >, "Tera
Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote: > Hi all! > > > I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? > > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? > > Thanks! > > > TB Read more sections of the manual. It will probably say that those other items that you mentioned should be changed at about 50,000 and 100,000 miles or something like that. Some Honda service shops at some Honda dealerships like you to do it more often since they make more money from their customers--Of course--they tell you they are doing it to help you. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
In article <xnRGb.409261$655.97261009@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net >, "Tera
Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote: > Hi all! > > > I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? > > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? > > Thanks! > > > TB Read more sections of the manual. It will probably say that those other items that you mentioned should be changed at about 50,000 and 100,000 miles or something like that. Some Honda service shops at some Honda dealerships like you to do it more often since they make more money from their customers--Of course--they tell you they are doing it to help you. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
In article <xnRGb.409261$655.97261009@news4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net >, "Tera
Baap" <Tera@Kiska.Baap.com> wrote: > Hi all! > > > I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? > > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? > > Thanks! > > > TB Read more sections of the manual. It will probably say that those other items that you mentioned should be changed at about 50,000 and 100,000 miles or something like that. Some Honda service shops at some Honda dealerships like you to do it more often since they make more money from their customers--Of course--they tell you they are doing it to help you. |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
Tera Baap wrote: > Hi all! > > I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? > > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? > > Thanks! > > TB spark plugs must be honda or ngk or denso distr.cap en and wires are not common parts for honda you have to replace every x years or km's they are of such a quality they last very long (i had an opel (german GM) kadett which was terrible sensitive for wires or distr.cap) marcel |
Re: 98 Civic Maintenance Question/Recommendation--Tune ups
Tera Baap wrote: > Hi all! > > I just picked up a 98 Civic EX 5-spd manual. I was looking thru the > maintenance intervals they have up there and it mentions a spark plug > replacement every 30k miles/2 yrs. There was no mention of changing the > wires, PCV valve, distributor cap, et al. I recall that whenever I asked my > mechanic for a tune up on my previous cars, he'd replace a whole bunch of > stuff. Was it unnecessary? > > Further, does anyone have recommendations for a set of spark plugs (and > wires, etc., if necessary) that are superior to the stock NGK or Denso > plugs? > > Thanks! > > TB spark plugs must be honda or ngk or denso distr.cap en and wires are not common parts for honda you have to replace every x years or km's they are of such a quality they last very long (i had an opel (german GM) kadett which was terrible sensitive for wires or distr.cap) marcel |
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