1993 civic VX 150,000 mile maintenance

[crz650]

Hi I'm down 150k service for my VX and I'm just wondering of there is anything else I should be adding to this list?

Spark plugs
Distributor cap and rotor
Timing belt
Water pump
Alternator belt
Fuel filter
Valve cover gasket
Oil pan gaskey
Oil change
Spark plug seal
Rear trailing arm bushing

Anything else I should be doing? I'm definitely not getting as much mpgs as I use to and the engine has lost power.

[Ecky]

You may get a divergent opinion from others, but many things I don't change until they're needed. E.g. I'm not going to do an oil pan gasket unless the oil pan is leaking. If it is leaking, I'll do it even if it hasn't reached its "service interval". I'll usually let the accessory belts go until they squeak.

I'd agree with doing:
-Timing belt (and any related tensioners)
-Plugs
-Plug wires, though you may be able to check resistance and clean the ends and get the same result
-Distributor cap and rotor
-Fuel filter
-You should be changing your oil regularly anyway - 7-10k miles is reasonable with a good synthetic
-Check your engine air filter, and cabin air filter for that matter
-Change your EGR valve, they're cheap (can't remember if the VX doesn't have one?)
-It's possible your catalytic converter could be getting clogged. These can be cleaned, see my Insight build thread on what I did.
-A drifting O2 sensor might also cause power loss, but will often throw a CEL

Have you checked your distributor timing? Other potential problem areas include fuel pump and injectors.

[Xist]

I find it interesting that soaking your cat in soapy water cleaned it. I did not try it, but mine was failing. I skipped straight to acid washing. Eric the Car Guy tried it and his soap water did not even get dirty, but both he and I had black cats.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uukKrgBXeo

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ner-16488.html

[Ecky]

I also ran a solvent through mine.

[California98Civic]

I am for "less is more" when I look at your list. If you are not leaking oil, then leave the valve cover and oilpan gaskets alone, for example. But definitely do the timing belt. It is supposed to be changed every 90,000 miles on our civics. Assume it was not and change it as a precaution because if the old one breaks your "interference" engine will destroy itself in an instant.

Hoping that helps...

james

[crz650]

Thanks guys. I am leaking oil so that's why I'm changing the gaskets. I'll add the egr to the list and will look into cleaning the cat. I do have an exhaust leak. Will that affect power?

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by crz650

Thanks guys. I am leaking oil so that's why I'm changing the gaskets. I'll add the egr to the list and will look into cleaning the cat. I do have an exhaust leak. Will that affect power?

Depends on where it's at. If it's upstream of the catalyst, it could be introducing oxygen into the system.

[iikhod]

Check your brakes and wheel bearings, they could be dragging slightly.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Depends on where it's at. If it's upstream of the catalyst, it could be introducing oxygen into the system.

Agreed. And if it is downstream of the O2 sensors, then there will be no really significant change in power or FE. The ECU adapts to changes in AFR or airflow. Without a comprehensive exhaust tune, including your ECU little is likely to change--especially if what you have is just a rust hole in a muffler or pipe downstream from the sensors.

[Hex]

Make sure your tranny fluid has been replaced. AC Delco Synchromesh Friction Modifier is great with Honda manual trannies. Also consider adjusting your valves to ensure maximum fuel efficiency and reduce your chances of engine ticking.