ive got a 98 accord ex 4cyl auto. just wondering what the easiest and best things i can do to clean up and improve the life of my engine/transmission

 

Make sure you change the engine and transmission oil on time. Make sure your oil is a light-clear brown, and make sure your transmission fluid doesn't smell burnt.

 

Those auto trannies aren't known for being the most durable. You may want to change tranny oil more often than the 'official' schedule. Some people around here do tranny drain/fills every 20k or 30k miles.

Use 'genuine' Honda ATF, they seem to be work better like that.

Don't have your tranny 'flushed'. They don't seem to like the solvents or whatever is used by the flushing machine. If the fluid looks or smells bad, you can do several drain/fills & drive around (10 miles?) inbetween. The torque converter never drains, so you can only drain 1/3 or 1/2 of the total fluid.

 

Get a hayes manual. It will tell you all the stuff recommended at different mileage intervals. Oil change, tranny fluid change, air filter, etc. There's a ton of crap you might not even think of. PCV valve, coolent system flush, spark plug replacement, checking/cleaning electrical components (distributor, wires, battery terminals, etc), check/replace hoses and belts, brake system check (pads, rotors, fluid) cabin filter (so the inside of your car doesn't start smelling like wet dog), cleaning off exceess grime from the engine and components, the list goes on. Get one of those manuals. It'll keep you busy .

 

where can i get a hayes manual?

 

Helms > Hayes

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...V90GDC0JMBDW37

Helms are the same manuals Honda Techs use... if you can save 1hr of labor... the manual pays for itself.

 

:werd:

Haynes is great until you can't find a torque value or there's a key step missing.

 

I need a cabin filter... its already too late for meeee...

 

you dont have one