I'm considering buying a 97 prelude. However, some things I've read are bothering me.

First, this. It says that a sudden oil leak may occur. Does this happen often? I don't want to buy a $7000 car and the engine die. If it does happen often, is there any way to prevent it?

Is there anything else I should know before I buy?

TIA

 

I doubt it happens very often, but I have a 1998 model.

If the 1997 is the same as the 1998 (which is basically is), then you have my blessing.

The main thing to consider with Preludes is their transmission. Stay away from the automatic models, they seem to have problems. Make sure to get a 5speed.

A big milestone in maintenance is replacing the Timing belt and auto-tensioner. Ask the owner if this has been done, because it should be done around this time (considering the car has more than 60,000 miles). I'm not sure exactly when this is recommended, but it will probably be needed in the timeframe you own the vehicle.

Good luck, keep us posted

 

Well, if I'm getting a sports car, I absolutely will NOT get an automatic. What a waste of money...

 

Ive never heard of this sudden leak, be prepared though for the car to burn some oil as it is a common thing with these cars.

 

Ok, thank you. I am aware of the oil burning thing.

Thanks all.

 

I know of what you're saying. I've heard about this sudden oil leak. It is the balance shaft oil seal that can suddenly pop out of place causing the oil in the engine to drain. I'm not sure about how often it happens. I don't think it happens a lot but it is a serious problem if it were to happen. There is a fix for this, Honda makes a little metal bracket that bolts in place and holds the balance shaft oil seal in place. This problem was a recall a few years ago but it's not covered any more. I know about this because I was doing research on it. I own a 94 Honda Accord with the F22B1 Engine and the F Series Engines are part of this too. I will be buying the bracket for my car soon. If you're not sure about where it is the balance shaft oil seal is behind the balance shaft sprocket under the lower timing belt cover. This should make the situation better now that you know there is a fix for it too.

 

Thank you

 

exactl y what F Double said. Happened to me when I had my auto engine. Cracked the block and got water in it, fried the valve springs, tore up the pistons, o what fun. Just make sure to get that checked out or replaced.

 

You're Welcome. That sux wut happened. I'm curious 5hift. Did your balance shaft make a knocking sound under light acceleration? I'm pretty sure mines does. It has been mistaken for rod knock and piston rock but it is neither of those luckily. My car is well maintained and runs real good it jus makes a knocking sound under light accelration sometimes. One mechanic told me he thinks it's the balance shaft knocking and I think he is right about that. Last time my car went in for a timing belt job the mechanic told me that my balance shaft seal was leaking and when i looked at the old one it looked all shredded up. I'm thinkin maybe the balance shaft knocking around might be one of the reasons why the seal is not stable without that bracket. That's why I figured I'd ask and see if yours was doing anythin like that?

 

thank you.