my 5th gen lude will be comming up on 60k in a couple of months, what do I need to do as far a maintanance. I was thinking about taking it to the dealer but if they are just going to change the oil and air filter and rotate tires, i can do that myself.

also I was wondering if anyone here has just a k&n drop in filter and if they noticed any difference as far as performance or gas mileage.

 

5th gen preludes don't need valve adjustments unlike their counterpart VTEC engines ... don't ask why. But there is a list of items they adjust and replace - call them as ask them what they do or better yet stop by and pick up a brochure.

I have a k&n filter. I bought it because its 50,000 mile between cleanings. So if you own your car for over 100,000 it pays its back. As for noticable difference - the engine does rev easier through the higher RPMs and I haven't measured gas mileage.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hk29
5th gen preludes don't need valve adjustments unlike their counterpart VTEC engines ... don't ask why. But there is a list of items they adjust and replace - call them as ask them what they do or better yet stop by and pick up a brochure.

I have a k&n filter. I bought it because its 50,000 mile between cleanings. So if you own your car for over 100,000 it pays its back. As for noticable difference - the engine does rev easier through the higher RPMs and I haven't measured gas mileage. [/QUOTE

Who told you that 5th Gens don't need valve adjustments? I've done two on my car each at 15k intervals and I'm due again. You can hear the motor starting to develop a slight tick and when I do mine there's always a few that need to be adjusted.

I change:
oil and filter every 3.5k
trans and ATTS fluid every 15k
cap and rotor every 15k
PCV valve 15k
anti freeze every 30k
clutch and brake fluid every 15k

for the air filter i use a K&N too and try to clean it at least once a year.

 

My local honda dealer had a brochure. It clearly said that the honda prelude does not get a valve adjustment. The odyssey does, but not the prelude. Strange. I'll have to give them a call. I have 42,000 miles and no ticking and no valve adjustments. I know the integras had to get valve adjustments every 15kmi... interesting...

 

Your dealer is dead wrong about valve adjustments-my dealer "menu" calls for it at 30k intervals. So far as I know (3 cars) ALL Honda engines are of the adjustable type. None to my knowledge have hydraulic/autoadjust lifters. I prefer to do this at 15K intervals.
You are now at 60K and it is time for your second tuneup which can include setting the timing and changing the plugs. The techs at my dealership also make sure the cap and rotor are OK. It is also time to flush ALL fluids and replace them (brakes, clutch, coolant, tranny).
Have you had the CV joints checked and possibly serviced? If not-you will want to make sure that the retaining clamps are tight and that there is enough grease in the boots.
Biggie-I too have the K&N drop-in filter assembly and will clean it at 25K as the kit does 2 of them for $11. Does it help with performance-I haven't been on the dyno, but as to mileage-YES it did improve mine a little. This is one of the cheapest mod's you can do and it has no effect on your warranty. There is a general rule about timing belts-so I'm told-that they should be replaced every 6 years or the recommended mileage (90K for 5th gen).
Good luck

 

thanks alot everyone for your input. I am at 57k now but since i drive between N. cali and S. cali often i will be at 60k in about a month and a half.
I think I will invest in the K&n for the gas mileage if not anything else. Also I thought the spark plugs were good until 105k. I may be mistaken but I think thats what the dealer told me last time I was there.

 

Valve adjustments are really only needed at belt replacement time. My Prelude has 63,000 miles on it, and I haven't wasted my money on that. Still like new. Ask an unbiased, knowledgeable mechanic, and they will tell you that valve adjustments, albeit not a bad thing at all, are usually just another excuse for your dealer to take your money. I've done all other normal, routine maintainance as scheduled.

P.S. -- Ah, just looked at my owners manual closely, and guess what...... for valve adjustment, it says "ADJUST ONLY IF NOISY", and it has the mileage dot at 105,000. Gee, the same mileage for replacing the belts (although that is something I'll probably do at 90,000)

 

cap and rotor every 15k?


Como se dice "waste money" en espanol?

 

When I change mine this week at 17k I'll post pics and you can be the judge. Everytime I've done it, it's looked like it's needed it much sooner. I'm pretty sure teh harder you push the car and the higher you rev it the more often they need to be replaced.

 

I'd like to see some pics. I've never changed mine...