[Blue-AZ]

I thought I would post this just as an FYI.

I have a 2001 5 speed with 57,000 miles on it. I recently purchased it a month or so ago (thanks, E-Bay) and it is in fantastic condition. Lifetime mileage was 62.0 when I bought it. After my first 2 tanks of gas it is up to 62.5. I have been averaging about 75 mpg since I’ve owned it.

Being I’m the type of person that likes everything on my cars to be “just right”. And because I get a little rattle on my Insight on start up (until warm) I decided to check and adjust my valves. I also purchased 3 new “B” sparkplugs from the dealer to put in at the same time.

My conclusion… I didn’t need to do either. First, all 3 of my plugs looked good and were all with in spec. They would have easily gone another 50,000 miles. I put the new ones in anyway, I suppose because I’m somewhat anal when it comes to my cars. :lol:
Second, out of the 12 valves I only adjusted 2 of them. And those two really did not NEED to be adjusted. I only changed them by approx .01 or .02.

A couple of comments on the valve adjustment… It is very easy and straight forward to do, of course I have done valve adjustment on other cars before. I have read that some people have had trouble rotating the engine for the next cylinder. To make it really easy, do the valve adjustments with the sparkplugs out. Then there is no compression to deal with and it is very easy to rotate the engine. I use an open end wrench on the crankshaft bolt. It was not difficult to get to it. Personally I don’t recommend using the camshaft bolt, but with the spark plugs out is shouldn’t matter.

Dale
Blue-AZ

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Thanks for the post Dale

Yup :!: So far all others report that the iridium spark plugs will go the distance to the recomemded 105K replacement interval. :shock:

And Honda's roller rocker valve train in its non VTEC version has been around for 20 years now. Its always been very stable. And it too consistantly meets its 105K service interval (unless noisey). Its the noisey part owners get confused with piston percussion. Honda's have had the "cold" engine rattle for as many years as the roller rocker system. If your engine noise is gone when fully hot (cycle the fans just to be _absoultely_ sure) then a valve adjustment won't fix anything.

Now just don't forget your cabin air filter, CVT fluid change, main engine ground inspection, ...

HTH!

 

[Blue-AZ]

I think your right. I have read (from you) that before. But I thought I would check the vavles anyway. As you mentioned, the noise is gone when it is warmed up.

Thanks for your help!

Dale - Arizona

Thanks for the post Dale

Honda's have had the "cold" engine rattle for as many years as the roller rocker system. If your engine noise is gone when fully hot (cycle the fans just to be _absoultely_ sure) then a valve adjustment won't fix anything.

HTH!

 

[Insightful Trekker]

I think your right. I have read (from you) that before. But I thought I would check the vavles anyway. As you mentioned, the noise is gone when it is warmed up.

Thanks for your help!

Dale - Arizona

Somebody actually reads my posts :?: :shock:

I mainly posted to tie up these loose ends for a newbie Honda owner. The Internet is a virtual "Black Hole" in this regard.

And your very welcome :!:

p.s. Nothing wrong with premature maintenance. And in unusual cases you do find things in just the nick of time :!:

Sincerely,