Hello
Forgive me I do not know much about cars but I would like to learn as much as I can, I know this is a good car for my needs and I need it to last me as much as possible. With that, here is some back ground info.
This is my first manual transmission which i purchased 8/09 with 187K, it now has 222k. I have had the timing belt changed, and serpentine(sp?) and other than that, just regular high mileage oil changes and haven't had any other engine troubles. In January I began making a 60 mile drive to work, which has about a 3,000 ft incline in the last (or vice versa) 20 miles or so. I noticed I had to start down shifting more often about 5k ago, added fuel injector and noticed a small difference. I have also noticed that it can sometimes be hard to put into gears, including reverse. Recently I let a friend borrow the car for about 2 weeks. When she returned it she advised the engine light had been on for a few days and it had started doing this hesitating/hiccuping/sputter. I notice the issue not when I am accelerating per say but just when I am steady on the gas. If I am going up hill or it seems when I am at the higher end of my gear, I do not experience the issue. I felt like there was a bit of a loss of power when I began driving in the mountains, but I assumed that was to be expected. I am wondering about burnt valves possibly? Would just a simple tune-up be appropriate? Or necessary? I have never had one yet. Should I pay for a diagnostic test for the check engine light? The mechanic I went to today quoted me $350 but I am not sure if that was for Honda parts, which i am going to inquire further on. I just paid him $130-$50 for and oil change and $80 for rear differential. He told me $120 of it would be this 3 part fuel injector/ valve cleaning kit. Does this sound legit?! Sorry so many questions, just moved from my reliable friend of the family mechanic and don't want to be taken advantage of!
Forgive me I do not know much about cars but I would like to learn as much as I can, I know this is a good car for my needs and I need it to last me as much as possible. With that, here is some back ground info.
This is my first manual transmission which i purchased 8/09 with 187K, it now has 222k. I have had the timing belt changed, and serpentine(sp?) and other than that, just regular high mileage oil changes and haven't had any other engine troubles. In January I began making a 60 mile drive to work, which has about a 3,000 ft incline in the last (or vice versa) 20 miles or so. I noticed I had to start down shifting more often about 5k ago, added fuel injector and noticed a small difference. I have also noticed that it can sometimes be hard to put into gears, including reverse. Recently I let a friend borrow the car for about 2 weeks. When she returned it she advised the engine light had been on for a few days and it had started doing this hesitating/hiccuping/sputter. I notice the issue not when I am accelerating per say but just when I am steady on the gas. If I am going up hill or it seems when I am at the higher end of my gear, I do not experience the issue. I felt like there was a bit of a loss of power when I began driving in the mountains, but I assumed that was to be expected. I am wondering about burnt valves possibly? Would just a simple tune-up be appropriate? Or necessary? I have never had one yet. Should I pay for a diagnostic test for the check engine light? The mechanic I went to today quoted me $350 but I am not sure if that was for Honda parts, which i am going to inquire further on. I just paid him $130-$50 for and oil change and $80 for rear differential. He told me $120 of it would be this 3 part fuel injector/ valve cleaning kit. Does this sound legit?! Sorry so many questions, just moved from my reliable friend of the family mechanic and don't want to be taken advantage of!
Apr 21, 2011 at 7:55 AM