Piston Slap: Penny Wise, Civic Minded

Sajeev Mehta
by Sajeev Mehta

Randi writes:

I have a 2000 Civic with 70,000 miles (hoping to hit 250,000 miles). Googled for major repairs to do including the timing belt, and everything listed below should be done…right? Are any unnecessary?

Any not listed that I should fix before it breaks? Here it is:

  1. Replace fuel filter, air/cabin filter, coolant flush.
  2. Check bushings and alignment.
  3. Replace timing belt, water pump, idler and tension pulley, tensioner (hydraulic tensioner, tensioner assembly).
  4. Check various rollers, valve adjustment and clearances.

Sajeev Answers:

Short answer? Well done. I’d hug you for making my job so easy, if I knew where you lived and was sure you wouldn’t file harassment charges. You are keeping a car with the trouble spots and owner’s manual concerns in mind, and you picked a damn good platform for your wallet. But I digress.

On your regiment, only the cabin air filter might be unnecessary: do a visual on it, shake out the leaves/debris and see if that’s good enough for your nose. The lifespan of these filters depends on where you live and if your car sleeps in a garage.

My only addition is to check all rubber parts: tires, vacuum lines, brake lines, etc. Oh, and replace the PCV valve, if so equipped.

Bonus! A Piston Slap Nugget of Wisdom:

Many of the filters mentioned above are easy to replace by yourself, with basic hand tools. Even the fuel filter isn’t a big mess if you let the system de-pressurize overnight. And with the money you save? Upgrade the stereo, amplifier and speakers to make your car better than any newer alternative.

Send your queries to mehta@ttac.com

Sajeev Mehta
Sajeev Mehta

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  • Speedlaw Speedlaw on Sep 06, 2010

    One of the great things about Honda is that there is a spectacular aftermarket. You can modify suspension and other parts, so when shocks wear out, don't think replace, think "upgrade". Like another poster pointed out, the manufacturer pinches pennies but you don't need to. You can get shocks, bushings, etc that will improve handling, without slamming the car or making it ride hard. Ditto things like tires. Brake fluid-don't ignore it, replace and flush when you do brake pads...you are there anyway. Change manual trans oil at 100k, no matter the manufacturer's recommendations. Honda and VW are the best for aftermarket stuff. You already have an almost indestructable car. Every time a part wears out, check the forums...and upgrade ! +1 for check radiator hoses at least once a year, and pre emptively replace year 4

  • Sajeev Mehta Sajeev Mehta on Sep 06, 2010

    +1 on everything above. I've never regretting ditching old shocks for Bilstein's street shocks on several cars. Such a huge difference, even over a new OEM shocks!

    • John Fritz John Fritz on Sep 06, 2010

      The only downside to Bilsteins is paying for them. Other than that, a very desirable mod. It's quite rare to find any sort of aftermarket auto part which has received literally zero bad reviews.

  • Obbop Obbop on Sep 06, 2010

    Ample excellent advice from the neighbors upstairs. There IS something to be said for a well-trained experienced mechanic familiar with your vehicle make and modal to do a general "eyeball" under around and within and take the critter for a drive. I do it with the Silverado at an independent garage with a mechanic who used to work for a Chevy dealership and obviously is well-informed about later model Chevy pick-ups. I also slip the hombre 10 bucks each visit. It is in recognition of his skills, abilities and experience. He doesn't protest anymore.... understanding, apparently, that if some air-headed dame deserves a tip for hauling my food from kitchen to table his hard-earned skills surely rate a goody. My bi-annual or so visit to drop off a dozen bakery thrift store doughnuts doesn't hurt anything either. $1.99 per dozen and they are not expired yet and sure appreciated. The shop and the employees know I do not perform the deed expecting any freebies or special treatment. Just a method of showing my appreciation for their abilities and good prior treatment and, besides, it's an excuse for ME to eat one of the doughnuts, one of the major food groups on my forbidden list. I used to do much of my own maintenance but various physical defects from years of hard-core hard physical labor and numerous past injuries makes the minor expense of paying for basic maintenance along with repairs beyond my abilities, facilities and available tools/equipment a relatively minor expense. Finding a trustworthy mechanic/shop owner can be difficult but if found treasure them. And nuthin' says lovin' like sumpthin' from the oven.... even if others concocted the incredible edibles.

  • Canucknucklehead Canucknucklehead on Sep 07, 2010

    These little cars are about as good as it gets. I presently have a 2000 Civic in the family (my 19 year old daughter has it) with 200,000 km on it and it runs like new. I have done the timing belt twice, replaced all the shocks but that is it on top of regular maintenance. And yes, Bilstein are worth every penny, I have them on mine and am looking forward to replacing the OEM schocks on my 2008 Fit with them. That is when the stock ones wear out. Took 160,000 km on my 2000 Civic!

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