'03 4cyl AT, 80K

Thought I'd separate out a question from my other post. The maintenance schedule for this car calls for a major tuneup with new plugs at about 105K or 7 years. Car starts easily (lived in Minnesota up until this spring) and generally runs well. As noted in my other post, I'm having some issues with low RPM / low speed power, increased oil consumption, and somewhat lower highway mileage (30 vs ~34 I used to get).

So, is it time for plugs?

I also note that at the same interval I'm supposed to have the valves adjusted. While I can imagine belts and maybe plugs wear with time as well as mileage, I'm not I'd think that for valve adjustment.

So what are the opinions of the Accord gurus here?

 

A mileage of 105K is plenty for a set of spark plugs. You don't want to wait until they start missing continously. Missing can damge the coil-over-plug units (expensive). Get a new set of OEM quality fine wire (iridium or platinum) plugs and you're good for another 105K.

I've checked my 94 EX valves several times over the years and never found any out of spec. If there is no valve noise w/ a fully warmed idle, I would leave them alone.

good luck

 

Thanks for the input on the valves. I've not heard any noise, so I'll assume I'm OK on that score.

Re the plugs, I wasn't suggesting going beyond 105K. The question is with only 80K, but 8 years, should I change them now? I suppose it can't hurt. Is there anything tricky about changing the plugs in this engine?

 

For fuel efficiency, check your tire pressures and brake drag. Make sure brake caliper pins are loose, boots in good shape, and calipers "float" on pins. If not, repair the pins w/ cleaning, new boots, and grease. This can prevent caliper unloading fully after braking and result in excessive brake drag and pad wear.

Replace or clean air filter.

Use recommended oil viscosity.

I think you're OK to wait until 105K on plugs, unless a miss develops.

I haven't done plugs on my 2007 Accord yet, so can't speak from experience. On earlier models it's a very easy job. Get a good spark plug socket w/ rubber insert to hold plug, and 6" extension to reach into spark plug well. I use anti-sieze on my plugs but some plugs claim to be already coated w/anti-sieze.

Sometimes it helps to warm engine for 1-2 mins before pulling plugs, if they are real tight. Don't force them out if they are very hard to turn.

 

Thanks. I'm going to check the caliper pins as you suggest. I have found the front brakes are a bit problematic on this car. I got only 20K+ out of the first set of front pads but the second lasted nearly 40. When the rotors were replaced, the braking was very smooth, but before too long the pulsing returned suggesting to me that there is some warping. I've seen mention of this in other posts here. Makes me wonder if I am getting some brake drag. I'll check.

 

I'm at almost 80K on my 07 Accord w/o changing any pads since purchased at 35K miles. I will likely go w/ OEM pads when time comes.

good luck

 

Change the plugs when they start looking like this....

 

Anyone have a specific recommendation on plugs to replace '05 4cyl Accord - @145k on orig OEM plugs. Never had a problem - but don;t wanna push it anymore.

Honda wants $20 per plug. Pay it? Or can I get the OEM cheaper elsewhere? (checked HandA - no luck). Bosch? Denso? any direct links would be much apprecaited since its starting to get cold here in PA and need to do this soon! thanks

 

I've had good results w/ autolite platinum tip plugs. There's always a rebate available to get price down under $2/plug. They now have iridium plugs avialable. I just put a set in my dad's 06 Buick Lucerne and I liked their looks. I'll probably go w/ those on my 07 Accord when time comes.

You can't go wrong w/ NGK plugs, but expect to pay a bit more than Autolite.

RockAuto has all rebate coupons available, usually a 5% discount, and ship immediately.

good luck

 

Yeah - did a rockauto search 20 secs after posting. NGK are $9.82 each. After the rebate, the autolite are $2.70. Don;t mind spending the 9.82 - just didn't know if they were that much better than others. Think I should change wiring too at this point?