Tired 92 - but getting a face lift!

[mlwest]

Hello Everyone,

Bought a new 1992 Accord EX four door, 5 speed and drove the hell out of it, then my wife took over (wore the ignition switch out), then my teenage kids got a hold of it and thrashed it some more. It has managed to survive fairly well (155K+ miles) but it finally lost the AC, two broken motor mounts and the kids started complaining - that and the clutch was getting a bit cranky - pardon the pun.

My question is, now that I've pulled the motor and I'd like to put this great vehicle back into good shape, what have I missed for a 13 year old Honda?

So far I'm covering these bases:

New clutch kit (not a HP clutch, just getting it back on the street for another 13 years!)

New front rotors/pads

Of course new motor mounts

New AC compressor (and the conversion kit to R134a) - what's it like to put one of those in?

New rear seal - it started leaking

New heater hoses etc.

New dist. cap/rotor/plug wires/plugs, fuel filter, bleed brakes/clutch

New carpet, reapholstered seats - add a bit of side support for those fun twisty roads now and then

What else?

Thanks Everyone

[aero]

Sounds like you've got a pretty good start at what to do. And at 155k, you still have plenty of driving left to do.

You should prolly also redo the timing belt/water pump while you have it all apart. And when you have that apart, it is a good idea to replace the cam seals, since they are prone to leaking on the new timing belt.

As far as clutch, heres a good one, its cheap, good name, and will last quite a while. Its pretty much a stock replacement.

http://www.kteller.com/store/product...roducts_id/716

When you do a new clutch, you will want to get the flywheel resurfaced if its still in spec. I was quoted about 40 bucks to have that done. I figured a new OEM one from www.clutchcity.com would be a better idea since i got that for 100 shipped.

As far as new motor mounts, try to find some used ones in good condition, since they are crazy expensive new. I think I have an extra front engine mount(drivers side) in good condition.

The A/c compressor, its kinda a pain to get to, since its under the alternator. I think you most likely have to take off the alternator and power steering pump to get it off, or the header. Im not sure whats all involved in the conversion kit.. shouldnt be too hard.

The rear seal, make sure you get the seal in perfectly square, or else it'll start leaking again. Also torque the bolts down to the specified torque.

Im sure you need a new passenger front inner door handle.. they always break.

Invest in a Helms manual if you can, it will be well worth the money. If you have a pretty good idea of what is going on, you can just get a simple manual(haynes or chiltons) for the torque specs and random stuff.

Heres a tool that I reccomend to everyone doing a timing belt job. Especially if you dont have an impact gun w/loads of torque. The Crank Pulley bolt is on there at somewhere around 160lb/ft. This tool will hold the pulley while you crank on it w/a long extension.
http://www.samstagsales.com/SirTool/stho_50.htm

[mlwest]

Thanks aero3685 - sounds like you know what's going on. Yeah, since I'm the original owner I had the timing belt/water pump done at 90+k, new transaxles at ~120 or so and kept the fluids changed etc. And yeah, had to replace those infamous door operator levers and heater knobs and one right rear window operator. Those electric windows can be somewhat of a pain. About the only maintenance I put off was changing out the high pressure ABS hose. I took a couple of pix (of what a 13 year old broken motor mount looks like) but don't see an easy way to post them to the forum.

Thanks again.

[aero]

if you want to post pictures, you have to sign up for a hosting account, like www.imagestation.com or www.photobucket.com.

I also forgot, when you go to order all your parts, make sure your get OEM honda for anything you can. Autozone stuff will work, but its not as great in the quality department. I always use www.hondaautomotiveparts.com The prices are pretty good, and they ship fast. The only downside is that they dont give you a quote for the shipping of your stuff. But they only charge the TRUE shipping amount, so its not bad.

As far as the Timing belt, if I were you, and doing all this maintenance, I would do it now, since it only has 30k left on it tops. And since you have to take it off to do the cam seals, it would save quite a bit of time and hassle.

Another thing I remember is there is a soft clutch line on top of the tranny. It mounts to the shock tower/fender well on one side, and the other side goes into the transmission. Its like 30 bucks for the hose itself, but if your doing all the other maintenance.. that would be one less thing to worry about later.

[J-specCb4]

id say ur best bet would be to stick around and see what other people are doing and to try what you like and you will be happy with your car in no time