I must start by saying that I have been a browser of this forum for about 3 months and it is very informative.

While the oil in my 99 manual Accord EX was being changed today, I asked the service advisor for a reason as to why my gas milage could drop suddenly from about 27 mpg to 21 mpg. He had the ollowing statements to make:

1) The valve adjustment could be off. The springs lose their tension and have to be bolted tighter every 30k miles.
2) There could be carbon deposits which needs to be cleaned
3) My clutch is slipping.

he said that the estimate bill would be $250 for adjusting the valves and cleaning the carbon deposits.

Having said that I have a question for you guys:
1) I thought Honda had self adjusting valves. How can they get out of adjustment?
2) I can buy on the theory that there are carbon deposits and that is stopping the pistons to close fully so there is wasted fuel. Cant I just go and buy a $3 bottle of STP from checkers and drop it in the fuel tank to clean the fuel filter.
3) I dont feel the clutch slipping at all. Is it normal for the clutch to start slipping around 44k with very conservative driving habbits?

Please let me know what you guys think.

 

clutch shouldn't be sliiping so early with moderate driving, however I have had the valve adjustemnt done to mine before and noticed a gain in mileage....this was at 45k or something. I'm now at 60k and have to go in for my 60k maintenance which will again involve valve adjustment. I've asked about the fuel system cleaners at a local garage and they informed me that theres a big difference between the $2.50 walmart STP sutff and what they use.....I don't really trust the guy so I didn't get it done. If you do then keep me posted if you noticed any change.

 

do the valve adjustment yourself. It's cheaper

 

If I do it myself, does the bolt have to be torqued to some limit or just tighten it?

 

you need some sort of caliper measuring tool and a Haynes manual for a valve adjustment

 

you need a feeler gauge, never mind my pervious statement

 

how much is it to get your valves adjusted in S.California and is this something the Honda Dealer should do or can you go to any shop and get this done?

 

A valve adjustment should be 1 hours labor, no more no less...

Since that is the case, just bring it to the dealership and have it done right. I am planning on doing so aswell, I have a 98 LX with 77XXX miles on it.

 

Valve Adjustment: $55.. US. Michigan.. Honda Dealer.
Cleaning Carbon deposit: DIY. You use the Simple $3 ~ $4 can of Vavoline Carb/fuel injecter cleaner...

 

i use bg44k.