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I currently have 104k miles on my 2007 Acura TSX with Navi. So far (knock on wood) the car is running great. All maintenance has been done, with the exception of the spark plugs being replaced last oil change (101k miles).
I am planning on having the spark plugs replaced at the Honda dealership (where I take my car usually for service - Acura is pretty far unfortunately, and Honda is cheaper). Do you all suggest that I have these replaced? I have heard yes and no to this. The car is not misfiring, and seems to be running great.
Also, the service advisor was trying to have me do a valve adjustment when I change the spark plugs. My engine is not making any noise (valve ticks), etc. Is this really necessary? I am on a tight budget, and they want like $500 to do this. Unfortunately, I am not mechanically inclined and can't do it myself.
What do you all think on these 2 services? I am not sure what to do, and would really appreciate some advice.
I would follow whatever the manual says when the maintenance minder shows a required service.
Is this a 4 cylinder engine?
If you are on a tight budget you can probably defer both the plugs and valve adjustment. If you want to do the plugs - that might be worth doing even if you notice any misfiring. A worn plug can fire just fine, but combustion might not be as clean as it should be.
I would follow whatever the manual says when the maintenance minder shows a required service.
Is this a 4 cylinder engine?
If you are on a tight budget you can probably defer both the plugs and valve adjustment. If you want to do the plugs - that might be worth doing even if you notice any misfiring. A worn plug can fire just fine, but combustion might not be as clean as it should be.
Yes, it is a 2.4L 4cylinder V-Tech engine. My budget is pretty tight, so I will most likely do the spark plugs and hold off on the valve adjustment.
I really wish I was more mechanically inclined. Lately, I have been going to the dealership for service. I have been having bad experiences at these chain places - midas, merlins, etc.
Your manual should say that valve adjustment is needed with the engine makes excessive noise.
If things are tight, I would think it would be ok to skip the valve adjustment. However, spark plugs, I would change.
Yes, it is a 2.4L 4cylinder V-Tech engine. My budget is pretty tight, so I will most likely do the spark plugs and hold off on the valve adjustment.
I really wish I was more mechanically inclined. Lately, I have been going to the dealership for service. I have been having bad experiences at these chain places - midas, merlins, etc.
I meant to say the plugs would be good to change even if you DON'T notice misfires.
There are not too many things more straightforward to do than change plugs on a transverse inline four cylinder engine. The plugs usually face forward. Parts cost is probably about $40 for the plugs. Need a ratchet with an extension, and the proper spark plug socket.
As for service places, I don't like dealers much, but I like national chains even less. They will almost certainly push hard to sell unneeded service items.
Find a good local Honda/Acura independent. There should be several in your area.
I meant to say the plugs would be good to change even if you DON'T notice misfires.
There are not too many things more straightforward to do than change plugs on a transverse inline four cylinder engine. The plugs usually face forward. Parts cost is probably about $40 for the plugs. Need a ratchet with an extension, and the proper spark plug socket.
As for service places, I don't like dealers much, but I like national chains even less. They will almost certainly push hard to sell unneeded service items.
Find a good local Honda/Acura independent. There should be several in your area.
I agree with this. I had a 2003 Civic Si and I could swap out the plugs in less than 15 minutes and be on the road. The motor in your TSX is the same K-series motor so the time would be about the same.
Now, if you don't want to do this or don't have the tools, etc, there is no reason at all to take it to a dealership for plug replacement. Find an independent Honda/Acura center and I'm sure they will do this for roughly half the cost.
I would not tune up a car that is not out of tune. If you start getting check engine lights, go get it tuned up. If it runs fine, it is fine. Check your fuel mileage every time you fill up. That will help you get an idea of the health of the engine. Same with fluid levels.
Get the spark plugs and forget the valve adjustment. If you want to make it cheaper, then buy the spark plugs online and have the dealer install them. Thats what I did for my TL. I bought the NGK spark plugs on amazon and had the Acura dealer install them. It cost me about $100
Just make sure that you buy the correct spark plugs.
Last edited by ma5cmpb; 02-14-2017 at 09:44 AM..
Reason: edit
I would not tune up a car that is not out of tune. If you start getting check engine lights, go get it tuned up. If it runs fine, it is fine. Check your fuel mileage every time you fill up. That will help you get an idea of the health of the engine. Same with fluid levels.
Worn plugs usually won't trip a CEL, and a degradation in performance can be so subtle over time that it can be hard to notice. Sure you can go longer than recommended, but there is a mileage limit attached to plugs for a reason.
Quote:
Get the spark plugs and forget the valve adjustment. If you want to make it cheaper, then buy the spark plugs online and have the dealer install them. Thats what I did for my TL. I bought the NGK spark plugs on amazon and had the Acura dealer install them. It cost me about $100
That's a heck of a deal on labor at a dealer if legit.
Worn plugs usually won't trip a CEL, and a degradation in performance can be so subtle over time that it can be hard to notice. Sure you can go longer than recommended, but there is a mileage limit attached to plugs for a reason.
That's a heck of a deal on labor at a dealer if legit.
I just checked and the price was $112 (hour of labor). I bought the spark plugs separately on amazon for $35.
Park Acura does install parts that you bring in. I had them install spark plugs, a aisin timing belt kit, and I always buy and bring in my own oil (Pennzoil Platinum) and they put it in. They only charge labor.
Last edited by ma5cmpb; 02-14-2017 at 12:31 PM..
Reason: edit
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