New Legend owner: to-do list, hoping for input

[rollmo]

Already found tons of invaluable info on this forum, and am excited to be a Legend owner. Just purchased a white 94 L Sedan, only 89K miles, and can't wait to get started. I put together a to-do list based on the threads I've read so far. Listed in order of priority from highest to lowest:

1. BHG/SHG modified leakdown test
2. EGR cleaning, EGR intake manifold replacement w/ RL part (better one w/ baffle)
3. Timing belt/water pump replacement
4. Brakes/rotors
5. Driver front door window tightening & seal replacement (window whistles, drives me crazy)
6. Leather replacement (several tears, top of back seat completely destroyed by sun)
7. Sound system upgrade (Bose speakers all blown, sound like crap)


I have more on my list, but this is the most pressing stuff IMO. Thoughts? Suggestions?

And, assuming I do have BHG or SHG, is it even worth doing the other engine stuff? Should I just do a swap instead? After reading lots of threads, I still am not clear on how "bad" a SHG is. If it's only seeping slightly, is it a huge worry? Replace right away? (That's probably a stupid question, but humor me anyway- I'm a newbie )

[LegendarySE]

SHG? U get heat spikes? Lisle funnel bleed coolant system? If yes how long till new heat spike after real bleed?
If heat spikes how bad for how long and did u drive it spiked?
Prev owner sell it to u like that? How much?
What's the body like is the car a MT or auto? How is the trans functioning?
Hope u got that car for real good price if the answers are not good.

Depending on what u say about the above then u might be better off finding a different canvas because even your interior is wrecked.

[bboarder711]

i replaced my SHG at 132k I didnt need to deck the heads or anything crazy. IM currently at 193k with no issues other then an intermittent code 12 clogged EGR that is now believed to be related to the BHG. Over all still set me back about $1000

at 90k the timing belt should be done being that its been 20 years Id say do it. most have atleast 2 by now and have been used


depending on what you paid for it I would just choose what I wanted to do wisely

[VitaminDlegend]

A seeping head gasket will only get worst. Unless you use some of that HG sealant crap which ruins other parts. haha

Looking at that list of "things to do" you could def. end up spending ALOT of money that youll never see again.

ps. an egr cleaning would be my 1st priority as this is normally what causes a BHG on our cars.

[rollmo]

Thanks all - appreciate the input!

Originally Posted by LegendarySE

U get heat spikes?

What's the body like is the car a MT or auto?

No, no heat spikes, no white smoke, no normal indicators of HG problems. I guess I just wanted to do the leakdown test anyway since it's such a common problem. But if there are no symptoms, maybe it's a waste of time

Body is in great shape, and it's an auto. Shifts just fine (shift to 2nd is a little jerky, but based on what I've read this sounds normal). Not a great pic, but here she is:

Originally Posted by bboarder711

at 90k the timing belt should be done being that its been 20 years Id say do it. most have atleast 2 by now and have been used

Yeah I figured. Some mechanics kept tellling me that it should have been done at 60K so I shouldn't have to do it now, but I don't buy it. Based on what I've seen, Acura calls for a 90K timing belt, not a 60K. I'll get it done.

Originally Posted by VitaminDlegend

an egr cleaning would be my 1st priority as this is normally what causes a BHG on our cars.

Good call. Since I don't have the BHG symptoms, I really want to do this quickly so I don't blow one. I bet anything that EGR is completely blocked.

[bboarder711]

That looks great

[VitaminDlegend]

Still. CLEAN THAT EGR!

[MarcD]

The car looks really nice. I wouldn't go crazy thinking HG issues if there are no signs or symptoms. Besides cleaning the EGR pipe etc, I would just drive it for a little while before putting any big money into it. At 90k miles, the EGR pipe is probably just about to fully clog as my GS has the same mileage and was about 90% blocked.
I always go ahead and change all the fluids first on a 'new' car to start fresh. How does the coolant look? Take out the overflow tank and see what that looks like and if there is any funny looking stuff in it. If it doesn't have Honda type 2 coolant I would do a drain (including the diff hose) and refill/bleed. Then drive it for a couple thousand miles and see how she performs. I wouldn't worry on spending to get the TB done immediately unless the accessory belts look terrible (they are likely the same age as the TB), you likely won't snap the TB unless you keep redlining it. When you do get the TB changed, have them use type 2 again and that will ensure you really have swapped out all the old coolant

[rollmo]

Great advice, thanks Marc. I'll get the EGR done ASAP, and referesh the coolant. So far she's running like a champ- very happy with the purchase.

[adam91]

Check/replace the differential fluid.

I had a colleague that would replace all the fluids when he bought a car. Not a bad idea
on an old car.

brake fluid, tranny, radiator, oil, differential.