olorin

Hello, I didn't see a section for introductions. My name is Tom and I'm from San Diego. Just purchased a 1997 3.0 for 2K. 160K miles, with most service records. The paint is kind of thrashed, and the leather on the front seats is ripped. Other than that seems in good shape, runs good. I'm hoping to make it last a year without major repairs.

That's all for now, have a great weekend.

Ron A

I fixed up your post.

Welcome to the forums.

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

Welcome, how's the transmission shifting? That would be your biggest concern frankly.

AlexAcura

WELCOME AGAIN!!

olorin

It "seems" to be shifting OK, although I have not owned a car this old/high mileage in a long time.

Once in a while when sort of coasting at a low speed and I want to suddenly accelerate, like from 25-30 then stomp on the gas, there will be a clunk. Other than that, it does not stick in any of the gears, and seems to shift about like a high-mileage slushbox should.

I'm planning to do timing belt, water pump, tensioner, seals, etc next week, and then hope for the best. I need it to last 18 months.

Phobius

I'd say welcome but you beat me here.
I have a 97 2.2 with a stick and have no shifting problems. Like you I have most of the service records and will be keeping any new. I replaced both axles and brakes all the way round. Tomorrow it will turn 200K and she runs like a champ.
With a little TLC you should make your 18 months. Good luck, you have come to the right place. I have joined forums like this for my truck, and my Connie when I had it. There is so much knowledge about our cars here you just wouldn't believe it.

Jerry
Manchester Ct

97BlackAckCL

iTrader: (6)

^the shifting issues are only with the automatic trans, it's a known issue.

olorin

And now I find out it really has more like 240K miles. The seller refunded me $500.

Got the timing belt/water pump/seals etc done at the Acura dealer for $999 out the door. The old belt looked new. D'oh!

Dealer thinks the transmission must have been replaced or rebuilt, since it has that many miles and is still working.

This car is kind of growing on me -- might like to find a better example later on!

-

AlexAcura

Get a transmission cooler..

Kinda kicking my self that i didnt take pics of the install when I was doing it yesterday.. but its fairly easy..

1. Mount it. i put mine where the horn use to be and moved the horn over on the bracket..

2. Take out the battery and plate under the battery and the line closest to you on the drivers side is the return line take that off.

3. same with the bottom of the radiator take the line off. and run a line from the radiator to the cooler, then a line back from the cooler to the transmission return..

4. check for leaks and viola your tranny will live longer.

olorin

Meh. I've decided not to spend another dime on this car, apart from oil changes and fuel. I'll roll the dice that it will work for the next 12 to 18 months. If it breaks I'll ride my motorcycle.

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

tranny coolers run about 50 bucks or so. its worth the investment and gives you better odds in prolonging the life of your tranny.

GhettoNinja06

iTrader: (1)

Welcome to the best online forum you could join for your CL.
Great news that it shifts ok. Tranny must have been rebuilt though which is a good thing. If I remember correctly the longest surviving 3.0 tranny lasted up to about 160k miles. Forgot who it was. I was pretty close to that till I just started having minor issues before selling. Sold that bitch QUICK! lol

DaInFaMMuS1

I agree, especially if you plan to sell it. That way the tranny stays together and you can get your money back out of it. Less than $500 now to get $1k or so more later.

olorin

Thanks for the advice! Yes, the dealer says it must have been rebuilt/replaced at least once. The fluid looks really good too. One funny thing, I replaced the spark plugs today, and it seems to shift better and has more power. Is it my imagination? The old plugs were not tightened very well, and old.

DaInFaMMuS1

Doesn't sound like your imagination. If the plugs were old and decrepit, you probably brought back some of your engine's performance with the new plugs.

Showmeyourtints

Welcome aboard mate! 👍

olorin

Thanks all! Sold the 97, bought a 2008 with 79K miles. Love it so far!

Showmeyourtints

Traitor!!!

Powellds

Looks like I'm gonna have to take the record here lol. 253,000 miles and I'm rockin the stock trans and motor. Only regular maintenance done to the car. Only the starter and the alternator have been replaced. Owned the car since 97 and have beat the hell out of it. Still no trans problems lol. No oil cooler either.