I've had the car for 9 months now. Oil is currently at 10%, 2nd oil change (maintenance A) will be this weekend. During 1st oil change, Acura recommended new PCV valve for $70 but I'm not sure if it was recommended to change just because I was getting an oil change or if there was a problem with it...I didn't get it done, I'll ask when I go back. When I first purchased the car and discovered Acurazine, there was a thread that recommended something important be changed around 93-95k, but I can not remember what that is and I can't find the thread. Anyone know what that is and any advice on keeping my baby healthy?

 

Spark plugs and a full tune up as well as change all fluids oil coolant flush diff drain and refill as well and trans drain and refill

 

Thanks, will do

 

No problem anytime

 

Just to add, engine and cabin air filters are extremely easy to replace. I think the intervals are around 30,000 miles for either; but, I usually do it sooner than that since it is so easy. Acura can charge up to $100 for the filter changes and it is 10-15 minute job for $25 worth of parts. I would also change out the serpentine belt with a kit if it is original.

I would also get in the habit of checking my oil 1-2 times a month just to see if you have any oil consumption AND to check out any oil, coolant, or fuel leaks in the engine bay because of the age of the RDX. My Kid's 06 TSX had a bad power steering pump that was leaking oil; but, it never dripped on the ground or had a burning smell from the engine block. He was a few weeks away from the power steering reservoir being empty if I haven't reminded him to check his engine oil.

You are also getting close to the +105,000 mile service. I paid around $600 on my RDX to change the oil, adjust valves, replace spark plugs, and replace head gasket.

 

Thanks for the great advice, I will look into all of this this weekend. I'm pretty sure Acura will charge me an arm and leg for all of this, I need to find a reliable mechanic. Did you pay the $600 to an Acura dealership/service shop?

 

It was $600 at Acura dealership for the 105K service. I take the RDX to the dealership for A/B service because they drops me off and picks me up from work or give me a loaner for overnight warranty work. I went the route of 3rd party shop when my alternator failed for $250 because the dealership wanted $600. The RDX does have an 100,000 mile Acura extended warranty for the A/C clutch. I got lucky and my A/C clutch went out around 98,000 miles and it was replaced for free (I have a little under 150,000 miles now). I would let Acura know if there are any issues with the A/C and/or it sound noisy/rattles/clunks when it engages.

 

If you were in the nj area I could help you do the service. I don't allow the dealer to take my money lol being I am a mechanic I fix all my cars

 

I'm in Philadelphia, how far from Philadelphia are you?

 

Depends on where but maybe 1.5 hours away

 

Yeah, that's too far for me, but thank you for offering 👍

 

Wait, what? Was it bad? Never heard of a head gasket replacement as being part of normal preventative maintenance...well, outside of Subaru anyway.

 

It has been a few years since the service. Could have been the valve cover gasket? I just remember it said gasket; but, I can't remember if it was valve or head on the service ticket. I never forget, I just have a hard time remembering.

 

I would guess valve cover gasket then... if it starts to fail, you'll usually see evidence of oil leaks around the spark plug boots. Easily swapped when you're getting the valve adjustment done as well, I imagine.

 

 

MrGold: Did you have the valve adjustment done because you needed it or it was offered by the dealer? I have not heard of the 4 cylinder needing the valves adjusted. Maybe the J series V-6. Any difference you noticed once the valves were adjusted?

 

I've done all three of my 105k services for my TSX, RDX, and MDX at Acura and they included the valve adjustments everytime. I don't know if they were in or out of specs when they checked the valves? Didn't notice any difference in engine sound before or after adjustment. The only change I felt was regaining some lost HP/TQ/mpgs; which, I assumed was from replacing the old spark plugs. They could of charged me for something that wasn't needed as far as I know. I have +435,000 between all three vehicles and I figured a dealership double-check couldn't hurt (going for +500,000 miles between all three)

 

My local mechanic mentioned that, at least from their experience, most RDX's won't need any adjustment. I think some Honda engines are just more prone than others in terms of needing adjustment. I'd guess it was a much more common thing to do on the 90's era cars. I don't think there's much difference financially between inspecting and adjusting (getting the valve cover off is the majority of the labor). With the intercooler on top of the engine, the overall job will probably be a little more expensive on the RDX than your average Honda.

That said, if the valves are way off, you should notice. If your valves to too loose, you should hear the excess clatter when the car is running. If too tight, you may notice bad idle, misfires, low power or bad fuel economy. I'd guess an independent shop would probably be around $300 to check and adjust. If you have the money, go for it. But if not, and you aren't having any obvious issues, you're most likely fine.

 

 

Agree about valves adjustment. if they are not noisy don't do anything. I am at 180K and its running great. Dont waste your money.

 

At 238K I had my spark plugs and valve cover gasket replaced. I asked about the valve adjustment, and they said it was still fine...

 

 

Kinda both. It's technically a repair, but gaskets go bad with time, so it's really unscheduled maintenance.

 

Gaskets are one of those things that can go like clockwork or last forever. But given that they're relatively cheap, if you ever pull the valve cover (say, for a valve inspection/adjustment), you may as well change it out while you're in there.

 

+1 to that!