SeabeeGuy

Seems last visit here was Nov 11, 2007. Damn, its been a while

Anyway still have the 1997 TL, current mileage is 155k miles and running strong.

Special thanks to TexasHonda, I recognized his name when searching for a fix for my VSS. I used his swap suggestion to use a Honda Accord VSS and swap out mounting hardware. My new VSS cost me $20, super cheap fix.
I have moved on to BMW and currently own 2003 530i Sport and relegated my Acura to DD duty which it performs admirably.

Here is a list of fixes/maintenance done by me except for exhaust.

* Replaced pre cat O2 sensors x 3 under extended warranty due to class
action suit against Acura
* Replace post cat O2 sensor
* Replaced radiator
* Replaced VC gasket and distributor O ring
* Replaced outside front door handle due to broken return spring.
* Repaired (magyver style) outside front door handles x 2 ( yes including
the newly installed one) and they still work great.
* Replaced right upper control arm
* Replaced both tie rod ends
* Replaced both A and B exhaust pipe at 154k / 13yrs
* Replaced both CV axles due torn boots
* Replaced Vehicle Speed Sensor
* Repaired rear door electric lock using old VC grommet from BMW
* Replaced bad headunit when CD failed ( aftermarket radio installed)
* Cleaned out moonroof drains when trunk filled with water
* Sealed rear tailights to keep water out.
* D4 Lamp
* Valve stem seals

This doesn't include PM items like water pump, timing belt & idler, brake pads, tires, ATF filter & fluid etc.

DUECEON9ER

What were your syptoms before replacing speed sensor and did it solve your conditions? Also replacing valve stem seals helped solve what problem? Just curious leaning myself towards these fixes.

tmnhs81

Welcome back. Thats a lot of stuff to replace. I'd like to hear about the 530i. How reliable are those and how expensive is routine maintenance.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

Wow. Post some pics!

Go90go

Go join BimmerForums!! Hahaha!

@OP, Welcome back... But since this is your first post, I doubt anyone knew you were here back then, or that you had left! Haha!
Glad you didn't have any problems that wasn't already covered in other threads!

~Cheers~

desired_speeds

Plastic waterpumps. nuff said.

tmnhs81

^ What? No wonder they have overheating issues.

SeabeeGuy

VSS symptom: Bouncing speedometer needle.
Replaced VSS: Problem solved.

Speed sensor symptoms had started a few years back, basically I would be cruising along doing for example 55mph and catch my speedometer needle out of the corner of my eye dropping down to zero and then immediately bouncing back up. Over the years the frequency increased and it became pretty annoying. Now with my daughter learning to drive I felt it was time to fix. Found the VSS for the Honda on Ebay for $11 plus $9 shipping ( aint that a hoot) anyway way cheaper than any other source. Think lowest I found was $153.

Here is Texashondas thread
https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-tl-problems-fixes-118/2-5tl-vehicle-speed-sensor-vss-repair-604872/

Valve Stem Seals: I was experiencing puff of smoke on startup but I never did notice any blue smoke when laying off accelerator on highway. Seals seems to have stopped the start up puff.

SeabeeGuy

Thanks, well not really a lot to replace when spread out over the years, think I have owned the car for 10yrs now

The 530i is awesome, its a 2003 Sport model with Xenons, Navigation, Heated seats, Bluetooth, Sunshades, Autoheadlight, autowipers, etc.

If you can DIY they are very easy to work on. Just like the Acura there is a huge amount of online DIY information to pull from. As long as you avoid dealers for parts and service I think the parts are not expensive. I spend my time on Bimmerforums, Bimmerfest, and Bimmerboard.

My car (530i with I6 engine) has 68k miles and I have replaced the water pump and thermostat purely as PM. Think it cost me $160 total.

Honestly very fun to work and even more fun to drive.

SeabeeGuy

I will post some up this weekend.

SeabeeGuy

Already done that, been there for years.

If you examine my original post you will see that I indicated that I had not been here since Nov 11, 2007. That is the information that this website gave me when I logged in. Not sure why my post count went to zero perhaps due to lack of use. Pretty sure I must have posted back then but then again who knows, I do suffer from CRS

SeabeeGuy

Some OEM pumps had composite impellers, any water pump fails. I never had an issue. They are a preventive maintenance item. BMW engines are designed to run hot for many reasons and yes it pays to pay attention to the cooling system, in fact for any car it pays.

You may have noticed that my Acura radiator cracked after about 9yrs. Plastic parts are pretty common on modern cars due to the weight reduction and lower cost, by necessity they will require extra attention.

SeabeeGuy

Overheating occurs due to people not doing the preventative maintenance.

I have never had any car of mine overheat.

TLin401

How much did the valve seal stems cost you?

Go90go

I had meant for tmnhs to join. He's been asking us questions about it.

~Cheers~

SeabeeGuy

They are pretty cheap, a couple of bucks a piece. Probably cost me $40 for all 20 seals, the exhaust seals are marginally more expensive than the intake.

Parts cheap but obviously labor is a bit more expensive, fortunately do my own work.

TLBaller

I vote TexasHonda for mod! The man knows his sh*t, for cereal!

tmnhs81

myisanog

hah go90go . my friend told me that he met you and ken the other day . such a small world eh

Go90go

I was thinking about posting or PMing you, but we had a full day, haha!

~Cheers~

myisanog

i remember i tried to pm u like a week ago . but your inbox was full so i said i might as well post!

Go90go

Yeah, my PM box fills up pretty quickly, haha.

~Cheers~

DAiNiUS

no one ever PM's me...

96TL_X

samehere