The Maintenance Minder on my 2007 Sport 5MT is calling for service B124.

In the owners manual, "4" calls for replacing spark plugs and inspecting valve clearance. I replaced the plugs & coils 6 months ago, and the car is running great. My Honda Service Dept. says the "4" also involves replacing some engine gaskets that eventually wear out (my car has 104k miles) and this will cost more than $400.

Are replacing the gaskets necessary?

 

Where's Carbuff2 when you need him?

I highly doubt prophylactic gasket replacement is necessary unless you're having some gasket issue. For ex., I know that folks here who do their own valve adjustments will try to reuse the valve cover gasket whenever possible, but slap in a new one if they can't or if it's deteriorating.

Oh, and by the way, I'm at 134K on my GD3 and still on my original gaskets (and coils).

 

Thanks for the reply bargainguy. I was definitely leaning towards not having the gaskets replaced, since the car is running great and I'll keep it at most another year or two.

I'm wondering if anyone else has been told by Honda Service that B124 involves new gaskets.

 

<Snore>...HERE I AM




Dunno about replacing any gaskets, we sure didn't when removing the valve cover to adjust the valves on any of our Hondas. We did the CR-V and our '99 Acura twice without spending that kind of money. No issues with the upper intake gasket on the USA Fit, either.


Just make sure you put a dab of sensor-safe RTV on the 90 degree bends near the camshaft arches.




+++++++++++++


A shop or dealer might replace gaskets to prevent issues later, just as a matter of best practice.

 

Carbuff2, thanks for the reply. I won't be doing this work myself.

Adjusting the valves is in the Maintenance schedule, and I'd like to understand a little more about that. Is it something that should be done after 100k miles? (mine is 104k)

I assume this involves removing or exposing the gasket. It's possible my Honda Service Dept. will tell me they always replace the gasket in this circumstance. I might be faced with the choice of paying for that or telling them to skip the valve adjustment.

 

Based on my own experience (and others on the Forum), DO NOT skip the 100K mile valve adjustment.

The exhaust valves always tighten with mileage, and they will not make noise. So, DO IT.


You should be able to have this maintenance performed for much less than the dealer, at an independent Honda specialist. A specialist will have the experience necessary to perform the adjustment correctly and determine what parts (gaskets) NEED to be replaced...


HINT: Use Google Maps to search "Honda Repair near Downers Grove" then use the Street View to determine how many Hondas are in the lot. (More = Better) Check the reviews and make your decision...

 

Thanks again, I am looking into local shops and will check out several of them.