High Tech Misfit wrote:
> I think my '93 Accord is cursed! Up until the start of this year, it had
> been rock solid with very few non-routine problems. But since the start of
> the year, it has experienced a handful of silly and/or annoying problems.
> They include:
>
> - Bent shock sleeve causing an annoying squeak over the slightest bumps;
> - Stiff climate control slider switch (I may have posted about this issue
> here); panel was replaced with a used one;
> - Hood release cable broke;
> - Clogged fuel filter;
> - Muffler, catalytic converter, and some other exhaust parts replaced due to
> years of corrosion--not to mention loudness under acceleration;
> - Left front upper control arm replaced due to play in the ball joint.
>
> The first 4 items were minor in severity and cost, but the last 2 items set
> me back considerably more financially. And now, some more issues have just
> popped up:
>
> 1. When the control arm was replaced a couple weeks ago, my mechanic
> suggested that the EGR ports be cleaned. OK, I have no problem in getting
> that done, about an hour of labour. I had felt for some time that the car
> had been slightly "missing" at times (in fact, I had previously thought it
> was the tires).
>
> 2. This started a few days ago... I have been noticing gas fumes both in and
> out of the car but it's not always there. It's most evident upon starting
> the car (cold or warm) and just after it has been turned off, although
> sometimes it could be detected while driving. I checked for leaks
> underneath and there were none. In fact, the tank and fuel lines were
> replaced a few years ago. Would something else cause a non-liquid leak?
>
> 3. This started yesterday... the car is once again very loud under
> acceleration (louder than before the muffler, cat, etc. were replaced). I
> don't remember what other parts were replaced before besides the muffler and
> cat, but could there be some other part on the exhaust that would need
> replacing? I saw something on Tegger's site about an "A-pipe" that is known
> to cause buzzing, but I do not know if that was ever replaced.
>
> 4. Finally, my mechanic (who has always been honest and has done good work
> on my car) advised me that the radiator will likely need to be replaced by
> next spring.
>
> I have already spent $1700 (CDN) on maintenance this year (above issues and
> some regular maintenance). But with more money about to be spent on these
> new issues (radiator will wait for now), I am now wondering if this is the
> time to consider a newer car. I know that what I have spent so far this
> year averaged over 12 months is still lower than monthly car payments, but
> there's no way of telling what will go wrong next and how much more I will
> have to spend. And I would prefer to spend less time at the mechanic than I
> have been this year.
>
> Then again, even though the car has only 241,000km (~ 150,000 miles), for a
> car of this age to live through all those harsh winters and numerous trips
> over ridiculously rough roads, I suppose it doesn't owe me a thing. :-)
>
> So what do you think I should do? Should I keep it and maintain hope that
> next year will be better? Or should I start looking for something newer?

Regarding #2 Fuel smell is probably the fuel line joint where it
transitions from metal to rubber on the left side of the tank. Take a
close look, and may be an easy fix. Cut out the old joint and put in a
small length of hose with two clamps.

About #3 Exhaust might be leaking at the flexible joint on the front
pipe. If it is, go to the home center and get a piece of galvanized heat
duct 24' long, and cut it to the right length and wrap it around the
flex area. Use three stainless steel worm drive clamps to hold it tight.
This repair will out last the car.

And #4 Radiator is easy, but will cost some money. I have done three
on my '92, and the last one was free because the one I found had a
lifetime guarantee.

I am just now struggling with the same questions about my good old '92
LX. Rust is BAD behind the rear bumper front attach points just aft of
the rear wheels. Large holes there. This is after a gas tank and cat
replacement this year. The windshield is cracked too, from rust at the
upper left roof seam.
I plan to keep going till the doors fall off because with 235,000 miles
on it, it is only valuable to me. That is UNLESS I can find a rust free
White two door coupe that needs an engine! bob