Can I get a break? Here’s the list of things I need to get to do to bring the Accord into shape in order of importance.

1. Replace vehicle speed sensor so speedometer works correctly.
2. Get/rent tachometer to change engine idle speed OR replace idle air control valve to reduce engine idle speed ‘hunting’.
3. Replace driver-side rear window.
4. Buy new stereo.

So far none of these things have been the sort of problems that would leave me stranded on the side of the road. Until my engine started overheating.

It started last week when I noticed that my engine temperature gauge was in the red and that my engine fan stayed on longer than normal after I parked. I thought it was a faulty gauge until I felt the hoses which were hot as hell. The return hose was cold which meant 1 of 2 things - a bad thermostat or a shitload of sediment in my radiator. I’d prepared to do the work myself on Sunday but thought better of it.

I haven’t had any major work done to the Accord since I got it from my folks in 2001. I have changed the oil and filters myself but that’s the extent. I was afraid that so much corrosion and sediment had accumulated in the radiator that a simple flush wouldn’t help my overheating problem. So I deferred to the experts.

Pep Boys will do a chemical flush for $60 and have the thermostat on hand in case the flush didn’t work. I’m glad I took it there. The radiator had no more sediment than normal but the thermostat had blown. Sure enough, once that was changed out both hoses were warm and the temperature gauge stayed normal. But after the flush, the thermo replacement cost me the same amount as getting my VSS or window replaced, either of which I’d have rather replaced. On the bright side, it saved me about 4 hours of work doing it myself so I was able to play golf in the afternoon.

Oh well. One step closer to getting her fixed up.

Share This