mondobyte

You should add "Every year or Maximum 2 years, the del Sol should have a radiator flush and a brake fluid flush! Brake fluid breaks down with age and exposure to humidity. When the brake fluid breaks down or absorbs humidity it loses the ability to protect against corrosion and this usually results in corrosion of the metal parts of the brake system (calipers, master cylinder, proportioning valve, brake lines). This can be a very expensive repair. Similarly, anti-freeze provides corrosion protection AND lubrication for the water pump. Especially here in hot SW Florida, anti-freeze breaks down and can lead to premature water pump failure and radiator failure. This can be a very expensive repair too! Also, for those low mileage drivers or for vehicles that are stored not driven for weeks or months and especially in high humidity climates fuel additives to expunge water are necessary. Fuel contains ethanol. Ethanol absorbs water. Water will corrode your fuel system, particularly the gas tank and fuel pump. It is never a good idea to let a car sit for any period in any climate with a partially filled tank because this will increase the absorbtion of water. Again, the corrosion in gasoline ages and deteriorates with age and humidity. Fuel driers should be used periodically to remove any built up water in the bottom of the tank and especially if you are in a humid climate even if you drive every day! Fuel stabilizers should be used if a car is not driven for weeks or months at a time and you should drive the car long enough that the fuel stabilizer will permeate the entire fuel system up to and including the injectors. How do you know if you have a problem, change your fuel filter and look for particles of rust or sludge coming out of it if you flush it backwards!

In real terms, the original Honda bushings just deteriorate with age irrespective of mileage. Mileage, of course, will prematurely cause the bushings to fail too! My del Sol had less than 70K miles on it when the struts and bushings were replaced and all the lower bushings, control arms, etc. were deteriorated and in dire need of replacement. At the time, I was told that even if the del Sol had 20K miles or less would need new bushings, struts, timing belts, other belts and struts after 10-15 years just because the original materials deteriorate with age irrespective of mileage.

I had another del Sol and replaced the transmission oil with synthetic and it suddently developed the 3rd gear glitch after a few weeks. I don't race and don't hard shift so those weren't issues. Later, I was told that the Honda Oil prevents this. I have replaced the oil in my 1997 del Sol with Honda oil (not an aftermarket) and no problems with any shifting including 3rd gear in over 10 years of driving! I would recommend using ONLY the Honda brand transmission oil based on my experience.

I am just now encountering a problem with the door lock on my passenger door. It locks fairly easily but won't unlock. Where do I lubricate? Inside door latch or rear latch mechanism. Can I lubricate the locking mechanism without taking the door panel off? How? Where? Suggested lube? Any detailed suggestions about the door lock problem will be greatly appreciated. I have a 1997 del Sol Si Cypress Green Pearl with several well thought out updates. It is in fantastic condition inside and outside except that the paint on the sails is beginning to deteriorate. The SW Florida sun is brutal on all plastics. Many here have wells for irrigation and they use non-potable water with high phosphate content (essentially mild phosphoric acid!) so I avoid parking near sprinklers when I am out and about. I also live within about 6 miles from the Gulf and when a strong storm front with high winds blows in from the Gulf there tends to be some salt that gets picked up so it gets rinsed off as soon as I get home if I am out when one of these storms hits. Fortunately, I have frequently maintained my rubber seals (Top, doors, trunk) with Shinetzu so I have never had a water problem except when I have parked it with the top off or the windows down and return literally just a few minutes later to find a very brief tropical storm has passed by. Some years ago I had some small dents fixed and they removed the sails to access that area and soon after I discovered a significant water leakage problem so I replaced the clips and seals on the sails with new ones coated with Shinetzu - problem solved. My 3rd brake light paint was fading so I replaced it with a new one and also used Shinetzu on the seals for that so I have no leak issues. I replaced my manual antenna with an electric one about 10 years ago so I don't have people breaking off my antenna mast anymore! Thanks very much for any suggestions