ok, here are the stats. I have a 98 LX Sedan w/ 114k miles. Went to firestone today to get a lifetime alignment service done. They kindly did a courtesy service check and told me that I should do the following repairs.

1. I need to replace the fuel filter
2. I need to replace the upper and lower rad hoses

The rationale behind it was simply b/c they were oem and since it's got high mileage and age, they recommend thatI change them.

Now I understand that fuel filters might improve my mpg by 1 or 2 but I don't have terrible mpgs right now.AND I am not having any trouble with starting or accelerating.

The rad hoses, I would like your help in assessing. The mechanic said that they look fine but just to do some preventative maintenance he recommends that I change them out.

What do y'll think? If I do it myself, as long as I don't turn on the car, can I replace the rad hoses w/o draining the coolant?

I appreciate all the good help I get here. Thanks in advance.

 

It would be most economical for you to do the suggested maintenance yourself. You'll need to drain the coolant to replace the hoses. Just collect the coolant in a bucket if you wish to reuse it. If the coolant is old, replace with new.

 

Thanks Ron. My question still remains though. Is it normal preventative maintenance to replace the upper and lower rad hoses? it says nothing of it in the schedule.

 

That's a really good but difficult to answer question. If inspection of the hoses shows that they are in good condition, perhaps you could skip replacing them for now.

 

Fuel filter is a good idea but you can wait on replacing the hoses if they look to be in good condition still, if they look worn out and/or are leaking then replace them.

 

yeah, the fuel filter is a good idea to change right now (I don't believe they're expensive, and they're certainly not hard to replace). For the rad. hoses, simply give them a visual check. If they look like they need replaced, they probably do. If they look decent, you don't need to replace them.

 

If your hoses are puffy and/or soft, then they need replacing. If they are not then don't bother, you are just wasting money.

As for fuel filter, if your car is not cutting out at high speed or while under hard acceleration, it does not need to be replaced either.

I always say no to any suggestions made while I am in for a specific service. The "courtesy service check" is just a money maker for them.

 

In most cases, the courtesy check is exactly what Gene said... A money maker.

However, with over 100K some basic things done now will keep you from being stranded in the future. The fuel filter is an easy, inexpensive procedure from what I have heard. Basic tune-up type things are good to do anyway. I would be more concerned about timing belts than radiator hoses.

First, I would check the condition of your coolant with a hydrometer. If it tests okay and the coolant doesn't look mis-colored, then I would inspect the hoses and replace if they look questionable. However, if the coolant doesn't test good and it looks the wrong color, it needs to be replaced. If you replace the coolant, you have to drain the system anyway, so I would go ahead and replace the hoses while you are at it.

One word of caution if you do decide to replace your hoses... Do not over tighten the clamp on the side of the radiator. If you damage the ports to the radiator, you need to replace the whole thing and that is major $$$.

Well, that is my $0.02

 

thank you one and all.

I hadthe timing belt replaced at 105k miles about 1 year ago and at the same time, they flushed and added new coolant. So I really doubt that I have any issues with the coolant being old. Even the guy doing the courtesy service said thatthe hoseslook ok. I didn't see any signs of cracks or softness etc. I'll take another look at it tomorrow.

I tend to agree with Gene J that I do not see any signs of fuel delivery issues in my car as a result, I am not really eager to change a filter that is not causing trouble.

Again, I might order the parts along with some other cosmetic things like a new antenna etc to save some money on shipping.

The hose clips do not overtighten. they are not your usual hose clamps that tighten by bolt. they come loose by using plyers and squeezing it and they tighten when you release the clip.

 

A lot of people don't like squeeze type hose clamps. I never had a problem with them, but if they look weak got ahead replace them with the originals. I bought a tool that helps removing the hose clamps at remote areas especially aroung the intake manifold. It sure save a lot time.