DIY Coolant Flush

[Stunner]

Just wanted to know how truly hard flushing the coolant is in my 91 NSX. I've read the manual thoroughly and looks like a royal pain in the ass. I called Jones Acura (my local-most Acura dealership) to see which kidney I would need to sell to do this and they slammed a $570.00 bill on me just to flush the coolant! I'm sorry but there are many other things I'd rather spend on my NSX than pay that much to do something I'm pretty sure anybody who is mechanically inclined can do.

 

[TitaniumVtec]

There was a great write-up that I could not find for you. Someone took the time to detail the steps needed to complete the job wi/pictures if memory serves correctly. $570 is just crazy IMO!!! I was quoted $300 for the job myself here in East Tennessee. I hope someone replies with the link, as I would like to do this to my NSX also.

 

[hlweyl]

I did it when I changed my thermostat out. It wasn't that hard to do, just follow the instructions in the service manual and you'll be fine. One thing to add is to have the rear higher than the front as this helps to avoid getting an air pocket.

I think the hardest thing for me was to find the front drain plug on the engine. I think I used two extensions to get to it.

good luck and enjoy $570 you save!

 

[chumch]

I Paid $50 at Cleveland Acura last fall. If you want good service and dont mind the drive...give them a call. Ask for Jerry Meade, he is the service mgr.

 

[speed within reach]

Just wanted to know how truly hard flushing the coolant is in my 91 NSX. I've read the manual thoroughly and looks like a royal pain in the ass. I called Jones Acura (my local-most Acura dealership) to see which kidney I would need to sell to do this and they slammed a $570.00 bill on me just to flush the coolant! I'm sorry but there are many other things I'd rather spend on my NSX than pay that much to do something I'm pretty sure anybody who is mechanically inclined can do.

Would it be possible to scan & post a written copy of the estimate from the dealership? In my experience $570 for a coolant flush & fill is entirely unrealistic. Perhaps they had little interest in completing the job for some reason or simply mis-quoted? Normal quotes have ranged from $79 - $134 labor, with the only additional cost being the 11.9 quarts of coolant and perhaps an added disposal fee/sales tax.

The procedure listed in the service manual is fairly simple IMHO, even for DIY.

Regards,

John

 

[Dave Hardy]

Is there any reason the good old Prestone Flush-n-Fill garden hose kit from Pep Boys for $5.99 won't work on the NSX?

 

[Stunner]

When I initially called them I was put on hold for about 10 minutes. After the wait the service writer told me that he had to get the service manager because that was the first time anyone had ever asked him about that particular service. Seems strange to me as there is a red 97 NSX sitting in the showroom at all times. Just happens to be the owner of the dealerships toy. I just think they don't want to have to work on another NSX. Oh and if anyone is interested last time I checked the 97 NSX was for sale: $57,000 with mileage in the 40k region.

 

[speed within reach]

When I initially called them I was put on hold for about 10 minutes. After the wait the service writer told me that he had to get the service manager because that was the first time anyone had ever asked him about that particular service. Seems strange to me as there is a red 97 NSX sitting in the showroom at all times. Just happens to be the owner of the dealerships toy. I just think they don't want to have to work on another NSX. Oh and if anyone is interested last time I checked the 97 NSX was for sale: $57,000 with mileage in the 40k region.

I noticed they are in Lancaster, I believe I've been down to them once before, on the Manheim Pike right on the main strip there with the other dealers. I just got off the phone as well, I tried calling their service department for a quote as well to confirm their hot deal on NSX coolant changes. Their receptionist informed me that their parts and service department was closed and I would have to call back at 7:30AM. ... This was of course at like 5:01 PM ET right after your initial post- and she really brushed me off.

That's not so good. May be best to opt for one of the others. Bobby Rahal Honda is very good with service and sales, I have not personally been in with an Acura to them or know who may be their NSX tech at this time, as it is more recent (was originally just a Honda location out there on the Carlise Pike as I recall). Perhaps some of the local enthusiasts can chime in with recent experience.

Here are some other ideas in central pa that came up in the listings:

Bobby Rahal Acura
6694 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

Apple Acura [font=Arial,Helvetica]
1202 Loucks Road
York, PA 17404[/font]

Lehigh Valley Acura
2985 Macarthur Road
Whitehall, PA 18052


Regards,

John

 

[hlweyl]

Is there any reason the good old Prestone Flush-n-Fill garden hose kit from Pep Boys for $5.99 won't work on the NSX?

I think the theory behind that is Honda doesn't want any "hard" water in the coolant system due to the high mineral content. If you used the old flush n fill you end up with the coolant system full of tap water. Personally, I would only use a mix with distilled water and even better, the Honda 50/50 pre mix.

That's my best guess Dave.

 

[kgb_agent]

Bobby Rahal Honda is very good with service and sales, I have not personally been in with an Acura to them or know who may be their NSX tech at this time, as it is more recent (was originally just a Honda location out there on the Carlise Pike as I recall). Perhaps some of the local enthusiasts can chime in with recent experience.

Jeff Luekas is the master tech who works on my car at Bobby Rahal. I think they have two NSX Master Techs. I usually ask to speak to Jeff directly; nice guy who is knowledgable. He's done all the work on my car except the t-belt/water pump/60K. I went to Bernie at Davis Acura for that.