My goal...

[effer]

Hi everybody,

I would like in the future to be able to do by myself almost everything concerning my NSX maintenance and repairs ( what could be reasonnably possible, I know that hig technology and aluminum are difficult grounds... ).

What it is possible to do? Any comments?

I learn fast and I work well.

I would have the place and be open to buy every tools needed...

Thanks,

effer

 

[matteni]

I too was like you. I have invested SIGNIFICANTLY in tools and time. I had an engineering background too.

I can do many things - but the time it took me to get good makes it a tough call. We have a higher priced dealer ($95/hour) but a good master tech for the NSX. If you do it yourself you also risk messing something up badly and paying much more or having a safety issue or very expensive mistake come up and bite you.

For that reason I do not do transmission internals, engine internals, or timing belt/valve adjustments. Not that I can't - it is just that if I mess them up - I am really out a lot of money or potentially the entire car.

So part of it is - do you have a lot of tools? Do you have a lot of experience? Can you risk making a BIG mistake?

On the other hand there is a sense of accomplishment you will feel for seeing the job to completion. Also - often times the dealers mess things up or are not as careful with your car as you would be (I have heard CRAZY stories).

Work your way up - take your time - good luck. Also - this board and the FAQs are a huge plus for all of the rest of us want to be shade tree mechanics.

------------------
Nick M

91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids

 

[effer]

Thanks matteni!

Originally posted by matteni:

I too was like you. I have invested SIGNIFICANTLY in tools and time. I had an engineering background too.

Could you, if you wish, describe me what tools you have?

It's great to benefit from a engineering background, I'm physicist...

Originally posted by matteni:

I can do many things - but the time it took me to get good makes it a tough call. If you do it yourself you also risk messing something up badly and paying much more or having a safety issue or very expensive mistake come up and bite you.

For that reason I do not do transmission internals, engine internals, or timing belt/valve adjustments. Not that I can't - it is just that if I mess them up - I am really out a lot of money or potentially the entire car.

And you don't have any warranty like a dealer...and we also must consider the $$$ issue in case of messing...not to forget about losing time.

Originally posted by matteni:

So part of it is - do you have a lot of tools? Do you have a lot of experience? Can you risk making a BIG mistake?

No, no and NO!!!

Originally posted by matteni:

On the other hand there is a sense of accomplishment you will feel for seeing the job to completion.

Absolutely! This is why I'd like to reach this goal. Also to have the feeling of mastering it in every area... to appreciate and know it it more...

Originally posted by matteni:

Also - often times the dealers mess things up or are not as careful with your car as you would be (I have heard CRAZY stories).

I know, I too heard incredible things FROM an Acura dealer owner who also owns an NSX.

( Things like doing the job on it without putting protective cloth near the engine bay or getting in the car and leaving lots of oil, grease and dirt in the cockpit!!!

... )

Sometimes just lifting the car seems to be an incredibly difficult task!!!

Originally posted by matteni:

Work your way up - take your time - good luck. Also - this board and the FAQs are a huge plus for all of the rest of us want to be shade tree mechanics.

Yes I began to read FAQ. A near project would be to install the Smartenna thingie.
I also had an issue with my passenger's side window ( another thingie thing! ). So this is a good timing to make some prevention for my side's one!

Thank you again matteni.

Did you laugh with my English translation of your french text?

I hope so!

Don't be afraid to laugh at my English writings!!!

effer

 

[burbel]

I think that the NSX is an easy car to work on, and it opens a whole new avenue of appreciation for folks that have worked on other makes/models in the past. I try and do most of the work on my car myself (I had the dealer do the timing belt/water pump/etc). I have installed new brake pads, lines, fluid, and bled the ABS system. I have installed the Tein RA suspension, and corner-balanced the car myself (5 lb. cross weight difference with me in the car, but, if I can lose a few pounds, should be golden!). I installed the Tubi exhaust, and this Sunday I replaced the blower motor, power transistor, and climate control computer (I now have a working fan again!). Waiting on the next day off of work to do the CT headers.

All of these jobs, and a number of others (like removing the seats, rear glass to remove the rear tinting, etc) have been relatively easy and painless to accomplish (with the right tools). I bought around a 300 piece set from Sears, then added in things that I needed as I went along, and bought a big tool box to put it all in.

With each new job, if you find you need a new tool, take the time to go out and pick it up. It makes that job easier, and it's always there in the future (doing the exhaust I needed a breaker bar, so I borrowed some sections of pipe from a neighbor; when I was done, I bought a few sections for myself, so it will always be there when I need it). I've noticed the difference between watching a mechanic work and a do-it-yourselfer is the tools that they use.

All in all, probably around $1,000 in tools, maybe more, maybe less. I've saved a good bit in repair bills, but, more importantly, I've been able to sit back and look at the work I did - it's a great feeling. Now, when/if I get the short gears and R&P, then I will have to decide whom to bring the car to, as that is pushing the limits of what I think I could do, and the chance of me causing damage outweighs the pride in doing it yourself.

 

[zoomnsx]

Originally posted by effer:
Hi everybody,

I would like in the future to be able to do by myself almost everything concerning my NSX maintenance and repairs ( what could be reasonnably possible, I know that hig technology and aluminum are difficult grounds... ).

What it is possible to do? Any comments?

I learn fast and I work well.

I would have the place and be open to buy every tools needed...

Thanks,

effer

....................................................
Back in the early 1980's, there was a speed shop called Garretson Enterprises here in northern California. They offered various classes on how to maintain, modify, and troubleshoot the Porsche 911.
When Mark Basch's SC and Larry Garcia's turbo
have reached full maturity, we can propose to
them this very same idea.
This will be the best investment for a hands
on NSX owner.

 

[matteni]

"Hi" back to you too. Sorry on that other thread for slaughtering your beautiful language. If it makes you feel any better I slaughter English too!

As for tools (in order of importance)

- shop manual
- lift
- 4 jack stands
- 2 chucks
- metrics socket set (6/12 points)
- socket wrench
- torque wrench
- various box / open wrenches
- breaker bar
- various extensions

Others / good to have
- oil pan
- various funnels
- electric or air impact wrench
- c clamps
- work bench
- vise
- various sizes of surgical tubing
- 2 ramps
- every kind of fluid you use on hand (oil, brake, MTF, coolant)
- oil filters
- crush washers for MTF and Oil
- Extra little plastic retaining clips (always breaking them)
- power screwdriver
- drill
- drill bits
- magnetic pick me up
- razor knife/blades
- tweezers
- brake cleaner
- lineman's pliers
- needle nose pliers
- anti seize
- thread lock
- maintenance mat or soft towels
- gloves (I cut the fingers out)

------------------
Nick M

91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids

 

[DanO]

Originally posted by effer:
I would like in the future to be able to do by myself almost everything concerning my NSX maintenance and repairs

I like your attitude!

I think ALL the scheduled maintenance is possible DIY, even for those of us who are mechanically challenged. Like Nick said, I’d start easy and work your way up. I’m not sure about body and frame work—that’s something that may be out of the DIY league IMO. And, like Nick said, the transmission may be something to avoid DIY, although I’m going to give it a shot sometime. Honestly, I enjoy working on my NSX as much as I do driving it.

Expect NOT to save any time or money doing DIY, at least at first. Expect to buy some nice tools. Expect to leave your car in pieces for a few days while you wait for proper parts, tools and advice. The only times I’ve gotten into trouble working on the NSX is when I didn’t have the proper tool, part or technique and got inpatient and forced it anyway and ended up screwing something up. The NSX is designed pretty well, so if after putting something back together it doesn’t seem right, then it’s probably not.

I’ve compiled a list of a few tools and tips on NSX DIY that may be helpful at www.danoland.com/nsxgarage

Good luck,

DanO

 

[Jin1976]

DanO,

Could you please show us how to replace T-belt and what other items needed to be replce at the same time. FYI mine is already 20+k mileage. The agent is not going to replace mine simply because I don't buy it from them.

 

[effer]

Originally posted by matteni:
Sorry on that other thread for slaughtering your beautiful language. If it makes you feel any better I slaughter English too!

No offense at all! And you do very well in English! No worry!

Originally posted by matteni:

As for tools (in order of importance)

...

Thanks very much! I will keep it!

How much dollars would you estimate your quiver ( can I use that word here? )?

Do you intend to buy the electronic diagnosis box?

Originally posted by burbel:


I think that the NSX is an easy car to work on, ...

It seems to be for you! Wow! Congratulations!
I also believe that this car is very well engineered and thought. The fun thing is we are not working on a relic car! Good sides of recent technology! ( I know there is also some bad sides to it: a more unaccessible technology also... )

Originally posted by burbel:


I try and do most of the work on my car myself.

I have installed the Tein RA suspension, ...

and corner-balanced the car myself (5 lb. cross weight difference with me in the car, but, if I can lose a few pounds, should be golden!).

I installed the Tubi exhaust, and this Sunday I replaced the blower motor, power transistor, and climate control computer (I now have a working fan again!).

Waiting on the next day off of work to do the CT headers.

Wow! Again! About the suspension, you must surely have some very specialized tools...

Can you do everything? Springs, shocks, suspension geometry adjustements ( camber, toe in,... )

How did you mesure your 5 lbs disbalance?

With car's behavior on track?

For the blower issue, it meant playing with dash ans center console I guess...
Also near the battery and spare tire...not a lot of space!!!

Originally posted by burbel:


All of these jobs, and a number of others (like removing the seats, rear glass to remove the rear tinting, etc) have been relatively easy and painless to accomplish (with the right tools).

Another kind of work! But also very important if you don't want to mess the quality finish touch...

Originally posted by burbel:


With each new job, if you find you need a new tool, take the time to go out and pick it up. It makes that job easier,...

I've noticed the difference between watching a mechanic work and a do-it-yourselfer is the tools that they use.

So important. Starting on bad ground will lead to bad results...Try do do a nice painting job with cheap paint and tools...

Originally posted by burbel:


All in all, probably around $1,000 in tools, maybe more, maybe less. I've saved a good bit in repair bills, but, more importantly, I've been able to sit back and look at the work I did - it's a great feeling.

A thousand $ isn't that much considering that you own things that will last and maybe keep a good value...

I understand about the great feeling, I did a lot of work on my house...very happy of the results...

Originally posted by burbel:


Now, when/if I get the short gears and R&P, then ...

Good luck for this interesting project!

Originally posted by zoomnsx:

Back in the early 1980's, there was a speed shop called Garretson Enterprises here in northern California. They offered various classes on how to maintain, modify, and troubleshoot the Porsche 911.
When Mark Basch's SC and Larry Garcia's turbo
have reached full maturity, we can propose to
them this very same idea.
This will be the best investment for a hands
on NSX owner.

Great idea! Sorry for not living in California, and I LOVE to surf and windsurf ( funboarding ). Isn't it a shame!!! But one day I will come. Would also love to drive my NSX at Laguna Seca...what a track!

Originally posted by DanO:

I like your attitude!

Thanks very much! I really appreciate your advices and since they are coming from people who are really knowing about it.

Originally posted by DanO:


Like Nick said, I’d start easy and work your way up. I’m not sure about body and frame work—that’s something that may be out of the DIY league IMO.

I will start easy, and be very attentive to details. I think that every steps and all the work must be well integrated and understood before doing anything.

Good to know about feasibility of body and frame work...

Originally posted by DanO:

And, like Nick said, the transmission may be something to avoid DIY, although I’m going to give it a shot sometime. Honestly, I enjoy working on my NSX as much as I do driving it.

What is so tough with work on tranny? The dust, delicateness of very high tolerance parts and mechanical adjustments?

I know that I will enjoy very much working on it and time isn't an issue. My NSx isn't my everyday car, always a driving happening car. You know, people seeing me driving it can't say that I don't exploit it! Even mechanics at my Acura dealer say it when they see my disk brakes! Cool! Almost every time I reach the 120-130 mph mark...and it is so fun to decelerate hard just before cornering or just before a stop while your friend passenger just can't believe that we will stop before the stopping line!!!

Originally posted by DanO:


Expect NOT to save any time or money doing DIY, at least at first. Expect to buy some nice tools. Expect to leave your car in pieces for a few days while you wait for proper parts, tools and advice. The only times I’ve gotten into trouble working on the NSX is when I didn’t have the proper tool, part or technique and got inpatient and forced it anyway and ended up screwing something up.

I’ve compiled a list of a few tools and tips on NSX DIY that may be helpful at www.danoland.com/nsxgarage

Of course not! And I will take my time.

I agree about your opinion about getting in trouble...too often we stick on thinking that OUR way IS THE way...

Excellent idea your NSX DIY...for sure I will consult it!

Thanks very much DanO!!!

effer