New Coupe Owner from Yorkshire

[Telchar85]

Good afternoon all

Thought it best to say hello now I've registered, a big thanks to who ever put the links for this place on Parkers, would never have spotted it and it's great to have found such a hub of Accord knowledge in the UK. I have done some reading and learnt scores already but I'm hoping for some guidance with my impulse buy  

Bit of background, I've always liked the look of this car (poor man's NSX and all that), and nearly bought a silver V6 in 2014 but the dealer messed me around and I acquired a Peugeot 406 V6 Coupe instead. (which I still have)

Back in November, a tired, purple V6 coupe appeared on eBay, spares or repairs that was only in York. Long MOT, peeling lacquer, engine good but gearbox not great I'm sure you guys know this story well. I stuck £125 on it and won. Collected the car and once it had some fuel in and got back to Leeds without any further hiccups, just some jerky gear changes. 

After a good valet and sorting out the sticky bonnet catch I decided to run it along side my 406 and see what it was like before investing more. Was OK until January when the gearbox nearly chucked me through the window and struggled to engage gears. Fluid level was good and as the fluid wast black & burnt I assumed it was OK. Reading the American forums it looked like it was new transmission or scrap so I stuck it back on eBay figuring I could do no more for it. However after it sold it wouldn't start so the sale fell through. Other projects ate into my time so it was stood until last week. 

I've since sorted the non starting fault by repairing the master relay and decided to do more research before giving up on it which brought me to your site. The car has no leaks, strong battery and no loose connections that I can see. On a test drive last night I'd say when cold the car will engage drive and reverse and will go through gears, all be it a bit clunky and seems to slip on 1-2, however once warm it gets worse, either stuck in first or not engaging at all. The fluid is a dark honey colour, like drop number 5 on the ATF thread. Level is good. Is it worth getting some recommended ATF and doing some partial changes over a few days/weeks? Any additives that might be worth a go? If I can revive this box I don't mind investing the time in the body/interior and giving the mechanicals some TLC but if its terminal I'd rather cut my losses....well until I spot another one....

Thanks for your time in reading this, appreciate it's probably repetition but its cathartic to share it all the same. 

 

Matt

 

 

[AhsyV6]

Welcome Matt,

as you've established this is probably one of the most informative forums out there. We are all here to help and advise as well as receive it.

No doubt Stu (the founder) will be able to give you a detailed response but there are many links with regards to ATF and bringing back boxes to life or at least improve them. Valvoline Maxlife ATF is strongly recommended on here and I personally have seen an improvement in my box too and am due another complete AFT replacement. 

Good luck and enjoy the Coupe.....absolute joy to drive and own! 

Ahsanul 

 

[hughezee]

Welcome to the club Matt, hopefully its not to late for your motor and I think I've seen it advertised before nevertheless the brown colouration of the transmission fluid is not a good sign at all and I wouldn't rush into a complete part fluid change (2.4L) either? I would consider starting off with 1L of the cheapest ATF you can find with virtually zero friction modifiers in it, just to introduce some fresh lubricant in the mix and hope it improves a little after 50 miles. No improvements then grab some low viscosity fluid e,g Honda DW1 or carlube ATF-LV assuming its blocking up internally and either of these fluids should help dissolve it, just so long as its not driven for long distances

Hope that makes sense....

[Telchar85]

Guys thanks so much for the quick responses and it's nice to have a glimmer of hope for this car, I'd hate to see it go to the big scrappers in the sky.

Hughezee - thanks for the advise and I think I'll do that first, I can get TRIPLE QX ATF Dexron II for a couple of quid a litre through work, would this be a good fluid to start with? how many 1 litre changes do you think is worth while before doing a 2.4l one with Carlube or DW1? 

Thanks in advance, sorry for the questions, hopefully I'll be able to contribute going forwards 

Matt

 

[hughezee]

2 hours ago, Telchar85 said:

Guys thanks so much for the quick responses and it's nice to have a glimmer of hope for this car, I'd hate to see it go to the big scrappers in the sky.

Hughezee - thanks for the advise and I think I'll do that first, I can get TRIPLE QX ATF Dexron II for a couple of quid a litre through work, would this be a good fluid to start with? how many 1 litre changes do you think is worth while before doing a 2.4l one with Carlube or DW1? 

Thanks in advance, sorry for the questions, hopefully I'll be able to contribute going forwards 

Matt

 

Personally I wouldn’t use another triple QX ATF product again  although the 98-02 accord coupe can use Dexron 2 or 3 but as some fluids can attack the friction plate adhesive and since your gearbox is symptomatic of loosing pressure  you have very little to loose, so its worth a go

[Laird_Scooby]

Welcome aboard Matt! Seem to recall seeing your coupe on ebay at some point, i haven't checked the other thread for the fluid colour but knowing Stus description of the colour, i think any fresh fluid would help.

However, go easy on the Dexron - like Stu mentions it can attack the adhesive that holds the friction linings on the clutches and brake bands within the box. My first thought when i read your description was that it possibly had DW-1 fluid in it and that was causing some of the problems.

I think i would do a part-change with the Dexron and run it gently for a week or two then do another part-change with Carlube ATF-U followed by another a month or so later. It sounds like you're right on the borderline of whether it's saveable or not, hopefully this will work though!

[Mazda Man]

Hello Matt...sorry for the delay welcoming you...I've had a few PC issues.    Anyway, you're in the right place for everything Accord Coupe, there's loads of information and threads by people who own this marvellous Ohio, USA build coupe.  I personally have had two, the 2.0ES and my current V6.  It's just gone past 100K and drive like a new car thanks to Stu (aka Hughzee) who is the coupe Guru.  Lots of members take their coupes to Stu, I drive around a 60 mile round trip for an oil change as I know it's done right.

We all own coupes (or Honda engined marques like the Rover Sterling etc) and there's a wealth of knowledge and your sure to get a quick answer to any question, no matter how silly, we've all been there so ask away.  Oh and please post some pics up so we can admire your coupe, we love pics on here. 

Don't give up hope with your gearbox, mine was on it's last legs 12 months ago and half a dozen part-changes later, it pulls like a train and absolutely no slipping, even when I'm driving a bit "spirited".  Check the threads regarding your gearbox and ATF and please listen to Stu regarding part-changes.  Valvoline MaxLife is highly recommended for our Honda's, however, listen to Stu's advice regarding what to use and how much.  Don't get flushing gallons of ATF through just yet, it's needs some TLC and you'll soon have a mega reliable and unique motor (less than 300 on the road) that will provide years of pleasure.

Welcome again Matt.  Beep Beep. 

 

[Telchar85]

Hi guys - thanks again for taking the time to reply, the plan had been to see to the coupe over the bank holiday but an unforeseen trip to help buy a transit for a family member intervened, no rest for the wicked. So it'll be likely this weekend for the first litre out to see how we're getting on. 

Oh and as requested I've (hopefully) attached a couple of pictures from wash day, it was rather grimy when I got it, needs a proper details but was miles better for a bucket of water. 

 

 

[Mazda Man]

Looking lovely, will look amazing once waxed, especially when the sun's out.  Exactly the same as mine. 

[Retro Rich]

Lovely motor. Welcome to the club Matt 

[timberwolf]

nice to see another coupe in yorkshire. i live in keighley and got a blue one fairly recently. back to your gearbox problems i,ve had loads of auto,s over the years and it all depends on how much money or time you,ve got to throw at it. once a problem has started with auto boxes i,ve found the only real thing to do if you want to keep the car is a change of box. d i y or an auto gearbox specialist. if you go down the latter road shop around as i know there,s a few in the leeds area. there,s good the bad and the rip offs. there is a box on ebay in ripon that requires work but its up to your back pocket and how long you want to keep the car. best of luck anyway and hope to see you around.

[Brett]

Welcome along Matt and a lovely fine example car you have.