The reason that was stated is due to the nature of this radiator design (not exclusive to the RL or to Honda) to fail at the tranny/radiator fittings thereby mixing coolant in the tranny fluid resulting in an oftentimes catastrophic transmission failure.replace the radiator? is that the timeframe to replace it?
Great advice..i would wait on timing belt too..i went about 150000 before i did mine. I really think the fluids are credit critical to long life with oem fluidsThe reason that was stated is due to the nature of this radiator design (not exclusive to the RL or to Honda) to fail at the tranny/radiator fittings thereby mixing coolant in the tranny fluid resulting in an oftentimes catastrophic transmission failure.
See here for more info:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53921
Now it doesn't happen that often. But if it does, it is no fun and can be both frightening and expensive.
Same thing on the loose spark plug issue (which appears to be a J35 issue, not specific to the RL):
http://www.piloteers.org/forums/14-problems/27614-anyone-ever-hear-spark-plugs-backing-out.html
I'd just check them for proper torque (13 lb-ft).
This shouldn't make you enjoy your new purchase any less. Every vehicle has its warts. The warts just don't normally show until some miles are on the vehicle. If your RL has been properly maintained and operated, you should reasonably expect 300+k miles out of it.
Regarding things to do to your new purchase? Anytime you buy a used vehicle (not knowing the maintenance history), it's a good idea to do a complete fluid and filter change to establish your maintenance baseline.
For the RL that will entail:
1)oil and filter change (oil of your choice that meets the spec; a good quality oil filter (not the Honda A02 filter, but the A01 made by Filtech is good)
2) transmission fluid flush (comprised of 4 drain and fills, with some miles driven in between changes using all gears). Honda DW-1 fluid only.
3) transfer assembly fluid change (hypoid gear oil) using whatever gear oil meets the spec. Many here use Mobil 1 75w-90, which is slightly outside the spec of 80w-90, but is a GL5 fluid. Valvoline makes an 80w-90 GL5 that I also like and will use and is a bit cheaper than the M1 fluid.
4) rear diff (VTM-4) fluid change using VTM-4 fluid only.
5) Brake fluid flush (LF, RF, RR, LR... in that order)
6) engine air filter and cabin air filter.
7) power steering fluid change using the Honda PS fluid.
8) Coolant change using the Honda pre-mix. (I like to change this initially in the 50-60k mile range and then again with a new radiator when the TB/WP service is done). Again, stick with the Honda coolant (blue).
If your RL has not been operated in severe service conditions, then the normal timing belt/water pump/hydraulic tensioner change will typically be called for (by the Maintenance Minder system) at the oil change just prior to reaching 105k miles.
Personally, I waited until 120k miles to do that service on my 2006 Pilot and also had the valves adjusted, the radiator and coolant replaced, new front struts, new serpentine belt and tensioner, new spark plugs, etc. But my Pilot was not operated in SS conditions and having it since new (as well as maintaining it), I was comfy in extending that TB service.
If I missed anything above, I'm sure someone will correct me and I'll update the post accordingly.
Good luck with your RL and fire away if you have any questions.
I agree with speed that you need to take a look at the condition of the fittings on your radiator. If they appear to be heavily corroded, I would do it proactively. It's a bit difficult to tell the condition of them as it's typically a problem that happens from the inside-out. Nonetheless, I don't think you should have any issues waiting until the timing belt service at 105k miles. You'll save money on the labor costs since they need to drain a good portion of the coolant to do that service anyways. Swapping out the radiator would only be a few hundred bucks on top of the price.Thanks for advice. I like the roll up cover so think going with the Access Cover. Sounds like Radiator and spark plugs will be one of my top priorities. Should I change the radiator out regardless of condition?
Thanks for advice. I like the roll up cover so think going with the Access Cover. Sounds like Radiator and spark plugs will be one of my top priorities. Should I change the radiator out regardless of condition?
At a minimum I'd do a UOA of the Transmission so you know where your at, it's cheap insurance.Thanks for advice. I like the roll up cover so think going with the Access Cover. Sounds like Radiator and spark plugs will be one of my top priorities. Should I change the radiator out regardless of condition?
Good advice from Speed as usual. You bought the right color, that's for sure! Love my Nimbus Gray Metallic truck - even at nearly 10 years old and 149,000 miles. Fluid maintenance is key on these things. I've been very strict with it and DIY everything. Working on this truck is EXTREMELY simple. Only takes regular hand tools and some of your time. If you can change oil, you can change every fluid on this truck with it sitting on the ground (brake fluid being the exception).
You got a very good deal on that truck. It looks like you have a blank canvas, too. You said you were going to change the wheels and add a tonneau cover. Good choices. I would highly recommend going with a full set of 18" wheels and tires of your choosing and keeping the stock wheels and tires for the winter months (if you need to worry about snow and road salt). I also very highly recommend a front bug shield on the hood, AVS or Weathertech visors for the windows and a set of black running boards. I feel that the RL is naked without some sort of running board or tube step. Any other plans for it? Audio system?
The only thing I would add to the list is WeatherTech floor liners, absolutely the best!
I had the OEM Honda rubber mats. They worked well, but then I got a full set of the Weathertech mats. There's no comparison. Take out, hose off, dry, wipe with some non-greasy plastic protectant and put back in. They cover every square inch of carpet and have saved them in more than one instance from spills and winter road grime.truck also came with pioneer nav/dvd stereo system and rubber floor mats