Hello, I am going to do some maintenance on my car (2001 Honda Civic Coupe 5 speed) sometime during the next few days.
I have a couple of questions regarding the fuel filter and PCV valve.

1.) Where is the PCV valve located?
2.) I know the honda part is around 20 dollars and one from like auto zone is about 3-7 dollars. Is there any difference between the two?
3.) Are there any DIY's for changing the fuel filter on here?
4.) This one isnt really a maintenance question, but on my car after I've been driving for about 30 mins or so, when i am shifting from 2nd to 3rd it makes a grind sound. It only does it when i am going from 2nd to 3rd...it wont do it from 4th to 3rd. I am assuming the synchro is beginning to go out. Also it only seems to do it when i shift above 2k rpms. Am i right about the synchro going out? Is there anything I can do to prolong its life?
5.) A while back I was changing out spark plugs and in one of the holes, the little O-ring gasket for the sparkplug tube was messed up and needs to be replaced. What do I need to do to change it?

Thanks!

 

Hey There,

1.) Grab a Haynes or Chilton's manual - or wait for some of the cool folks here provide links to online versions of the Honda repair manual for your model.
2.) The quick answer is 'No,'but you'll get differing opinions. Plus, the parts stores may not stock the exact one that fits your car, or it may be slightly different in shape than the one you'd get from the stealership. OEM parts fit like they're supposed to - not always so with aftermarket.
3.) Use the site's search engine - and see 1.)
4.) You have a keen ear - sounds like synchronizer going bad to me as well. I've pulled a couple of manual trannies apart for the same problems. Good luck with that.
5.) Grab a valve cover gasket & seal kit for your model/engine, and go for it. Or, just get that part along with a valve cover gasket and swap it out. You should only need to pull the valve cover, swap the parts and reinstall the valve cover - easy stuff.

You're Welcome! (and "welcome," BTW)

 

1) See picture 1

3) See pictures 2-5

 

Thanks you two! That definitely helped a lot!
Does anyone here know what the links are to the online Honda Owners/Service manuals?
Thanks for the welcome Type RB. You mentioned you have had problems with synchros going out in the past. What kind of expenses am I looking at for getting it repaired?

 

http://hondatech.info/downloads/Auto/Manuals/Civic/

 

thanks ron!