[Tim_Hinchliffe]

Hi all. I've just done my introduction thing on the appropriate page, and this is my first, but I doubt my last, question. Apart from my daily driver, I've usually had a "classic" either on the road or as a project. I've realised that the Cresta PC in the garage is going to be a project until Hell freezes over and meanwhile my N-plate 416 Tourer has practically become a classic while I've been driving it. So now I'm thinking I should put in a bit of TLC and possibly even GBP and make it shine.

But before I get all carried away, one question: is 138,000 miles a lot? I know it's not that straightforward and there are other factors involved, but the bodywork is mostly fine, the interior's lovely, and apart from a nagging fault for another thread, it drives brilliantly. Also I love it, by the way, did I mention that? So do I give it the works? Or is it on borrowed time? Who's got one that's done twice as much and is still thriving?

[GTiJohn]

That's nicely run in

No really, the Honda D-series is a very reliable engine so if it's got this far you're now into age related issues, such as aging seals.

The ones which are often the first to go are the spark plug tube seals in the head causing oil to get down and start flooding the spark plugs.

There is an article on how to replace these in a previous edition of our club mag, The Viking*. Mr Haynes probably has written on the topic but our photos are in colour!

Keep on top of ignition faults, such as the coil and ignitor, and the fuel relay and you'll be fine. These are the topic of another Viking article.

Head gaskets are known to go but you should get some warning.

* Club Members can access all previous editions online

[Topcat Tomcat]

Bearing in mind that my short term memory is shot (Luckily a side effect of Sepsis!), I seem to remember my mechanic saying that they're bulletproof, providing you change the coolant at regular intervals........I think!

[220 GSi turbo]

Bearing in mind that my short term memory is shot (Luckily a side effect of Sepsis!), I seem to remember my mechanic saying that they're bulletproof, providing you change the coolant at regular intervals........I think!

Yes, coolant changes are paramount. Many HG failures on aluminium engines start as a result of the waterways corroding because the old coolant has lost its ability to inhibit corrosion.

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Use a quality engine oil & filter every 6000 miles and generally keep every thing serviced and the engine goes on & on.

There is a recored incident on here of a high miler still going and one of the drive shafts suffering a stress failure of the damper!

[JEASPEKE]

My 216GTi is at 138,000 miles with Honda D16A9 engine
Head has never been off, drives like a dream
Change of oil/filter and coolant regularly, cam belt changed, air cleaner too, new plugs, new thermostat
Use Magnatec oil it seems to work, same oil changed in gearbox every year

[GTiJohn]

Use a quality engine oil & filter every 6000 miles and generally keep every thing serviced and the engine goes on & on.

One of the Rover Durability Engineers recommended an oil and filter change every 3,000 miles but while that would obviously be beneficial, seem a bit excessive for normal usage. Perhaps if it was all short, urban journeys it would be a good idea...

[Plodder]

I have 144,000 on my 416 and its still going strong despite a few years of neglect.
The cylinder head has never been removed but its a job I will probably do in the next couple of years
Lets hope I’m not going to regret making that statement

[Tim_Hinchliffe]

Thanks, everyone. That settles it, I'm going to clean it!

A couple of niggles, for another thread, and meanwhile I'll post a photo or two.