My labour day DIY project: took my in not so great shape valve cover, cleaned/sanded/masked off, and then painted with VHT Crinkle Red spray paint.
Laid a little to much paint down in some spots, but overall I'm satisfied with the results. Needs a couple days to fully dry, will sand off the 'Honda' lettering on the weekend, and then install as long as the new gasket kit shows up.
Yesterday I replaced the front sway bar links and bushings (I had done the rear ones a couple of times but never the front ones) and also replaced the rear motor mount and the transmission mount. I still have the front and passenger side motor mounts to install, so those are on the slate for today.
valve cover looks good, FYI instead of using tape to cover items
you don't want painted, just give them a light coat of vaseline.
when the paint is completely dry just wipe that spot off with a rag.
I replaced the front engine mount today - bit of a pain to maneuver all the bolts but all in all an easy job that took maybe 45min. This one was definitely in the worst shape of the three engine/trans mounts I've replaced this weekend as it had a noticeable tear in the rubber. A quick test drive revealed the dreaded clunks and clutch shuddering are gone and everything feels much smoother. There's still some squeaking in the front occurring as I go over bumps so need to keep investigating...not really sure how to assess the condition of the struts (?). Otherwise I suspect control arm bushings but looks like that requires replacement of the entire arm, so that's a bit more involved.
I have a squeak also and thought it was the CA bushings. I have an '05 EX. I could see that they were bad so I replaced them. I also replaced the lower ball joint while I had it apart as the part was cheap and considered it preventive maintenance. Got it all back together and it's still squeaking. I next suspected it was the strut "top hat" (the strut mount assembly). I opened the hood, pushed up and down on the front end, and saw that, sure enough, that's where it's coming from. Some here have been able to get rid of the noise by straying the top with silicone. I tried that and, while reducing the noise, did not make it totally go away. I bought a set from Amazon (Moog) and hope to install them this weekend. I will report back when I do.
Took it to the local Honda mechanic and gave it a 60,000mi check-up. The night before i changed out the cabin filter and air filter myself. Brake and coolant fluids are good so my mechanic tells me. All total comes to around $285
Replaced the clutch electrical lockout switch. Not engaging every time. Took about fifteen minutes and $38. Now everything is fine. Hondas are so reliable. Got to love them - E's rock.
Replaced alternator today, finally crapped out with 316K on the clock...starter finally gave up the ghost at 310K. I'd say both are equal on the this kind of sucks replacing scale but not out of reach of the generally mechanically inclined.
Brand spanking new to the Element and this forum. And ordered to post at least one in exchange to view others pics! First project. I had an Ikea wooden crate/box in storage. $5 bucks. Wrapped a wood block in electrical tape and fastened it to the box. It inserts in the space between the cupholders to prevent the box from shifting around. Works well enough and still use cup holders. Flip lid upside down and utilize the lip to keep your schwag from sliding off of it.
Notice the cut-out to allow handbrake operation. The photos preview in the correct orientation on my PC, not sure why they are sideways posted here. Thanks for the greeting!
Just so you guys know, the notch is sufficient to allow full ebrake pull. Otherwise I would of cut it higher. Maybe your e-brake's are worn and pull much higher. I have 58K on mine. Enjoy your rides! Signing off.
This weekend I'll be adding a handle on the inside of the hatch to allow opening inside. I have the handle from the drivers side rear door of an E so should work great. Also got the cable and all the clips. Freebee from the wrecker!
New headlight bulb and cleaned out and repacked. I have too much stuff. I am still traveling! Just completed 3 months exploring the U.S. I spent a few months in CA with my sons apt in LA as a home base. YOSEMITE!
Now taking a break in Austin.
Drove back East after 4 months on the road. Started looking for an apartment, too cold to hotelement. I can regroup my life and get my stuff out of storage. I just want to turn around and go back out West, but need to rebuild my platform and plan my next adventure. Wish I knew people in CO or CA that want to explore and adventure with me. I had a great time visiting the vast West. Rocky Mountains, deserts, oceans, cities, wilderness. So hard to stay put now.
I hung a net up to the ceiling for some more storage! Going camping end of the year for the first time in the E so I want to get the ball rolling little by little
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