Honda Element Engine Replacement and Restoration (Part 2)

[@mattfoley6082]

Hi Eric, I'm trying to figure out why your videos are so satisfying. Several things come to mind. a) you speak clearly, b) you don't talk too much (like so many youtubers who love the sound of their own voice), c) you explain things well, d) no annoying stupid music, e) you are calm, thoughtful, meticulous, thorough, f) you always figure out a way to deal with unexpected problems, g) you obviously enjoy what you do and are good at it, h) I get vicarious satisfaction when you fix things because I lack your skills and experience and tools, i) we both love Elements! Keep up the good work!

[@matthewlee913]

I've literally only changed brakes a couple times but I thoroughly enjoy watching these full teardown and replace videos.

[@junkname9983]

he makes it look simple, gave me a lot of confidence that I can do a lot of it myself and I did. I'm still not going to do a transmission or engine swap but I can do belts, hoses, pumps, suspension, brakes, some electrical work and all my routine maintenance now.

[@flynnblaine3955]

dont know if you guys gives a shit but if you're bored like me during the covid times you can stream all the latest movies on Instaflixxer. Been binge watching with my girlfriend recently :)

[@garrettluis3960]

@Flynn Blaine yea, have been watching on Instaflixxer for months myself :)

[@TheKitsuneDragonLostsouled]

ill tell u it ant that bad doing R@R on engines and transmsions iv doen a few my self jsut take your time and doubble check yourself as u go along and read manuels if your new or unser abotu something

[@barryf5479]

It blows me away that such a complicated job with so many variables of "what could go wrong" ends up starting up right away. Pure beauty! You know your stuff and then some. Great job!

[@alward9901]

Hi Eric . I got a chuckle when you found the thread chaser . Many times as I’m much older I go to my tool store room and it’s like Christmas . I Go wow I forgot I had that . So run to my wife , look what I found . And she ( oh yeah ) I have to share the joy alone . You will find Eric as you get older it happens a lot more .

[@ericthecarguy]

Oh, it's happening.

[@markwarren7959]

Just did a valve lash on my Civic after watching an ETCG video. Sounds a whole lot better. Now just have to rip it all apart again to get the front main seal to stop leaking...like a sieve.

[@ericthecarguy]

Do the oil pan gasket first. Many times it's the oil pan gasket and not the front seal.

[@markwarren7959]

@@ericthecarguy I replaced that a year ago and was drip free. I did a new clutch and replaced rear main seal about two weeks ago. I feel like a seesaw is at work in my oil pan. Didn't touch the front of the engine at all then a small drip started. It's not a hard job just tired of pulling all the belts and such off.

[@abiel.rodriguez]

I want to congratulate you for this video format. Years ago, you had longer videos with every single bolt removals but its not necessary, you are sumarizing with time lapses. Very nice

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks.

[@Maestrodeluniverso]

Thanks is so much for the effort that you put to create such a high quality video. I am an immigrant and I am learning not only mechanics but also English with you.

[@JayTdub13]

Successful heart transplant! Nice! I felt this way after I completed the timing belt and water pump on my 03 Tundra. I'm just a DIYer.

[@smcic]

It’s a good feeling when you fix something and it actually works 👍

[@atm9566]

You don't really have a choice when ur a mechanic.

[@anglegrinder4630]

Fr ,on my mdx I disassembled the whole engine to get to knock n harness and said hey maybe I can take my covers off and do a valve adjustment,now I I just gotta wait for my plug seals,it had brand new fel pro blues but they didn't touch the valve lashes,EVERY SINGLE VALVE was tight,like no entry,so I'm hoping my 'click' issue is fixed,if not,timing belt

[@firstlast---]

That is the smoothest running k series I have ever heard

[@haqitman]

Eric these videos are like mental comfort food. Thanks so much for doing them, please keep them coming.

[@marsmediapro]

What a great journey this has been. My '04 E is so quiet at a stop, I sometimes get confused as to whether it's running. Your videos are second to none! Thanks, Eric!!

[@aigoru8718]

The old timey piano goes soooo good with this! Great job!!

[@cbrown17982010]

Nothin better than an engine swap at 10:20 in the morning, on a Friday even 🤙🙌

[@susanpranica5474]

You blow me away. How can removing an engine be so engaging!

[@digitalrailroader]

Glad to see that the engine transplant was a rousing success! I foresee that it is going to give you years of reliable service!

[@12namleht]

I am also impressed with your luck on getting exhaust headers off...

[@45AMT]

I've used a few JDM K series for swaps to replace tired or neglected engines. They're fantastic. Never had an issue. They're as close to new as a used engine can be.

[@recoilsilverclaws]

Found this video as im looking to ether rebuild mine or possibly get a JDM to replace it but am a little worried as to what the better route is to go. Is it really this simple? lol

[@aclegg10]

Eric- you’ve literally taught me so much I can’t begin to explain my gratitude. Having a 2000 em1 and 3 Elements; I have greatly depended on the information in your videos. Thank you sir.

[@MrEyad1990]

Nothing better that watching Eric swapping engines while fasting for Ramadan.

[@foellerd]

😂🤘

[@OsamahBhutta]

Sameee

[@samiwasti8400]

Does not get better

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

Ramadan? Is that a new kind of diet?

[@samiwasti8400]

@@Peter_Riis_DK yes

[@zoidberg444]

Great work Eric - she might well live to see 30 years on the road after all this work. I wish Honda had sold these in the UK. With the 5 speed and the 2.2 diesel these would be brilliant. I would probably drive one...

[@The_Impulse]

If you do this more, I use one of those wood furniture dollys from harbor freight to support and roll the engine around when I drop it out the bottom. Haven’t needed the use of a crane since I started pulling them out from the bottom.

[@stephenrcrane92]

I will have to keep this in mind!

[@delmarrathbone7092]

I do the same thing. With a couple of 8x8s sitting on top of the dolly, one under the transmission and one under the oil pan.

[@jeffi854]

I wish you lived closer to where I do Eric because you’re about the only person I’d allow to wrench on my Element . Like you I love my 2009 Honda Element . Haven’t had to do a thing to it but change out the starter and brake pads. All I’ve ever owned has been Hondas because of there reliability and resale value. Of course I don’t even start thinking about selling them until they’ve hit 300,000 miles on them. I sold my 95 Honda Accord that had over 300,000 miles on it and it still didn’t use or drip a drop of motor oil at anyplace on that motor and would still do 120 mph and believe it or not when I sold it everything on that old Accord still worked and everything inside of the engine bay/ doghouse was all OEM and nothing had ever been replaced. The starter , Alternator and A/C all still OEM . The only thing I hated about that 95 was changing the timing belt and water pump every 90,000 miles. Thanks for sharing what you do Eric I really have learned a lot .

[@Denver1976Man]

lol. Glad you liked that E. I bought 1 that sat 5 years and just finished it to take camping the 4th of July. Thanks Eric!

[@imdawolfman2698]

Thanks, I was planning on checking out an '05, 2WD, 4sp. auto with 267,000 mi. Element @$2500 this week, and you'd given me a lot of points to inspect, here and in your other videos. Unfortunately, or more likely fortunately, you've put me off going to check out this wonderful SUV. It's elemental, my dear carguy: Undoubtedly this 16 year old (even well maintained) Element will need some work within a few years, and it's much more difficult (and expensive) to work on than the '70s VWs and '80s Toyotas I'm confident working on. Plus, I don't have access to such a wonderful shop as yours, or the wealth to pay a shop; And most importantly, my technical skills don't hold a candle (drop light?) to yours. My 5 years of shop experience (30 years ago) at least taught me that much. It could have been a disaster. So, unless I'm visited by a convincing Angel overnight I think I'll have to pass on the 5 hour round trip to see this Element. :( Thanks again (But, I feel like I just learned the last puppy of the litter I was going to see tomorrow had already been adopted).

[@solarfinder]

Bud, other than watching your work for a long time, the way you keep your shop tells a ton about the type of work you do. So impressive bud!!

[@canuckfixit7722]

12:02 based on recent direct experience removing the transmission from my '05 Element, occasionally you get thread damage from corrosion that sets in on bolts that "daylight" through the transmission housing. The damage occurs during removal and cannot be avoided since you have to remove the bolt. Best to use a thread chaser kit or a same-size metric tap and die set to repair the inside threads and the threads on the bolt before reassembly as you did.

[@Rockardo_]

I love theses videos, I find them very therapeutic and also nice to see eric going back to his roots

[@JasonSimonSmith]

Eric - I can't thank you enough. Really enjoy and appreciate your videos. Thank you again for filming and sharing them. About a year ago, had an R56 MCS [insert great car/terrible car comment here] - and your content really saved my a$$ so I could do the work myself. Now I have a '03 EX/AWD/MT Element - AND AGAIN ! - what you share means A LOT to me. Wow that engine bay LOOKS GREAT ! WELL DONE MAN ! .. also diggin the khaki color, and jeepers, I'd keep that Element healthy too with how solid the undercarriage looks. Cheers ! Rock on.

[@wildbill23c]

That Element looks pretty good, was worth giving it a new life and many more years of use for you for sure. Those Elements are growing on me, used to hate them just by looks alone, but after watching several of your videos they seem like a pretty practical vehicle, somewhat of a downsized van maybe.

[@VBshredder]

I like the backing up demo @36:50 . Even after getting used to backup cameras, i've found that nothing feels more in control and comfortable than the old right hand around the passenger seat. It just works, and is the way I taught my daughter to do it.

[@bobbyrios2k223]

Shes alive!! Awesome video.. its such a great feeling after doing a big job like this and everything works!

[@defne_ben]

Happy to see, that one came out flawless Nice job. Japanese mechanic live forever

[@canuckfixit7722]

Real nice! 35:18 SRS light is probably the driver's seat belt buckle micro switch is dirty.

[@themusiclab2621]

Man I've been watching his ass for at least 10 years maybe more & always saving my ass when it comes to Hondas, best mechanic around

[@capturedbyhisdesign8656]

This is mesmerizing...I like working on cars but don't have the right tools to make it look like as much "fun" as you.

[@brianaustin1328]

Not only did Eric do a great job on that engine swap, he also plays a mean piano!

[@labradormcgraw]

I actually watched this video from start to finish in one viewing. I usually don't have the patience for that - it must have been a great vid! Still the best on KZbin. 🚗🚘

[@ericthecarguy]

Hight complements indeed. Attention is a hard thing to come by these days.

[@labradormcgraw]

@@ericthecarguy So true.

[@yourface8698]

Eric kicking ass on the wild side as always

[@stephenrcrane92]

Everyone is different but I dig the classical music with the video sped up!

[@jamram9924]

Has a “Silence of the Lambs” flavor to it....😀

[@yafois988]

Watching and learning from your experiences such as the timing belt replacement procedure, on my a 91 Accord you have was very Helpful in this course of my car ownership. The best few bucks I ever spent for a world of knowledge, all done very professional and proper. When I win the lottery, I will visit and give you few days of shop general labor assistant help and buy lunch too.

[@timeforsmalltownlivin]

I greatly appreciate the time you take to show all the steps - including the challenges that you have when working on the vehicles!

[@jdm_mike91_90]

I've learned and so much about from Honda's from you Eric and I got my love of Honda's from you!! Thank you keep up the good work #Hondagod

[@user-sv7cb6so1d]

My Very good friend installed my import Exactly the same way, super clean inside, excellent compression on all 4 Cyl . The previous owner of the car didn't understand the need to change there oil ..... CHANGE THE G.D. OIL peoples its 30$ .. :P

[@snowbirdoregon]

Thank you for this vid. I do wish you showed pulling it from the top as 99% of us do not have lifts. As a do it yourself youtube guy you may consider making one as we all want to see it come out the top!

[@melodicdreamer72]

You're making me want one of those Elements. Tons of space and seems like a fun vehicle to go from A to B in.

[@dominicfong6341]

4:35 That exhaust manifold heatshield looks like a perfect fit for E.T.

[@Oblithian]

Well Spotted

[@kevsautoadventures6003]

I love my element!! I watched one of your videos years ago on installing the fog lights. Great video.

[@grannyflatgarage7599]

Really impressed with this video/project Eric! I love that you've got a niche, fairly cheap type of vehicle that you obviously adore and you're playing around with it. I love the idea of practice restoration as well, I think it's really underrated and like you said it's a great way to make you aware of what will be required when you do your full resto! Keep it up!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@Helio4k]

Always a pleasure to see you perform this magnificent symphony :) Keep up the great work.

[@warrenzevonsangryghost6055]

Heads up...if ya got a something in the undercarriage that you'd like to preserve, shoot it with some Slip-Plate (basically a graphite paint). Works good on exhaust parts too and electrical connections that are in places where corrosion is likely (it's conductive and hydrophobic).

[@JasonSimonSmith]

I feel Fluid Film is another good preservative product..

[@warrenzevonsangryghost6055]

@@JasonSimonSmith It has its uses, but Slip-Plate can protect exhaust parts as well, including keeping cast iron manifolds looking nice. And it doesn't wash off.

[@Watchman999]

You make it look easy which is dangerous because I start believing that if you can do it, I can do it. :)

[@ericthecarguy]

You can do it.

[@alexlowry952]

Suspension replacement? Engine replacement? All good Eric. I'm enjoying the hell out of your videos.

[@bullseyestrat]

Nicee love the Honda 2.4. My older brother has had a couple Accords with that engine. Solid as a rock and very reliable

[@onefixitman]

That is a big bundle of wires and tubes. Great job.

[@mrc4810]

Good video. Potential to be one of the big five HowTo-videos.

[@robertwhitworth8352]

Drove an 09 for 7 years and loved it. Started tapping so took it in for what I thought would be valves. Dealership sent me the video of scored piston cylinders and told me new engine and 6k+. Only had 68k and I took immaculate care of it. Synthetic and all routine maintenance done. I was the second owner and only had 23k on the ODO when I purchased it. Problem must have resulted from original owner. Traded it in on a newer vehicle but here I am watching these E videos desperately wanting another one. Seems like they all have high mileage now and the few low mileage ones I'm lucky enough to find are commanding serious bank. What to do? Maybe buy one of these high mileage ones and learn how to engine swap like Eric?!

[@edwardgreenjr167]

Loving these videos. And yes, I learned the hard way when changing out my starter which way was easier. Really curious about the AC. I have another lawn ornament that has a similar issue with the AC wanting to stall out the car, and haven't gotten around to it yet.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Super Clean valve train in that new motor nice Eric @15:10 @EricTheCarGuy

[@jeffr0]

Eric: "forgot I took my safety glasses off for a second" Dr. Evil: rrrrright...

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

That engine really sounded good from the get go. Good job, man. 👍

[@silasmarner7586]

That subframe is lookin' gooooooood!

[@JasonSimonSmith]

Yeah it is ! Wow !

[@tqmx1]

It's nice to have a polish blueprint when you are putting something back together !

[@theorycreative]

I need a few pieces of the old engine, doh! Loving this swap.

[@PirateMTH_ToddH]

Another great video. And huge leap toward an awesome Element. I really enjoyed this. Thanks!

[@sikhswim]

Amazing work. Most engaging content on KZbin right here

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Great job Eric all your hard work paid off always enjoy watching your videos I am from South Africa thank you for sharing

[@ericthecarguy]

Always great to see you. Thanks for the comment.

[@90Rex]

I counted how many times you mentioned taking off the valve cover and drizzling oil over the valvetrain and it was three! I guess good advice bears repeating!

[@ericthecarguy]

I also shot this video over a couple of days. It's hard to remember if you said something the day before. Thanks for the comment.

[@90Rex]

@@ericthecarguy Oh I'm aware! I meant it more as a joke because you said you didn't know if you'd mentioned it already. definitely how I do it too. I imagine I'm dressing a salad with oil when I pour the sweet 10w40 all over the cams

[@Bigudey]

The music in the time-lapse isn't added in its actually playing in Eric's shop, he cranks it up so loudly you can't even hear his tools🤣🤣🤣

[@zx8401ztv]

Well done, it sounds like a brand new engine. You are still a professional honda tech, A1 job :-D And even elvis right at the end was happy lol.

[@ericthecarguy]

I'm very happy with how it turned out. I hope this work holds up for years to come. Always nice to see you in the comments.

[@spacecat7247]

Your impact gun reminds me of RoboCop's servos. Anyhow. I'm enjoying the videos. I got an engine out of Japan years ago and put it in an 80 Accord. Familiar and cool to watch again, in a way. Love those elements. Owned an 06 awd and an 07 SC.

[@ronwatson4902]

I'm happy it turned out well. You worked your butt off on that goobermobile.

[@hondatrix]

Tip for you Eric, when you leave a car on the lift after removing the motor/trans or both, mark the floor where you drop it so you have correct positioning for installation...speeds things up.

[@hatchbackhound]

I have a small group of honda element workmates. all have had to replace condensers. Wish my 08 AWD was manual. But at 11 years of ownership and 40k miles, I can't complain. Wish it had more power..

[@ericthecarguy]

The manual trans does make it a lot more responsive.

[@MrRockstar1968]

Good job glad to see the Honda Element project is going well. I usually make a wooden frame to sit the engine in which keeps it sitting level and then have that on a flat board on top of an engine trolly jack, it saves on needing to put strap bolts in the engine. Been wondering did the police ever catch whoever stole your catalytic convertor?

[@craigiefconcert6493]

Eric you’re awesome!! You da man for buying and fixing up all these elements. I’d love to get one but my 99 CRV is lasting and lasting. I’m tackling changing the timing belt and I just changed all the fluids and flushed the coolant. The top end is quite clicky. I can’t tell if it’s valve train of pulleys. I’ll check the pulleys when i do the belts. I’ll also do the valve lash. I expect it’s because I haven’t done the valve lash ever.

[@dozerman53111]

Really liked this video. Your attention to detail is great. I would defiantly buy a used vehicle from you !!! Thanks and stay safe.

[@rickpalechuk4411]

Great little series Eric Thanks for sharing Cheers

[@MJorgy5]

I was going to ask if the Elwments had the same A/C gremlins as the 2nd Gen CR-V's and, well.. This was super interesting to watch and excellent editing to condense it into such a short video without skipping much detail. Nicely done! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@z98133]

Awesome work. Watched both. You're very skilled and organized. I am not. I am not a mechanic. I replaced the alternator on my 2006 Element and the majority of my words during the process rhymed with witch.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I like the wheel slides you have on the wheels of the cart @EricTheCarGuy

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice work on getting everything re installed engine check transmission check ✔ ac compressor and brakes next not bad for several days of work @EricTheCarGuy

[@patrickmoodabe9728]

Great job Eric! A nice mixture of replace & update! Can feel your pleasure. Shame about a/c. 🤙🤙🤙

[@Mrunal2Raw]

Coming to this video after watching a video of some young guy picking up gold diggers in his new challenger and telling then the HP and the torque that was on the window tag when his daddy probably paid for his car(I had to comment that a civic built in a garage can smoke his ass haha). And in this video Eric replacing the toasted engine is so satisfying :)

[@kve7771]

Two sturdy milk crates, one under the engine, one under the trans, is how I've done Honda engine jobs for years. They slide on the floor well for positioning and have some give if things get too tight.

[@AthenaSaints]

28:31, I enjoy the classic piano music, instead of some other type of music, while working on automobiles.

[@isalmankhan1]

Definitely enjoyed it Eric👍 Thanks for sharing & Stay Safe👍

[@oransands]

Reminds me of rebuilding my engines spread out on the garage floor, on a blanket.

[@samprohim5387]

this was a lot of fun to watch. love your channel

[@jimsmith4412]

Great Job Eric! You're an ACE!!

[@clintsearcy3252]

Great stuff! I'm in the middle of restoring a 2003 element. These are some really cool and quirky little cars. After long consideration I'm paying a guy to install a junkyard transmission since the 4th and 5th gear in my original one died. Did you install new output seal on the trans?

[@jdhern9078]

Good job Erik ... Love the music fits you well

[@MrCuckoobox]

Thanks for Sharing......Awesome....Runs Great! Almost like Brand New.....Hopefully, the AC issues will just be a Fuse or some contacts/wire that are lose, disconnected or need to be cleaned......something simple.

[@jimwinchester339]

Nice work. Surprised you didn't have a 12x1.25 tap (considering all your work on Hondas). Even weekend-warrior me has a 12x1.25 tap (+ x1.50 & 1.75). Great tip on the pilot bushings regarding automatic vs. manual.

[@CarsRestored]

Me: No way he can restore this EricTheCarGuy: Hold my tools

[@sethholston6128]

Geez Eric The Carguy save some elements for the rest of us. Just kidding. Great videos!

[@yasmanibarajas7278]

I've always wondered about luk clutches cause that's what is in my car, I'm in mexico and wasn't sure if it really is a good brand but now I know. ERIC approves so I'm happy.

[@monsterq6]

You do great work Eric!!

[@emiledaudet5255]

you basically built a car. Master level work

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

Such a sweet car deserves a new life