Will This Acura RL Drive After Sitting for 2 Years?

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

For sale, Honda car, well serviced, once. Cleaned twice, driven on salty roads daily. Comfortable dog kennel. Uses a little power steering fluid. Sports exhaust.

[@ryans413]

William Stewart Just needs a serpentine belt

[@frankrodriguez1981]

Gently used. Unique smell and lots of leg room under steering wheel. Fun car.

[@zacharyhassan6352]

If you ever fixed this thing up, I'd watch every episode.

[@ryans413]

Zachary Hassan Not worth fixing for him but someone else maybe

[@Junkyard-Restorations]

@@ryans413 the vigor wasnt worth fixing but it still makes good content

[@chubinodo3]

x2

[@bleachstain9785]

Damn I should’ve started recording when I started re-doing my whole RL

[@rollerdragon]

perfect '24hr of lemons' race car!

[@bleachstain9785]

Stripped down, maybe. They’re absolute tanks and torquey as all get out.

[@dropinbiking92]

It better, I'm expecting maybe a stuck caliper or two, maybe some sticky throttle or a lazy transmission, but nothing an hour or two on the lift, some fresh gas, and a shake down won't fix

[@Chubbycat747]

For cars I don't drive very often, I put a plastic tarp on the ground and stake the corner and sides down and store the car on top of that. If you want to protect the tarp from the UV light, put some old carpet over it.

[@jasonyoung6420]

Those tire inflation time lapse segments, I didn't know how enjoyable they could be until you showed them to me.

[@DMAN22yeah]

That thing reminds me a lot of my friends 98 es300, sounds exactly the same and even leaks power steering fluid too. I love the way late 90s sedans look.

[@888johnmac]

this could be a new series, every 2 years we co back to the Acura .. will it start ?? what has dissolved ??

[@ryans413]

Just realized he drove it without the serpentine belt so no water pump. He didn’t drive it long but any longer that engine would overheat quick

[@redrigbythesunconure1259]

@@ryans413 the water pump is with the timing belt not serpentine belt. Unless the timing belt breaks it's still going to have water flow

[@bdrift107]

Reminds me of the "cars not loved" video.

[@5LVenomGT]

Car sounds amazing considering

[@darius2640]

fun fact: in europe this is called honda legend

[@bobmarker6812]

Amazing how well the floor pans look.

[@macgroober1396]

I don't blame you Eric. The Integra Type R needs your hairy, loving hands right now. *Old Spice Whistle*

[@dmwtech4495]

Thanks Eric, this made me smile. this made me remember my earlier years in this business. people used to bring crap like this in and wanted the cheapest repairs to get it road worthy, and then complain we were quoting too much. :)

[@samuelnoble7291]

Eric, thanks for the videos. A bad day at work, come home and your videos always help keep the mind on other things. Also, I've learned a few things over the years watching your videos, so thankyou

[@ETCG1]

I'm happy to help. Thanks for that comment. Made MY day.

[@samuelnoble7291]

Also, Dads truck series was awesome!

[@JRM-VSR]

Yes! An ETCG1 video ... actually on my birthday! Thanks Eric!

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@SmittySmithsonite]

You got a Hennessy cake, too! I'd like a slice .. or 5, please ...😏

[@lonwillis783]

Eric stay safe during these troubling times. Hey that car is not that bad. Thank you.

[@KenLyns]

"Stay dirty" literally

[@mikeadams2677]

I got a laugh out of this video. In the previous video on this car I remember you talking about how bad is the smell because of a dog, that just you got the car to move, KZbin starting an advertisement saying, "Traffic pollution is more dangerous than you think...".Lol

[@GlycerinZ]

I like this channel more than your main channel.. been enjoying this one since 2014

[@zx8401ztv]

Well it still moved, it did more than i expected lol. Semi locked brakes are no supprise, but you didn't have to take the disks off with a hammer due to solid rust. Love the custom air gap exhaust system :-D.

[@MariuszChr]

Yeah, even my new car has break stick if I wash a car and leave it in garage for a weekend.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Eric the Ken Block guy, nice bit of wheel work in the car park there Ezza.

[@canuckfixit7722]

Yesssssss! Today IS my birthday! Hope to see more videos on the Element.

[@josesalinas6710]

The RL looks great to this day they don’t make good cars like this anymore TANKS

[@DanaHarripersad3350]

As I recall, Eric - you got that car for one (obscure and pricey) part that needed replacing on another RL you were working on at the time; something to do with steering wheel controls, I think, or maybe memory seats. Gate aside - this RL has served its purpose as a parts car... I felt the weirdness through the screen, alright. Thanks for these last couple vids in particular... dog smell isn’t an easy smell to handle in that kinda mess.

[@Tedybear315]

Yep... But we gots ya beat! Wife and I are almost ready to put a 1988 Thunderbird Turbocoupe back on the road. Took a long time of redoing the head, gaskets, hoses, belts....and a &hit load of mouse nest activity. It's a labor or love...or insanity.

[@MotorScotti]

I wouldn't mind see you restore this car, I'd watch every episode! The only thing that would put me off fixing this is body and paint work. That's often more work than it appears to be at first glance.

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Some say that a gate is too valuable for that car.

[@ChazzCoombes]

that would make for a brilliant project car for someone to do up, keep safe Eric

[@AK-tu3bm]

Please more videos like this! Love the Acura and Honda content!

[@yasmanibarajas7278]

Yes, thank you for the video and your input. Free car that runs? I really wish I could take it but live in a different country. I look forward to the next video Eric.

[@GrandHuevotes]

i remember seeing these brand new in the dealer as a kid. test driving these with my mom. these were super exotic (seemingly) and super expensive. the navigation system was out of this world. very strange to see them in this condition now. i remember dealers had very few of these in stock cause they were so hot. like the TLs of the time

[@adamb5160]

Looks like the perfect nugget for Marty and Moog tbh

[@kristofferr5928]

Repair series!

[@toddmann4395]

I picked up a 91 honda prelude si (non 4ws) that sat for a long time but had about 130k miles on it. The owner had dealt with some engine issues, rebuilt the head, but reached a point where he just couldn't proceed. So it sat I estimate for about 2 years such as ETCG1's Acura. It sat in vegetation (high grass) and under large trees. I bought it, brought it home and yeah it had alot of algae stuck on, grass that grew into the quarter panels, some signs of (minor) varmint intrusion and very rusty exhaust. Even found a black widow spider hiding out under the exhaust shielding. The suspension showcased bad ball joints, split cv axle boots that spewed all over the inside of some 17 " beat up rims with sketchy tires. The engine required some clean up, but the previous owner kept it fairly clean (so much work on it). The worst part, was the electrical. wires just falling apart. The more you messed with something, the worse it got. Despite all this, the body and interior was in pretty good shape. Today, i do (after several engine flushes and dropping the pan) have the engine running and am rebuilding the suspension. I even removed and rebuilt the frozen sunroof which now works perfectly. After i finish suspension rebuild and get a new fuel pump sock and fuel filter, i anticipate this vehicle will run. I took all the carpet out so it might not be so comfy. I found that a little watered down bleach removed the algae very well, being careful not to bleach any interior color...staying dirty, thanks ETCG!

[@da9teg285]

I've actually been looking to pick one of these up as a daily. I love older Japanese luxury sedans. Also, if you bet against a Honda being able to start, be ready to lose some money lol🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@photilal1960]

I had a beautiful 02 with 140k I picked up for 2500 valve cover gaskets were shot but the car ran absolutely beautiful, stunning pearl white paint over tan leather not a wrinkle in it and smelled amazing. Had every single book and paperwork for it, sold it for $4k

[@da9teg285]

@@photilal1960 2500? that's a steal and a half

[@kmm-studioz8161]

Something satisfying about retro hondas in use after hibernating.

[@jamespn]

Needs $5,000 of repair work for a car worth $800 after you repair it.

[@16v15]

Dealer does all your work, eh?

[@jamespn]

16V Somethings I do myself, the big stuff and I let the pros do it. I figure a steering rack, struts at each corner, rotors, pads and calipers, timing belt, water pump, plugs, coils, tires, brake flush, coolant and transmission drain and fill, hoses, belts, idler pulleys, cv shafts, interior detail, exterior rust and paint correction, you’re looking at an easy $5,000 bill not including any cracked glass, shorted electrics etc, not to mention any exhaust or suspension work and alignment.

[@josesalinas6710]

James Nasto I’m so glad I work on my own cars I couldn’t imagine paying those ridiculous prices

[@16v15]

@@jamespn, That's a pretty simple list, if you can change oil etc., you can master struts, rack, pads, and such. That's about 1K of decent quality parts, btw.

[@averyalexander2303]

But they aren't making any more of those and they are getting rarer and rarer by the day. Once they're gone they're gone for good.

[@bush1212a]

Wagon Queen Family Acura is damn fine automobile---You think you may hate now, wait until you get in and drive it!

[@MaverickandStuff]

Im dealing with that with my ranger. It sat for 2 years driving maybe every 6 months and then I decided to get new tires and start driving it for work and spun a bearing (it was at 270k) sat another 2 years before I swapped the motor. Now the rear spring shackle is rusted out and all the shocks are done. Someday I will fix it up some more. Want to upgrade the brakes, lower it a little, and replace the bumpers hood and tailgate.

[@matthewshambler2644]

Will it start? Yes Will it drive? Yes Now.. give it a “disaster detail” 🤣 Take it easy Eric!

[@methanial73]

My first reliable vehicle was a 1964 dodge 3/4 ton pu. 318 wideblock or as some may know a poly. I put gas in it and a battery and drove it off. I'm not sure how long it sat, but it was free and I drove it for years until I got into an accident and couldn't afford to get it out of impound. It actually ran still and it destroyed a new Lincoln while I only had a bent bumper that I didn't have the means to bend back.

[@bluebearbank247]

the way you close the hood at 3:26 shows that you've worked at a major dealership before (I know you didn't want it to be fully closed, but there is a difference)

[@micolivares1]

When ever you're ready to let it go I would love to pick it up and make it driveable.

[@tylerdunnam1813]

Try putting a breaker bar on the alternator and rocking it until it frees up, I’ve done it before and it worked flawlessly

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good video good to see it runs and drives

[@RRtradestar]

Reader Honda calipers have a knack for seizing up. Luckily most of the time it's just the pins, but that one front caliper at least it's pretty shot.

[@haleysdad2004]

What is the plan for this car? Continued freelance work as a gate?

[@ETCG1]

Please watch the entire video. Thanks.

[@sharmaLlama]

Even more impressed with Honda engineering and manufacturing...😲...first it starts, and it drives..!!

[@TerminusOmega13]

My 04 Grand Am has been sitting in my driveway for five years now, the front end has been held up by the same two jack stands that whole time. I finally will have the time, money and plan this summer to get to full work on restoring and rebuilding the car. I've done some work over the years, but time and money were never on my side. To those of you who say why bother, it's because this car is special to me. It's not about resale or collector's value, it's about sentiment. I bought this car when I was 21, it was my first car. I grew up in poverty, my folks barely making enough for basic needs, especially after my mom died. I scrimped and saved for this car right after I got my license (couldn't afford driving school as a teen and you're required to take in Ohio if you want your license before 18) and I paid for this car with my own money. I was working minimum wage and attending school when I bought it, so I could never afford repairs and had to do them myself. I learned on this car how to fix cars and so when it went down five years ago, I swore I would restore it and make it run again. That car started my escape from poverty and every day I have it is a reminder of what my hard work brought me.

[@ryans413]

TerminusOmega13 I daily drive one today 2004 Pontiac Grand Am 3.4 V6 it’s not the most perfect car out there and has its fair share of weird things happen to it but 90% of the time it works properly and it’s good enough for me been slowly fixing it up it’ll never be perfect but it’s been a good car

[@Maybe1Someday]

I was entertained. I hate when people see one stuck tire an then think its a good idea to spend an hour taking the tire off and hitting the thing with a hammer. I like what you did.

[@GilZu]

Fantastic video

[@johnmorgan7262]

I think you should restore it to as new(ish) and sell it. A challenge to say the least. Totally makes no sense but that is the point.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I have that same Milwaukee air compressor love mine as well

[@A2dy]

Eric: I give (this video) to you...The People!

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

That particular Honda will head Erics advise "Stay dirty"

[@midnightmystery544]

LMAO! Right?

[@GilZu]

Stay sticky

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video Eric

[@norbertoelizalde6048]

Today is my birthday! Thanks big dawg 😁 Free toolbox would be a great gift cough cough cough

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Yesssssssssssss. Japanese quality

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

@AliasSLH In fairness, Eric did replace the charge in the battery, and the air in the tyres. Made in Japan sure means something to me.

[@rivalstorm120]

I bought my rl from a junkyard for 1200, just needed a battery. Nothing was stuck just the paint is faded. Drove 5k miles the first month and im still driving it today! Yeah paid way more than I should have but oh well

[@isalmankhan1]

Thanks for sharing Eric👍 You're very kind Bro, giving away your car's👍 It's a great project car😉 Stay safe Bro❤

[@williamsacs7389]

Surprising how clean it is underneath considering

[@michaelcowan6254]

I should had done a video on my 1995 oldsmobile cutlass ciera. It has been sitting for 8 years out in the elements. All the tires were buried up to the wheels. Took about 5 tries, but it started. I let it warm up and then rocked it back and forth to get it unstuck. Then dove it up and down the street. No problems, except the radiator fans were not coming on. Had to replace the fan temperature sensor. Now they work. Added a can of freon and the air conditioner works. Going to give the car to my nephew. Who needs a work car.

[@charlesputt8588]

See if Stauffer Garage will make a house call to clean it. I bet you'd have a different opinion once it was cleaned up. But if you're not up for that, I get it. I'm also eagerly awaiting vids on that Odyssey. That family that was with us at Carlisle last summer is in love with our van and would love to have an Odyssey of their own. Possible fix-up and giveaway? Got my vote.

[@ETCG1]

At best, this car is worth $1500 fixed up and cleaned, and that's being very generous. After replacing the PS rack, tires, brakes, exhaust, and service, you'd be well over that number and you'd still have an engine that ticks and a transmission that shifts questionably. In my view, this car is exactly where it needs to be before it's inevitable demise. As for the van, that's already slated as a Fixing it Forward project. I plan to start shooting that as soon as I figure out what's happening with this years car show schedule. Thanks for your comment.

[@jeffrobertson7279]

Maybe try putting a breaker bar on the alternator & you may break it free??

[@ETCG1]

It just has to move 5ft in either direction to be a gate. The battery will work just fine for that.

[@midnightmystery544]

You're getting braver with this car!

[@ESMARSALAZAR]

Thank you ERICK...

[@dropinbiking92]

Nice peel! She eats pretty good.

[@SWMOWZ]

love to see you repair and sale this car my friend

[@ScubaCat3]

Happy Birthday!

[@kenabi]

i'll admit, it turned out better than i thought it would be. some minor repairs and a good under detailing and its right as rain. some cars would be completely worthless after sitting for that long.

[@RexenPrime]

With a small fortune you could restore that car. Seriously, that would be an amazing project to watch you undertake...something i wouldnt mind doing myself if i had that small fortune i mentioned lol. It would need an extrwme power washing and cleaning.

[@wheelieking415]

AHHHH mate!!! Give that thing the love it deserves!!!! TWO TONE LTD????!!! Know it's rank inside, but cmon...

[@ETCG1]

I am giving it what it deserves, a proper burial when the time comes.

[@pedrofernandez8729]

That's a great project car.

[@zoefaith120]

Awesome, new ruts!

[@janetyeoman1544]

Empty ATF container likely used to fill power steering leaks. That’s what my Acura used.

[@GeometryWars]

Fun follow up!

[@HyperXprojects]

Question for you and maybe you can address in a video - is it important to place bolts in specific directions? For example - the head of the bolt is pointing to the front of the car and the nut to the rear - if you flip it - does it matter?

[@midnightmystery544]

That burnout was cool!

[@soldiersvejk2053]

Looking forward to your next video: how to change worn out suspension parts on a used car.

[@mrdylanjoseph]

Wish you wouldn’t have got rid of your intro music! Cool video!

[@ALAPINO]

Ooof, the compact 2.0Ah M12s don't do well over time if you use them in the compressor. Far too much draw. The 4.0Ah M12 batteries do great and seem to handle the draw well. IIRC, the manual calls for them as intended packs.

[@Dadzilla2]

Well I liked the cake, looked yummy. I never was much for cars layered in dog hair, and I do agree with you. Keep the gate car the way it is and use for what it is. A gate.

[@methanial73]

I got so excited I spilled my beer all over my keyboard. damn you Eric! lol

[@adammcintee4439]

At the beginning of the video I was thinking of a pay it forward repair series but after I seen underneath I agree just leave it

[@ETCG1]

That's what the mini van is for.

[@yalantyr25]

Possible Yuck Bucket Part 2 video? Cover it in the Mr Yuck decals like that one from way back when lol

[@ryleysmith3580]

I think it's the perfect gate, foam fill the tires so it can roll.

[@DevonDavies-p7f]

Did you have to replace the engine or transmission

[@santoshsookgrim2786]

This would be an awesome restoration series. Seeing how an abused Honda can be brought back to life

[@wagnis1]

Yikes, my 2000 has been sitting in my garage for 10 years. Still starts and looks new though. Hope to get her back on the road one day.

[@sc0tte1-416]

I hear ya but at least it's in a garage and protected

[@NickNakorn]

Funnily enough, most of those faults are just the sort of faults you want - not difficult to fix. Here in the UK with our winter salty roads, lots of coastline and wet weather we see so many old cars with perfect mechanical bits but a colander for a body. The outer sills (rockers) look bad and probably hide inner horrors. But I agree it's not a sensible repair. We love our Honda Preludes here and they are still cheap as chips.

[@ramonpagan695]

Hi Eric you should try to put something else as a gate.

[@ETCG1]

If it aint broke, don't fix it. Given this 'gate' moves on it's own, I consider it 'not broken'. Thanks for the comment.

[@backyardinventions]

Aye it’s my birthday today this is actually accurate 👉🏻

[@captmaverickable]

I really liked this generation of the RL. Only thing I didn’t like was the trans gearing. At 80 mph it’s spinning at 3500 rpm. Wasn’t great gas mileage.

[@robnation2475]

I agree 100%! It's much easier to drive when you don't have a loan on it ...because gas for the RL can mimic a car payment.

[@RacerJames76]

7:12 looks to be a big crack in the front sub frame on the drivers side?

[@ua7pyro591]

That's a plastic splash shield

[@marcosmota1094]

Half the fun is watching Eric laugh at his own corny jokes. Hi Eric!

[@LilSaint001100]

Worked in a Acura dealership and man that RL looks rough.

[@stangalucian331]

Just use pull-a-part parts. Even second hand tires.. Repair it on the cheap. Then give it away to someone who needs it as a "fixing it forward" reminder

[@Thanny2000]

I wouldnt give it away. It's more of a liability the anything else. Especially considering if the person who gets it doesnt have a lot of money to begin with. I doubt giving them a money pit would help their situation

[@ETCG1]

I wouldn't be doing the person I would give this car to a favor. In fact, just the opposite. These cars are expensive to fix and maintain when they are right. This car is very far from being right and not worth the effort. Thanks for your comment.

[@socalguy829]

@@ETCG1 you should definitely give this car to someone else. you don't have the right mindset for saving an old classic like this. if you think this is too difficult to maintain and fix then you cant be a very good mechanic

[@ETCG1]

@@socalguy829 This from someone with zero subscribers that isn't a mechanic. Also, I've covered this topic in the past. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4vZqGufl9qKpZo

[@danh2134]

@@Thanny2000 every car that needs work is a liability but no one gives any fuck . I bet that acura can make a trip across state lines and back

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

I now know why relatively newish cars sell for so cheap in Brittan, salt on the roads! We are fortunate in Australia not to have to drive on salt water. That poor Honda, despite its build quality has passed away. Apart from the wet rotton dog smell, the perfect gate.

[@socalguy829]

this Honda is perfectly able to be saved with a couple hundred $ of service parts and some bodywork

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

@@socalguy829 And a magic wand, to turn rust into metal. It needs more more work than it's worth. Or is that model worth a lot of money in America? But as gate, it can live on 😊

[@nopenottalib4366]

@@MrWilliam.Stewart "Worth" is a relative term. Perhaps not worth it to me or you ... but someone somewhere out there might find it worth it. Just saying.

[@Trance88]

I've seen videos of cars in worse condition being put back on the road with minimal restoration. Just needs a new alternator, belts, breakwork, put some new CV shafts in, and fix the power steering leak.

[@ETCG1]

Just the PS rack alone would exceed the value of the vehicle, not to mention the tires, alternator, and exhaust. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4vZqGufl9qKpZo

[@palillo2006]

So, just some axle boots, stabilizer links, brake job, and maybe steering rack if it gets any more worse.