So Many Problems, What Should I Fix First?

[inblackwell]

Hey Everyone,
So I've had my new Insight home for a little under a week now. The car was terribly neglected but I didn't pay too much for it. It made it across the country in it's current state, but there is a lot wrong. I've made a list of all of the things that I think need to be addressed. I'm leaving a few big things off of this list (catalytic converter, O2 sensors) until I clear up some of the basics (EGR, spark plugs). I was hoping you might help me prioritize and/or suggest some other things I might look into. I've ordered the list based on importance, repair cost, and repair time. My plan is to start at the top and work my way down.

Here's what I got:

Check Tire Pressure
Reset Maintenance Light
Clean Interior
Shampoo Seats/Carpet/Doors
Replace Grounding Straps
Replace Air Filter
Replace Rear Motor Mount (50810-S3Y-J01)
Replace Catalytic Converter/Downpipe Vise Grip
Replace Key Fob
Replace Cabin Air Filter
Replace Wheel Skirt Bolt (74434-S3Y-013)
Replace Brake/Clutch Pedal Covers (46545-S3Y-003)
Replace Battery Ground Cable
Replace Spark Plugs(12291-PHM-A01)
Clean EGR Plate
Replace Front Brakes Pad/Rotors
Replace Serpentine Belt
Replace Idler Pulley (38942-PWA-004, Compatible NAPA Part # TEM 209766)

Repair Fuel Filler Door Release/Cable? (Outer Panel/74411-S3Y-A00)
Replace Front Motor Mount
Replace Trip Button
Replace Rear View Mirror
Complete (solder) Radio Wiring Harness
Replace Windshield

Replace Sway Bar End Link
Replace Broken Wheel Stud
Replace Rear Brake Pads
Replace Brake Fluid

Replace Rear Suspension Bushings
Replace Front Suspension Bushings
Replace Speakers
Replace Coolant
Replace Clutch Fluid
Replace Transmission Fluid

Repair Drivers Seat Frame Corrosion/Rust
Replace Floor Carpet
Replace Trunk Area Carpet (84630-S3Y-A01ZA ?)
Replace/Reupholster Seats
Replace/Reupholster Door Panels
Replace Front Aero Panel
Replace (Front) Long Air Box Clamps (2)

Grid Charge/Balance IMA Battery
Replace Cylinder Cover Gasket
Recondition IMA Battery (SuperBrain Method)

What would you do first? What would you ignore? What would you add?

I'll keep you updated on my progress. If you have parts to sell that would help with something on the list, let me know.

Thanks,
Mitch

[gilbertguy]

Wow, I think this car may be in worse shape then my car was when I bought it... LOL! So focus on the mechanical issues first, then move on to the cosmetic stuff. Need to get it reliable.

[jeff652]

I can help you with parts. I have:

First cat with gasket & spring bolts
o2 sensor set
grid charger
used set of front pads/rotors with ~50% of life on them
Idler pulley in great shape (with AC version)
Fuel filler door release cable
rear view mirror (very minor peel)
sway bar end links
knuckle/spindle (for broken wheel stud)
rear brake shoes/drums

I might have (trying to get another parts car this week)
floor carpet
trunk carpet
door panels
seat covers


You should get the rear mount from Honda new. Pedal covers are cheap, get those new as well. Which front mount do you need? I will have a trans side mount in a few weeks, I think I have a driver side now.

[talonmike]

How did you replace the rear suspenssion busching? I tought that you have to replace the whole rear axle.

[jime]

If you are mechanically inclined, you can chip away at the problems a bit at a time. Many of them are minor. If you aren't mechanically inclined, you better advertize the car as a parts car

As someone else said, get the larger mechanical issues first.

Where did you get this list? If it came from a professional mechanic shop, I'd deeply suspect that they are "hyping" the bill. Surely no one would seriously put tire pressure on a fix list

jime

Originally Posted by inblackwell

Hey Everyone,
So I've had my new Insight home for a little under a week now. The car was terribly neglected but I didn't pay too much for it. It made it across the country in it's current state, but there is a lot wrong. I've made a list of all of the things that I think need to be addressed. I'm leaving a few big things off of this list (catalytic converter, O2 sensors) until I clear up some of the basics (EGR, spark plugs). I was hoping you might help me prioritize and/or suggest some other things I might look into. I've ordered the list based on importance, repair cost, and repair time. My plan is to start at the top and work my way down.

Here's what I got:

Check Tire Pressure
Reset Maintenance Light
Clean Interior
Shampoo Seats/Carpet/Doors
Replace Grounding Straps
Replace Air Filter
Replace Rear Motor Mount
Replace Catalytic Converter/Downpipe Vise Grip
Replace Key Fob
Replace Cabin Air Filter
Replace Wheel Skirt Bolt (74434-S3Y-013)
Replace Brake/Clutch Pedal Covers (46545-S3Y-003)
Replace Battery Ground Cable
Replace Spark Plugs(12291-PHM-A01)
Clean EGR Plate
Replace Front Brakes Pad/Rotors
Replace Serpentine Belt
Replace Idler Pulley (38942-PWA-004, Compatible NAPA Part # TEM 209766)

Repair Fuel Filler Door Release/Cable? (Outer Panel/74411-S3Y-A00)
Replace Front Motor Mount
Replace Trip Button
Replace Rear View Mirror
Solder Aftermarket Radio Wiring Harness
Replace Windshield

Replace Sway Bar End Link
Replace Broken Wheel Stud
Replace Rear Brake Pads
Replace Brake Fluid

Replace Rear Suspension Bushings
Replace Front Suspension Bushings
Replace Speakers
Replace Coolant
Replace Transmission Fluid

Replace Floor Carpet
Replace Trunk Area Carpet (84630-S3Y-A01ZA ?)
Replace/Reupholster Seats
Replace/Reupholster Door Panels
Replace Front Aero Panel
Replace (Front) Long Air Box Clamps (2)

Grid Charge/Balance IMA Battery
Replace Cylinder Cover Gasket
Recondition IMA Battery (SuperBrain Method)

What would you do first? What would you ignore? What would you add?

I'll keep you updated on my progress. If you have parts to sell that would help with something on the list, let me know.

Thanks,
Mitch

[jime]

1. Replace the ground straps, if they show deterioration,
2. Replace the windshield, if you are subject to safety inspection,
3. Front pads and rotors, if they actually vibrate, are too thin or material gone,
4. Disconnect EGR plug and see if any hurkey/jurkey clears, otherwise ok,
5. Replace broken wheel stud, it's easy.

Are you getting codes? What are they?

[inblackwell]

Originally Posted by jime

If you are mechanically inclined, you can chip away at the problems a bit at a time. Many of them are minor. If you aren't mechanically inclined, you better advertize the car as a parts car

Haha...I am mechanically inclined.

Originally Posted by jime

Surely no one would seriously put tire pressure on a fix list

Haha..no one but me. I was just trying to be thorough. The tires were filled to side wall max in PA. When I got to AZ I noticed one tire was around 25 psi.

[inblackwell]

Originally Posted by jeff652

I can help you with parts. I have:

First cat with gasket & spring bolts
o2 sensor set
grid charger
used set of front pads/rotors with ~50% of life on them
Idler pulley in great shape (with AC version)
Fuel filler door release cable
rear view mirror (very minor peel)
sway bar end links
knuckle/spindle (for broken wheel stud)
rear brake shoes/drums

I might have (trying to get another parts car this week)
floor carpet
trunk carpet
door panels
seat covers


You should get the rear mount from Honda new. Pedal covers are cheap, get those new as well. Which front mount do you need? I will have a trans side mount in a few weeks, I think I have a driver side now.

Sounds good. I already have some of that stuff on order with Majestic Honda. I may be interested in a few of those items. I'll PM you.

[inblackwell]

Update:
Pads/Rotors on order
Air Filter Installed
EGR Plate removed and soaking (see pic, yuck!)
Spark Plugs on order (B)
Rear Motor Mount on order
Serpentine Belt/Idler Pulley on order
Cabin Air Filter on order
Temporary Grounding Straps Installed (Only 10 Gauge)
DZUS Fasteners on order (http://www.ebay.com/itm/170910754484...84.m1439.l2649)

I'm hoping to have all this stuff installed and the car drive-able by this weekend.

[Willie Williford]

Mitch:
Don't forget the coolant and hydraulics (brake/clutch) fluid change.

Willie