[goatfarmer03]

Figured I would start a little Insight blog thing, since this is my first one. Always been a big fan of MPG "high scoring". Use to own a few efficient vehicles:

-2004 Peugeot 206 "Pug-A-Roni" (44.0 LMPG) before getting sideswiped. Not even sure how it got in the USA legally, but it had a clean US title
-1993 Geo Metro XFi "The Master Plan" (59.8 LMPG). Loved this little car, it was my first real taste/training in the MPG lifestyle.

Then I bought a 2001 Echo automatic and have been out of the MPG game for around 7 years now. I have been getting around 39 LMPG in the Echo, so not terrible. But when I saw an Insight for sale out of the corner of my eye earlier this month, I had to check it out . . .

Really clean exterior - check, really clean interior - check, 72k miles - excitement starts to set in . . .
Took it for a test drive and loved it! As an added bonus it is basically a 1 owner car (2nd owner had it for 1 month not knowing it was sans-A/C). The guy that owned it originally pulled 66.8 LMPG. He kept maintenance records and had the original dealership window sticker. I have a feeling he was an avid MPG'er, but I have no idea who he is.

Anyways, I am loving this little car. It is crazy how you can feel absolutely everything when driving! When a truck passes you, you can physically feel the car get lighter and watch the MPG skyrocket. The area I live in is wide open, with very flat ground, but every tiny incline/decline is very noticeable. Hoping for a long and fruitful life here on IC.

 

[Mountain driver]

Goat:

Congrats on your find, sounds sweet. With flat terrain you should see some really nice mpg's.

Looking forward to the pics and hope to see you and your gem at a mid-atlantic G1 meet up sometime.

 

[insightbrewery]

Whoa, interested in your pics of course, but if you can toss in one or two of the 206, I'll hit the imaginary Thanks button.

 

[goatfarmer03]

In regards to the pics. How do the galleries work? If I click photo gallery I can see the Folder con/Cover Pic on there with my gallery. It says it has 5 photos in it and shows the last update date, but If I click to go into the gallery folder, it just refreshes the page. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[Mountain driver]

I'm no help on galleries (dinosaur age). IIRC, after 10 posts, you'll be able post thumbnails on here.

 

[insightbrewery]

I'd make an account on imgur and use that to host your pics (or whatever hosting service you prefer, I personally like that one). When you upload a pic, copy the "BBCode" share option and paste it inline with your text/replies. It'll stick the picture there.

 

[goatfarmer03]

Fixed the original post with pictures.

Here is the pic of the engine part I have a question about. What is that rusty piece and how tough is it to replace. It looks to have a slow oil leak from it.

And for InsightBrewery, here is the Peugeot I got from Richmond and had for less than a year before I got side swiped. Insurance immediately totaled it, since repair parts would have to come from Europe or Mexico, lol.

 

[Mountain driver]

Nice looking blue. Pretty cool that the window sticker is still in the car with the 61/68 epa ratings. That's worth preserving in a doc protector or such.

 

[[email protected]]

So great that you've found the Insight, and you're fortunate to be near a real hot "pocket" of Insighters! I know, because I recently had to leave them!
Anyway, I'm tired and bug eyed right now, but I'm pretty sure the part you indicated is the v-tec spool valve. There's a thin little gasket in there that needs replaced. If you ever experience a complete loss of power over 4000 RPMs, then you actually replace the whole valve.
Anyway, enjoy the car, and more importantly know how jealous I am of the gang that you get to hang with!

 

[samwichse]

Here is the pic of the engine part I have a question about. What is that rusty piece and how tough is it to replace. It looks to have a slow oil leak from it.

[/IMG]

That's the timing chain tensioner. Its gasket is possibly the most common leak point for oil on this engine.

Part #7 on this diagram:
https://www.hondaautomotiveparts.co...&catcgry4=KA5MT&catcgry5=CAMSHAFT+-+CAM+CHAIN

Three bolts hold it on... very easy replacement.

 

[Lyger]

don't need to replace it but the gasket should be replaced, they get hard as a rock after a number of years of use.

 

[striider]

I would also give that screen a thorough cleaning while you are in there.

 

[goatfarmer03]

Thanks for the quick answers. Just to verify, the only thing I need to pick up is a new Gasket (illus. 007). I can keep the same Spacer & Filter (illus. 006 & 005), as long as I clean out the filter when I take it apart?
I don't have the Service Manual handy at work, but the terminology "Cam Chain Tensioner" scares me a bit. I don't have to worry about misadjusting anything by taking it apart and putting it back do I? Any springs or anything going to shoot out at me when I remove the tensioner itself?

 

[[email protected]]

Doh! Yes, exactly... tensioner! That's what I get for late night replies...
It's very easy. I don't remember anything shooting across the garage. Do a search, if I remember correctly there is a write up.

 

[Lyger]

it's not a BMW, it won't grenade by taking the tensioner off and putting it back on.

 

[goatfarmer03]

Done tons of stuff to ole BlueCheese these past few weeks. Had a leak during that first rain in August, so I gutted the entire interior down to the metal. Only thing in there was the dash and the IMA case.
Surprisingly enough, none of the leaks were the wet seatbelt ones. Just huge puddles in the rear l/r hatch quarters. I pulled both exterior A Pillar boomerangs off and the little 8 inch trim piece behind it. All of the seam sealer was shot under those little trim pieces. Cracked and full of holes. Chipped it all out and filled it in with epoxy and then coated the whole area with a smooth few layers of Blackjack. Found a few more hairline cracks below each side's hatch hinge as well. Filled those with clear silicone sealant and also gave a round of sealant to each of the clips on the A pillar trim before reinstalling them. Had a few rains with no leaks, so I threw the interior back in and replaced clips/bolts as I went along . . . even detailing/steam cleaning each piece before putting it back in.
I also put in rear speakers and a new head unit while I had everything ripped out. I plan on replacing the front speakers and maybe an active sub in the hatch somewhere down the line, but need $$$.

Anyhow, everything is back in and I finally had my first full tank fill up. Ended up at 73.03 mpg during my first 680 miles. That seems pretty dang great for a bone stock Insight. Really, really looking forward to the East Coast Maintenance Day in October. Need to learn from all you long time owners

 

[ADDvanced]

maybe an active sub in the hatch somewhere down the line, but need $$$.

Infinity Basslink fits in the cargo compartment quite well. Super happy with mine!

Also, excellent mileage. What speeds are you usually going? I travel 70-80 so I average around 63mpg/tank. Really depends on headwinds.

 

[goatfarmer03]

Infinity Basslink fits in the cargo compartment quite well. Super happy with mine!

Also, excellent mileage. What speeds are you usually going? I travel 70-80 so I average around 63mpg/tank. Really depends on headwinds.

Thanks for the Basslink tip. My route to work is almost all flatland, scattered between 45-55 MPH posted. I have found a pretty sweet spot around the 52-53 mph range where I can get 3-4 ticks above 75mpg on the FCD. So I just maintain that speed all the way through. Could probably be around 85-90mpg if it weren't for the 13 stoplights along the route .

 

[Petrolburner]

That's a really nice looking blue, you don't see many that color.

I have an MTX XTL110 in my big Motovan that I've been pretty happy with. I'll bet it would sound great in a small space like the Insight.

 

[goatfarmer03]

Another fillup, another update. Had the tires at 47 all the way around for this entire tank. Only drove my daily commute to and from work. Ended up at 77.5mpg for the tank, which is great . . . but I know I could have had 78 if I didn't get that IMA Recal drain with only 2 notches left on the fuel gauge (that was disappointing)
Almost picture perfect dry warm conditions during this entire tank, so I doubt I will get 78 before the fall/winter cooler temps hit.

Next series of questions. I have been researching the MIMA/IMAC&C mods, and they seem to be the next best step since I have a 5 Speed. What can you guys tell me about them in flat road conditions? I have a basic understanding of how you can manually adjust the assist, but with no downhill areas to recharge, how much can I really take advantage of it?
I rarely hit the IMA battery during my drive, only accessing it a bit during 2nd gear and a bit into 3rd. So I am almost always full charge or only a few bars down. Just curious if the benefit outweighs the cost.

Any other changes/mods I should look into? Fully stock right now