2003 Honda Element metal flakes?

FATBOTTMGURL

MEMBER
2003 HONDA ELEMENT
4 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
94,700 MILES

After researching the reliability of Honda, I bought a certified preowned 03 Element. The mileage at purchase was 34K+. Engine light luminated after 11 months; car sputters & gears down at 3000 rpm. Dealer said I didn't change my oild often enough. Repeated this process until going to a dealer with a more reputable service dept. This dealer found a problem, fixed it. 30 miles later; same problem. Dealer fixes problem (from code). Repeated this process 4 times. Now dealer tells me I must have new rocker arms. While preparing to install them; they find metal shavings in camshaft. Says this is usually result of low oil. My car was never low on oil, maintenance since my purchase has been timely. Warranty may not cover this repair because they say it is improper care on my part. Any other reason for metal in camshafts? If Honda wont pay, am I better off replacing engine? (Current mileage is 94K+, warranty is to 100K)

Wednesday, June 18th, 2008 AT 11:22 PM

2 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi fatbottmgurl,

When metal shavings are found, it is due to lubrication inefficiency, there might be more than meets the eye, I would recommend replacement of the engine unless you are prepared to do a rebuild.

Doing the top part is not going to resolve potential problems with the lower part of the engine.

It is better to spend more now and get the engine problem resolved than keep having problems later on with other parts.

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Wednesday, July 9th, 2008 AT 3:18 AM

BARBERIAN

MEMBER
11 POSTS

As long as you have records proving the vehicle has been maintained. You should first deal with HONDA to repair and replace your engine due to incorrect diagnosis when you first started taking it in. The fact that you have been going back to them multiple times for the same problem makes your case stronger. Write to the corporate office too. If they don't repair the problem and all else fails, Ask them to give you fair market value for the vehicle as if it was in working condition and trade it in. Then consider doing it yourself. My two cents.

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Friday, October 31st, 2008 AT 11:41 AM