The results of the previous cleaning were satisfactory, but there remained a sense that only a minor part of the dirt was removed, with the majority being evenly spread and ingrained deeper into the fabric.
The decision was made to clean as experienced detailer Vermijl does.
Photos of the process are absent since the cleaning was done solo. The outcome was exactly as in the referenced video:
Conduct a dry vacuum to remove sand and surface dust.
A scheduled engine oil and filter change was carried out.
Due to repeated discoveries of counterfeit products (as in the previous oil change), this time the consumables were ordered from an official dealer.
The filter’s characteristics fully matched the previous set, with precautions taken to ensure authenticity and quality:
Statistics between changes:
7,092 km driven 200 engine hours 624 liters of AI-98 used 8.8 L/100km fuel consumption Average speed of 35.
The anti-corrosion work was carried out by the official representative of the Swedish company Auson, “Eurotechmarket”.
Transcription of a conversation with the director before accepting the car:
“Years certainly take their toll. Honda is Japanese. It was made with completely different technology compared to new cars. Usually, on Japanese cars, it lasts about a year and a half, depending on the winter’s temperature regime; if the winter is warm, it might start deteriorating by summer.
The factory halogen headlights had become so clouded internally that the cutoff line became blurred, and the low beam light was dangerously dim.
The decision was made to replace them with bi-xenon lights from a facelift model.
The following alternatives were considered*:
Cleaning and polishing the lenses inside and out, restoring the internal varnish coating, replacing the lens with a reflector for Hella Premium (1BL 009 999-001, halogen) ~ 607 USD** Halogen headlights from a salvage yard (intact, clean, left-hand drive) ~ 533 USD Xenon headlights with ignition blocks from a salvage yard (intact, clean, left-hand drive) ~ 760 USD *prices include delivery costs
A six-week period of inactivity led to a critical discharge of the battery, primarily due to the alarm system consuming 45 mA in its security mode. After a full recharge, the voltage began to drop to 7 V within two days. The battery, which lasted for 3.5 years and 46,791 km, was replaced with the same model.
A routine replacement of the cabin filter was done after 8,000 km, acquired from an official dealer.
After 4 years and 59,790 km, a suspension review was conducted, including the front lower arm silent blocks, front stabilizer links, and rear stabilizer bushings.
Suspicious components from an order with mg.by, especially the stabilizer links and front silent blocks, were compared against the parts removed.
Suspicious stabilizer links: The links were returned. The new set from an official dealer featured:
Questionable front silent Blocks:
New ones are on the way.
As usual, straight to the point.
Before:
Before/after:
Carpet and seat cleaner / Soft99 02080 / 11 USD
Total cost: 11 USD
Mileage: 217 460 km
For a scheduled oil change, filters, oil, and a drain plug sealing ring were ordered. However, oil filters of questionable quality were delivered twice from a-a.by and mg.by.
First filter: Second filter: On the third attempt, filters and oil that fully matched the previous set’s weight and appearance were delivered.
Statistics between changes:
5,691 km driven 153 engine hours 520 liters of AI-98 consumed 10.9 L/100km fuel efficiency Nearly 12 years in service, the third brake light bulb was replaced with an identical one.
The vehicle was missing the battery box and the lower engine guard to complete its factory setup.
The absence of the battery cover was likely due to the previous owners’ preference for a larger capacity battery. Since a catalog-standard Furukawa battery is currently installed, it’s feasible to revert to the original battery box.
The lower engine guard was missing its metal part. A shield was transplanted from a donor guard.
After an extended period of inactivity, a brief screeching noise was observed upon the first engine start, mirroring symptoms discussed in similar cases here and here.
At a specialized service center, the starter was cleaned, the bendix replaced and lubricated. As a preventative measure, the generator was overhauled due to occasional clicking noises when starting cold; a bearing was replaced.
Since the last oil and filter change:
7,058 km driven 206 engine hours 700 liters of AI-98 fuel used Fuel efficiency at 10 L/100km Engine oil filter / Honda 15400RTA003 / 8 USD