Advice on Honda Element that needs new engine

[JordanEG6]

After over 380,000km, my Element finally has reached the end of it's lifespan I think, was hoping to go the 400, but oh well. One of the valves over cylinder 4 is toast/broken. I've had the injector on that cylinder disabled so it can run on 3 cylinders so I can drive it home from the shop. If I were to get it running again, the only reasonable option is to replace the engine if I were to continue driving it. I love my E and they are hard to come by, but it's just too much work and money for me at the moment.

I know Elements in general are very popular in a niche market, so I am wondering if there is even a market to sell this as a parts car or as a little camper project to the mechanically inclined. It would be a shame to just scrap it in a junker or see it crushed into a cube. Other than the engine, everything on the car is great otherwise, it's just running on 3 cylinders.

I anticipate alot of advice being the obvious, to walk away from it and junk it considering most people think they are ugly, coupled with the high mileage. Haha, it's hard but will take it into consideration. If I DO want to sell it, any idea of hjow much these would go for in it's current condition?

Any other useful advice would be greatly appreciated.

pics of said Element

[riander5]

Wow that looks like it is in fantastic shape for 380k. Nice work!

It makes me want to say what I came to say a bit less but im still going to say it.... Might be time for an 'electrical fire'

[DonJuan]

Same K20 head cant be that hard to find can it? CR-V's use the same engine?

Any reason to have to replace the whole engine if there was no valve to piston contact?

If you like it keep it! Nothing else like it on the market newer that I can think of.

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

I think it's worth keeping on the road. It's in great shape. If you're not willing to put in the work/pay someone to do it, I think it's better to find someone to take it on, instead of junking it.

[JordanEG6]

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Same K20 head cant be that hard to find can it? CR-V's use the same engine?

Any reason to have to replace the whole engine if there was no valve to piston contact?

If you like it keep it! Nothing else like it on the market newer that I can think of.

That's the thing, I have no idea if there is piston-valve contact. They put a camera in there and noticed the broken valve. They don't know if the piece went clean through the cylinder or if it scratched up/damaged it on the way out. Unless I take the head off, it could be just a valve replacement or a bigger can of worms.

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I think it's worth keeping on the road. It's in great shape. If you're not willing to put in the work/pay someone to do it, I think it's better to find someone to take it on, instead of junking it.

This is my idea. It's a shame to put this thing down. I was thinking of putting it up for sale to someone who CAN fix it or replace the motor.

The next step would be to find out how much a non-running (at least not running optimally) Element can go for nowadays.

[ExtraSlow]

@mr2mike , but this, then fix it, then get bored of it and sell it to me. Deal?

[DonJuan]

In this case I'd suggest pulling the motor itself and avoiding the headache. Most local shops can swap in a used engine for under $1000 + cost of used engine. It sould be a relatively simple job on the element, I'd guess they'd have it done in a day or so. Used JDM engine looks to be $2k.

I'd call around and get a few quotes.

I still vote keep it. I'm not a fan of the Element, but yours is the nicest one I've seen.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Yes to LS engine swap.

[88CRX]

Super tempting if it didn't have those suicide doors (would be a pain getting the kid in/out). Yours looks like its in great shape, someone on here is going to want it.

Have to think its still worth more then a couple thousand, no?

[ZeroGravity]

Sorry no advice on price to fix but came to say that looks super nice. Does it have carpeted or the "easy to wipe down" interior?

[tonytiger55]

From the pictures it looks like it seems to be in good shape. I would keep it if you can.
The MK2 CRV has the same engine. Swap it. Im actually surprised it did not go above 400k. To be honest, you wont get much for the body. Its the engine that is generally of value. Have you tried calling around? Try Ryan at Hu's garage to see how much a swap would be.

[rage2]

Keep it running on 3. Turbo it to make up for power loss.

[78si]

99% sure it has a burnt valve from lack of a valve adjustment. It's very common. The engine is different than the CRV, it's actually specific to the Accord and Element. Let me know if you want to sell. it. I can pick it up with my truck and trailer.

[ShermanEF9]

I'd pull the head and go from there.

[JfuckinC]

Junking it isn’t even an option, so many people would buy this as project!

[Redlined_8000]

Id lean towards a K-Swap and might as well do bolt ons and tune while your there.

[D'z Nutz]

I've always thought these were ugly as fuck, but at least I can appreciate these have a following and yours in particular is in excellent condition. I think you should at least consider the swap if it's in reason. Given the condition of it, I think it would be a shame to junk it. I doubt you'd have troubles selling it if it came down to it.

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

If I didn't have a project on the go, k-swapping this would be so awesome for a winter car.

[Cagare]

If you're interested in selling I would take it over and do the fix/swap.

[riander5]

If you're interesting in giving. I would take it over and do the fix/swap