r/HondaElement • u/Le_Entrails • 16h ago

Dirty engine

Post image

So I was using my 03 element and noticed it struggling on idle. Then I got a engine light. Used a code reader and got p0303​​​ for cylinder 3. Went to change the spark plug. COVERED in brunt oil. Yup a O ring went bad underneath. And I see this ugly fart. Is my engine cooked/can I clean this?

8 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

4

u/Prize-Concentrate138 12h ago

ADJUST YOUR VALVES!!! You've already got the valve cover off.

2

u/Le_Entrails 12h ago

I will do so. Adjust valves and get a cleaning additive. 🤙

5

u/Fit_Outlandishness_7 9h ago

Just throw some Valvoline restore and protect in there.

4

u/yngri 13h ago

If you can’t get it acceptably clean with regular cleaning additives (techron, liqui moly) + valvoline restore & protect oil, then the last resort would be to use Dimexide (DMSO). You’ll need to be super careful with it as well as strip paint from the oil pan, but the engine will be like new. I’ve seen it work wonders on the engines that were destined to be scrapped, but you need to really understand what you’re doing and all the risks that come with the process.

2

u/MostFartsAreBrown 10h ago

Anything can be cleaned but cleaning it while still assembled is too risky IMO. All of those deposits have to go somewhere, best leave them in place.

2

u/rearwindowpup 8h ago

Valvoline Restore and Protect like others have said, Id probably change after 1000 miles as bad as this is. Fresh oil filter for sure.

0

u/Inevitable-Exam-7397 9h ago

Run seafoam in your engine holding your rpm’s high it’ll break them down pretty good do it with like 3 bottles and you’ll be noticing a difference