1000,000 mi. MX.

[theshinez]

Hey guys, just wanted some gear heads to give me some advice about what preventative Mx. I should get done on my '04 Pilot. I'm about to go to Italy for 4 years and I don't want it to break down while I'm there. I know it needs WAter pump/timing belt, maybe struts.... Probably auto tranny fluid replacement. Any thing else you guys would suggest?? Thanks!

[rocky]

Take VTM4 fluid and auto tranny fluid with you.
You wont get it over there.
Yes do the timing belt water pump, accessory belts. I like the idea of replacing the struts at the front and shocks at the rear. Depending on age, I might even replace the battery as its probably cheaper here.
Check the availability of cabin and engine filters. Oil filter is common with other honda models.

BTW, petrol in Europe very expensive. A bit shy of $8 a US gallon in England. Are you sure about taking it with you?

[theshinez]

Ya, I'm definitely taking it. It's paid for and I'll get a beater for commuting when I get there. I'm not buying something new because I don't want a payment(I'm a DAVE RAMSEY disciple), and my Pilot is in tip-top shape. Thanks for the advise. I already bought some oil/air filiters to take with me and will probably sneak some oil too. I heard you have to travel up to Germany to get oil.

[krazykarguy]

Man, I've driven in Italy, and I would be downright terrified driving something as large as the Pilot there.

The Peugeot 206 I drove seemed too big for some of the city streets!!!

To your question - I would have a timing belt/water pump and major service (plugs, serpentine belt and all fluids changed) performed just prior to your departure. This should include all tensioners for both the serpentine belt and the timing belt. Shocks and struts are a great idea - rough Italian roads will definitely ruin these if they are on their way out already. The reason for all of this maintenance is because parts availability will be virtually non-existent for the Pilot overseas.

The battery is a good idea, but probably not necessary if the current battery is less than 2 years old.

I would also put a full set of brake parts (pads and rotors) in the hatch area. Bring along 6-8 engine air filters, at least a dozen oil filters, 3-4 sets of crush washers for all of the drains, 2 gallons of VTM-4 fluid, and 3-4 gallons (12-16 quarts) of Honda ATF-Z1. Honestly, I don't think you need to worry about bringing replacement cabin filters (even though others here will likely contradict me).