Honda’s 3.5-liter V6 engine, the J35, has been utilized in Honda fashions over the past 24 years. The J35’s first iteration, the J35A, was first utilized in 1998 for Honda Odyssey fashions. While they’ve been in use for many years, Honda V6 engines do have some issues.
How many fashions use the Honda 3.5-liter V6 engine?
There have been 4 major sorts of J35 engines: the J35A, J35S, J35Z, and J35Y. For an additional clarification of the issues, (*3*) targeted on the A, Z, and Y engine households. There are extra variants inside every engine household, however for extra on engine issues, it’ll keep on with these three Honda V6 engines.
The J35A engines have been used on seven Honda or Acura fashions: the Honda Odyssey (from 1998-2010), Acura MDX (2001-2006), Honda Pilot (2003-2008), Acura RL (2005-2008), Acura TL Type-S (2007-2008), and the Honda Ridgeline (2006-2008). Power ranges from 210 horsepower for the Odyssey to 286 for the RL and TL.
The J35Z engines, also referred to as the “Earth Dreams” engine, have been used on seven fashions: the Pilot (2006-2008 front-wheel drive solely and 2009-2015), Ridgeline (2009-2014), Honda Accord (2008-2012), Acura RDX (2013-2018), Acura TSX (2010-2014), TL (2009-2014), and Odyssey (2011-2017). The major change for the J35Z engine is using Variable Cylinder Management (VCM). Horsepower for these Honda V6 engines ranged from 244 to 280.
The J35Y engines are the most recent type of the Honda 3.5-liter V6 engine. They have been used on 9 fashions since 2013: the Accord (2013-2017), Acura RLX (2014-2020), Honda Legend (2014-2020), MDX (2014-2020), TLX (2015-2020), Pilot (since 2016), Ridgeline (since 2017), Odyssey (since 2018), and Honda Passport (since 2019). The J35Y engines have direct gasoline injection for higher gasoline economic system, efficiency, and emissions. Horsepower ranges from 278 to 310.
Overall, these Honda V6 engines have been used for years. In that point, Tuning Pro states three main issues have come up:
1. VCM issues
The VCM know-how used within the J35Z engines is supposed to enhance emissions and gasoline economic system. Under low masses, the engine shuts down three cylinders. However, that’s led to a number of issues.
Excessive oil consumption is a typical drawback for 2008 Honda Accord fashions. According to Car Complaints, the 2008 Honda Accord recorded 265 engine complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2011, Honda supplied a software program update to unravel the oil consumption drawback. However, many class-action lawsuits have been nonetheless pending.
The V6 engine issues additionally stem from an issue with the gaskets. Tuning Pro states the gaskets are identified to develop oil leaks. That’s an issue as a result of oil can simply leak onto the alternator. The Honda V6 engine’s VCM can even trigger engine mounts, spark plugs, and torque converter issues.
There are a number of methods to repair this Honda V6 engine drawback. Tuning Pro factors to aftermarket merchandise and disabling VCM general as methods to assist.
2. Timing belt put on
Wear on the Honda V6 engine timing belt will not be as widespread as VCM points. There aren’t any main flaws or faults with the timing belt. Tuning Pro explains the Honda 3.5-liter V6 is an interference engine. That means it’s extra highly effective and environment friendly, however there’s overlap the place the valves and pistons are. If a timing belt snaps or slips, they’ll collide, which is dangerous.
This will not be a big drawback however can come up after six to eight years or close to 100,000 miles. Symptoms of this drawback are energy loss, bizarre engine noises like ticking or slapping, misfires, and a verify engine gentle.
The timing belt on a Honda V6 engine is a reasonable half to restore. If you wish to do it your self, Tuning Pro estimates it’ll doubtless price round $125-250. If you go to a restore store, it’ll be extra like $150-300.
3. Carbon build-up
This drawback is particularly for newer Honda V6 engines that use direct injection (DI). A DI system is extra highly effective and fuel-efficient whereas emitting much less. However, the system means gasoline is instantly sprayed onto the cylinders and might trigger carbon build-up.
This drawback on the Honda V6 engines normally doesn’t present up till 80,000-120,000 miles. Symptoms of carbon build-up are energy loss, misfires, tough idle, stuttering, or hesitation, in keeping with Tuning Pro.
Is shopping for a automobile with a Honda V6 engine value it?
These are V6 engine issues that may develop into one thing doubtlessly deadly over time. However, Honda 3.5-liter V6 engines are dependable general. A number of these issues could be helped with common and correct upkeep. Tuning Pro recommends holding with good oils, altering fluids on time, and fixing points as quickly as potential.
The J35 engines have often made it previous 200,000 miles without many points. Keeping on prime of normal upkeep and the Honda V6 engine issues ought to work effectively.
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