Get a new coil or two from a u-pull yard. I'm willing to bet the tape is covering a crack in the tube.

Edit: If you haven't already installed a VCM muzzler you'll want to look into that. There's a great VCM megathread stickied to the top of this 2005-2010 section.

Edit: The brown stuff is old dielectric grease.

 

Hey guys I just bought a 2010 Odyssey with 177k miles. I kept getting a misfire in cylinder 3 (P0303) so I replaced the spark plug. The problem went away for 200 miles but it's back again and I noticed that the coil is quite dirty (maybe oil? (photos attached below)). It's also wrapped in tape which is concerning.. I pulled out the other coils and plugs and they seem perfectly fine.
My question is do you guys think this is a problem with the VCM, bad coil, seals, or something more?
I was going to switch the coil between cylinders to test that but wasn't sure if that's a bad idea if it's contaminated or something.
I can definitely feel a lack of power/ignition when idling. Especially after a misfire. Like the engine almost wants to die.
I've read a lot of threads on here referring to the VCM muzzle and I'm wondering if thats what I need?
Any help is appreciated! Thank you guys!

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You haven’t told us the most important thing. What model odyssey do you have?
You mention VCM, but you may not even have that engine in your Odyssey.

 

Oh of course my bad it's an EX-L 3.5L V6 F SOHC

 

J35A6 or J35A7? Your trim level will indicate if you have VCM.

 

??

he already posted that he has an EX-L model, so we now know he has the VCM engine.

 

The engine spec of 3.5L V6 SOHC is the same for all Ody's from 1999 and later.
The trim is the easiest way to indicate if you have VCM. If you have an LX or EX (cloth seats) you do not have VCM. The EX-L and Touring have leather seats and VCM. (Only the Touring has a badge in the back to advertise it's trim.)
Side note, if the green ECO light comes on while driving, that shows VCM is engaged.

 

It's an EX-L. It has the eco light and leather seats as well. So it's definitely got the VCM, right?

 

Yes

 

Correct. So the 1st post of the VCM Mega-thread that's pinned at the top of this section applies to you.
I also agree with the above post to get a replacement (and spare) coil from a u-pick yard. Be sure they are Hitachi and not some off brand parts store crap. Or purchase a Hitachi coil from Rock Auto or your local auto part store.

 

Okay great just wanted to make sure I was on the right track. Hopefully my CAT is still okay after the misfires. The P0430 CAT code is still new and pending. Fingers crossed. Thanks for the quick responses guys. Much appreciated! 👍 🙂

 

Replace the ignition coil. Amazon has Hitachi coil for $38.95 don't use some cheaper off brand.

 

I didn’t realize until I checked prices for Hitachi coils at Rock Auto that there are different coils depending if you have the VCM engine or not. Big price difference too.