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How to keep my 2006 Odyssey LX going strong

979 views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  MeganR.  
#1 ·
Hello. I would love some advice specifically on maintenance/work that should be done on my Odyssey. It has about 126,000 miles and we bought it new. I like to keep all maintenance/service records...my husband like to throw things away. :( So here is a list (probably not comprehensive) of things it has had done over the years.

36,000--power steering flush
55,000--transmission fluid change? flush?
63,000--timing belt, drive belts, cam seals, crank seals, water pump, t.b. tensioner
84,000--alignment, CV driveshaft?
92,000--rear wheel bearing
100,000--rear brake pads
112,000--brake fluid exchange
113,000--valve cover gaskets replaced
120,000--front wheel bearings, front brake pads, shocks?
124,000--alternator replaced/belt replaced/tensioner arm? replaced

I am not including regular oil changes, tires, batteries, recalls, etc.

As you can see, the repairs have started piling up recently. We've just been repairing things as they pop up, but I would like to get it back into shape to the point where we can take it on a roadtrip and not worry that something will break or go wrong.

The timing belt was done because of age. I regret having it done that early. When does it need to be replaced again?

Repair shop says valve cover gaskets need to be replaced again (leaking on alternator)?!? Seems like something was not done correctly for them to be leaking again so soon. I did look at some threads on this topic...

Also, are there any parts that should for sure be Honda parts? I got burned with this once (non-Honda distributor cap on my 1990 Honda Civic Hatchback caused it to not start and I was stranded).

Thanks in advance! I really appreciate any advice! We don't know a lot about cars.
 
#2 · (Edited)
What was the reason for alt. replacement? Are there any leaks from VTEC solenoid valve gasket? This what usually leaks on alt and kills it.
IMO you should keep oil leaks in check. At this age all rubber gaskets will leak, so I would replace them (you can check YT for "common leaks on J series engines).
And another bit it advice - don't drive it hard. It goes a long way towards longevity of the vehicle.

P.S.: looking at your list - nothing out of the ordinary. Alt could have lived had it not had oil leaking on it. As for shocks.... Not broken, don't touch them. Were they? When shocks don't work it is really obvious - car bounces all over the place.
P.P.S.: RockAuto suppies quality and often OEM parts for a fraction of the dealer price.
 
#4 ·
What was the reason for alt. replacement? Are there any leaks from VTEC solenoid valve gasket? This what usually leaks on alt and kills it.
IMO you should keep oil leaks in check. At this age all rubber gaskets will leak, so I would replace them (you can check YT for "common leaks on J series engines).
And another bit it advice - don't drive it hard. It goes a long way towards longevity of the vehicle.

P.S.: looking at your list - nothing out of the ordinary. Alt could have lived had it not had oil leaking on it. As for shocks.... Not broken, don't touch them. Were they? When shocks don't work it is really obvious - car bounced all over the place.
P.P.S.: RockAuto suppies quality and often OEM parts for a fraction of the dealer price.
06 does not have VTEC solenoid ruining alternator since there isn't one up front.
(Also, this is LX model, so no VCM, so I am guessing there isn't one even in the back?)
So, I am guessing the valve cover leak if any.
Even though mileage is low, the age is high - 18 yrs old at this point so things can and will go wrong, BUT OP has LX model with no power doors nor VCM engine so he has a LOT going for longevity.
Probably due for another T-belt job.

I say, get the leaking valve cover replaced, get alternator (Denso is OEM and it is only ones recommended) replaced and drain and fill Tranny fluid regularly and it should be fine IMHO.
Mine is '06 EXL with 186k at this point and there are MANY here that have a lot more mileage. My goal is to get through next 3 years until my other car payment ends before I replace the van and the goalpost is keep going back to my delight. (First, it was when my kids graduate highschool, then when kids graduate college, and now 3 more years even though both kids are now out of college).
 
#3 · (Edited)
My list for something with this age and mileage…,
  • Air filter New/Clean installed correctly, box sealed
  • Air intake hose crack free, replace if needed
  • Inspect/Clean throttle body with idle relearn
  • Replace PCV valve
  • Spark plugs new/clean, replace every 100k miles, Denso 3422 or NGK 3657
  • No engine oil in spark tubes, Replace valve cover gaskets, grommets and spark plug tube seals if needed, good time for valve adjustment
  • Replace coils as needed, NTK or Denso only
  • Replace EGR valve/inspect clean EGR passages, new plenum/intake gasket set with this and valve adjustment
  • Inspect vacuum lines
  • Replace all O2 sensors Denso or NTK
  • Inspect electrical continuity to engine and transmission, it should equal voltage reading between battery post. Replace ground cable/straps as needed
  • On time oil changes, Use a full synthetic engine oil, (no semi synthetic or extended performance oil) use a medium < quality oil filter
  • Use a top tier 87-89 octane gasoline or injector cleaner regularly
Other maintenance…
  • Timing belt water pump component kit Aisin TKH-002 every 100k miles or 7 years
  • Replace coolant with timing belt job, drain radiator at the same time for a 2 gallon refresh, any 50/50 Honda blue coolant is ok.
  • Serpentine belt replace when timing belt is due. Bando is my go to
  • Radiator may need replacing with timing belt job, check for corrosion, replace hoses and clamps, replace thermostat OEM or Aisin
  • Inspect/replace AC condenser if needed
  • Replace transmission hoses and rusted clamps to radiator
  • ATF drain and fill with Valvoline MaxLife every 30k, multiple times if ATF is in poor condition
  • Full power steering fluid flush every 50k. I’m using LubeGard #24242 for Honda Acura vehicles. It’s good stuff
  • Dot 3 Brake fluid flush with brake job as needed. But every 3 years is a good rule. Fluid should be clear to amber. Replace if brown.
  • Inspect struts, replace if clunking or vehicle is bouncing
  • Tires, check date codes and wear, spare would need replacing if original
  • Windshield wiper blades
Image
 
#7 ·
My list for something with this age and mileage…,
  • Air filter New/Clean installed correctly, box sealed
  • Air intake hose crack free, replace if needed
  • Inspect/Clean throttle body with idle relearn
  • Replace PCV valve
  • Spark plugs new/clean, replace every 100k miles, Denso 3422 or NGK 3657
  • No engine oil in spark tubes, Replace valve cover gaskets, grommets and spark plug tube seals if needed, good time for valve adjustment
  • Replace coils as needed, NTK or Denso only
  • Replace EGR valve/inspect clean EGR passages, new plenum/intake gasket set with this and valve adjustment
  • Inspect vacuum lines
  • Replace all O2 sensors Denso or NTK
  • Inspect electrical continuity to engine and transmission, it should equal voltage reading between battery post. Replace ground cable/straps as needed
  • On time oil changes, Use a full synthetic engine oil, (no semi synthetic or extended performance oil) use a medium < quality oil filter
  • Use a top tier 87-89 octane gasoline or injector cleaner regularly
Other maintenance…
  • Timing belt water pump component kit Aisin TKH-002 every 100k miles or 7 years
  • Replace coolant with timing belt job, drain radiator at the same time for a 2 gallon refresh, any 50/50 Honda blue coolant is ok.
  • Serpentine belt replace when timing belt is due. Bando is my go to
  • Radiator may need replacing with timing belt job, check for corrosion, replace hoses and clamps, replace thermostat OEM or Aisin
  • Inspect/replace AC condenser if needed
  • Replace transmission hoses and rusted clamps to radiator
  • ATF drain and fill with Valvoline MaxLife every 30k, multiple times if ATF is in poor condition
  • Full power steering fluid flush every 50k. I’m using LubeGard #24242 for Honda Acura vehicles. It’s good stuff
  • Dot 3 Brake fluid flush with brake job as needed. But every 3 years is a good rule. Fluid should be clear to amber. Replace if brown.
  • Tires, check date codes and wear, spare would need replacing if original
  • Windshield wiper blades
View attachment 183366
Wow...that's a lot!
 
#5 ·
I suggest you read thru the TSBs related to your vehicle, and perhaps those around your year, fore and aft a year.
Just to get a feel for all the common issues.



I also suggest you explore the roof rail leak issue.
There are many videos for help fwiw.
Here is one.


HTH