Likelihood of owner not having a clue about VCM issue

2937 Views 61 Replies 18 Participants Last post by dvpatel, 6 d ago

tripletrip

Discussion Starter · 18 d ago

Hey,

I am looking at a used 2011 with 6 speed tranny, it's from the first owner, about 210.000 miles
I asked the owner about issues with VCM and he genuinely looked surprised.

I am just wondering - is this issue affecting every single Ody?
Is it likely he hasn't had any issues?

If I buy it, I would install the muzzler and then do ATS treatment + change plugs and timing belt kit

Thanks!

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2011.2017.odyssey

· #2 · 18 d ago

driving style plays a huge part..

The driving miss daisy types who put put around city driving, appear to get hit more than the freeway regulars.

Also, the owner may have brought the van in multiple times for misfires, where most shops proceed to change the plugs and coils and you're good for another while.
never any mention of VCM being the cause.

if you want to know more, find out when the plugs were last changed, if it was outside the regular 105k intervals, you will have some clues.

210k miles would of had two plug changes and 2 timing belt changes.

pull the rear plugs and have a look for an oily mess.

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tripletrip

Discussion Starter · #3 · 18 d ago

They changed last timing belt at 120k, so my plan would be to change that with plugs after purchase
I just wanted to ascertain whether non-muzzled 210k mile car would be a smart choice to buy. The car is clean and owner seemed to have money to buy it new and maintain it throughout the years

dvpatel

· #4 · 18 d ago

tripletrip said:
Hey,

I am looking at a used 2011 with 6 speed tranny, it's from the first owner, about 210.000 miles
I asked the owner about issues with VCM and he genuinely looked surprised.

I am just wondering - is this issue affecting every single Ody?
Is it likely he hasn't had any issues?

If I buy it, I would install the muzzler and then do ATS treatment + change plugs and timing belt kit

Thanks!

There are several detailed discussions on this in the numerous VCM or Muzzler threads. This is NOT new. Some don't have any issues and some do with very few miles on the odometer. Like already mentioned, driving style and amount of city v/s freeway driving matters. If you are over 65 or 70, IIRC, VCM does not kick in so long highway trips at or a bit above speed limit may restrict the VCM and not cause trouble for the owner.

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phattyduck

· #5 · 18 d ago

tripletrip said:
I am just wondering - is this issue affecting every single Ody?
Is it likely he hasn't had any issues?

First or second owner? I expect that well over 90% (probably 99%) of owners have no idea about issues caused by the VCM system - they just get stuck with a $4k repair bill sometime between 50k and 200k miles...

The most likely story is that the rings were done at <50k miles and this is the second owner. They don't all show VCM issues (yet), since it is dependent on luck and driving style. They are all susceptible though.

Pulling the rear plugs will tell the story, but that's a bit much to ask for a used car purchase.

-Charlie

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tripletrip

Discussion Starter · #6 · 18 d ago

1st owner, plugs changed at 120K mile mark with timing belt

WiiMaster

· #7 · 18 d ago

Likelihood is high. Odyclub owners make up a small fraction of all Odyssey owners, and anyone who is not on Odyclub is unlikely to know about it unless they've been told by someone on here (my cousin comes to mind...).

But in 99% of cases it doesn't matter. Disable after purchase, possibly replace plugs, and there will be nothing to worry about.

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dntboles

· #8 · 18 d ago

I'd agree with WiiMaster. Unless they're on OdyClub, folks just wouldn't expect there to be an issue. I have personally (as far as I know) ever had a problem caused by VCM, but then again, maybe I did and just didn't know it. I've had some random misfires over the years. I've had a gummed up VVT. Yesterday I realized I still have factory plugs at the 156,000 mile mark so it'll be interesting to see them when I change them.

But I listened to the experience/wisdom of others on here and muzzled my VCM a year or so ago. You said you would change the timing belt. Do your research on here and go with the Aisin kit from RockAuto. Don't be fooled by counterfeits or "genuine Honda" from Amazon.

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tripletrip

Discussion Starter · #9 · 18 d ago

Re belt: I was gonna get the continental one and I have bad experience with RockAuto

WiiMaster

· #10 · 18 d ago

Would not recommend anything outside the Aisin kit or OEM parts (not from Amazon/eBay as they are littered with counterfeit Honda parts). RockAuto is a well known supplier around here and bad experiences happen but usually very few. If you really don't want RockAuto, there are other places you can find the Aisin kit, including Amazon, CARiD, and Newegg.

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tripletrip

Discussion Starter · #11 · 18 d ago

where would you recommend getting the OEM one?

WiiMaster

· #12 · 18 d ago

tripletrip said:
where would you recommend getting the OEM one?

Either a local Honda dealer or one of the online dealers such as Bernardi or Majestic Honda. Keep in mind the cost will easily be more than double the price of the Aisin kit to get all the parts you'll need, well over $500.

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dntboles

· #13 · 18 d ago

I only suggest RockAuto because I have had consistently good experience with them going back to 2008, with parts for both US-spec and Euro-spec cars while living in Italy.

The only less-than-optimal experience I've ever had (yesterday actually) was being shown estimated postal delivery by Friday, then getting an actual shipping notice estimating Friday plus 6 days. Since it's coming from 5 hours away, I won't be surprised if it gets here this week. That also falls into the "slightly annoying" category and definitely not a big deal.

I would just be cautious of any deals on Amazon that look too good to be true. I timing belt is just too critical of a component for me to risk saving a few pennies versus getting a legit part.

EDIT: while at the stealership buying an OEM Honda drive belt, I saw them receiving parts from RockAuto and giving them to their Honda techs to install on customer vehicles. I chuckled.

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tripletrip

Discussion Starter · #14 · 18 d ago

Can you explain the difference between this kit and this?
Seems the former has some more parts included in the kit

@dntboles : I didn't like the fact I wanted to order oil, cabin and air filter and they wanted to charge 3 different shipping charges. I usually just order from Walmart, either directly from them or from pro sellers fulfilled by Walmart.

WiiMaster

· #15 · 18 d ago

tripletrip said:
Can you explain the difference between this kit and this?
Seems the former has some more parts included in the kit

The Aisin kit uses all OE supplier parts, where the Continental kit does not.

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tripletrip

Discussion Starter · #16 · 18 d ago

@WiiMaster : so the missing gaskets in Aisin kit need to be bought separately?

phattyduck

· #17 · 18 d ago

tripletrip said:
I didn't like the fact I wanted to order oil, cabin and air filter and they wanted to charge 3 different shipping charges.

They do give you a little indicator that different parts in your cart are coming from different warehouses - and an indication that any parts you are about to put in the cart are from a warehouse matching something in your cart already... but yeah, it shouldn't really be the customer's issue where the parts are coming from.

-Charlie

dvpatel

· #18 · 18 d ago

tripletrip said:
Can you explain the difference between this kit and this?

Umm first one is NOT an Aisin kit and more than one person here in this very thread said to get an Aisin kit may be?

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dntboles

· #19 · 18 d ago

@tripletrip I've used Aisin kits for 03 Ody and 07 Ody, so not familiar with your year model specifically, but for mine there weren't any missing gaskets. The water pump gasket was the only one involved and it came on the new water pump. The 2007 used the 002 kit and the 2003 used the 001 kit.

If it's your first (EDIT: or third) TB change read the sticky and lessons learned and watch some YouTube videos. It's an extensive job (took us 10 hours) but with a detailed checklist, the right tools, and attention to detail, it's been well worth our time.

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gobluetwo

· #20 · 18 d ago

Very few people outside of these message boards have even heard of a VCM, much less know what it is. Did you ask if he ever had piston ring issues? His vehicle would be covered under the extended warranty/class action settlement. It's possible he had that work done a while ago and the van is just fine.

Get it inspected for the usual things and also pull plugs 1-4 yourself (or all 6 if you want to be thorough) to check for presence of oil.

If it doesn't currently have issues, likely fine once muzzled. Or as fine as any 210,000 mile vehicle will be.

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