[93Bandit]

Howdy all,

My wife and I recently purchased our first Honda vehicle. I've always owned GM/Ford/Chrysler products and am familiar with servicing them and their quirks. I'm new to the Honda world so I'm not that familiar with their quirks and features. I'm mechanically inclined so I plan to do most service myself when it makes sense.

We purchased an elderly owned 2013 Odyssey with 156k miles. They purchased it new and it appears to be well cared for. They just had the TB and all related parts replaced at their local Honda dealer in Sept of 2022 with 154k miles, so I'm glad that's already been taken care of.

After lurking around the forum, I read about the VCM induced issues so I ordered the VCMTunnerII and will install it once it arrives.

I asked if they ever had the valves adjusted and he doesn't think so, so that'll be one of the first things to check. It runs well and isn't making abnormal noise so I'm hoping the valve lash isn't too far out of spec. Also hoping once I get the valve covers off I'm greeted by clean internals. He had the oil changed every ~8,000 miles which is stretching it for me. I know modern synthetics are good, but I personally think oil should be changed more often. It's cheap insurance after all and I hope to get 300k miles out of this van.

To summarize, below is a list of service items I plan to do immediately. Please let me know if there's anything else I should check.

• Adjust valves
• Oil/filter
• trans drain/refill
• install VCMTunnerII
• Spark plugs
• Spool valve leak fix
• ???

Thanks

 

[skeetie96]

Be prepared to be met by discolored valve components in the front bank. With the PCV set up, that is normal to see a drastic difference between the front and rear banks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[WiiMaster]

I agree with the above. A lot of people see the coked up front head and think they have a problem or they need to flush the engine. But every J series looks like that under the PCV head, it's nothing to be worried about.

Also, be prepared to potentially find tight exhaust valves. They tighten up over time and eventually it gets to the point where you burn a valve if not checked and adjusted.

While you're in there, check the VCM spool valve on the front head for any signs of an oil leak. If this valve leaks, the oil goes straight into the alternator and then you need a new alternator as well, so catching this leak as soon as possible is a good thing.

 

[93Bandit]

I agree with the above. A lot of people see the coked up front head and think they have a problem or they need to flush the engine. But every J series looks like that under the PCV head, it's nothing to be worried about.

Also, be prepared to potentially find tight exhaust valves. They tighten up over time and eventually it gets to the point where you burn a valve if not checked and adjusted.

While you're in there, check the VCM spool valve on the front head for any signs of an oil leak. If this valve leaks, the oil goes straight into the alternator and then you need a new alternator as well, so catching this leak as soon as possible is a good thing.

Thanks for the advice. I've seen several pictures of cruddy heads on the front bank and that was concerning to me. However, if it's a result of PCV I understand why it happens. As long as it doesn't have a negative affect on performance or longevity, I'm not concerned. As for tight exhaust valves, thanks for the heads up. Tight exhaust valves has been a common theme as I've adjusted valves throughout my mechanical adventures. Everything from quads to vehicles, exhaust tend to tighten up more often than intakes.

I will check the VCM spool valve. If it is leaking does that require replacing the valve, or is there a gasket/seal that should be replaced?

 

[WiiMaster]

I will check the VCM spool valve. If it is leaking does that require replacing the valve, or is there a gasket/seal that should be replaced?

It is the gasket that leaks, but Honda does not sell the gasket alone. Honda's official TSB says to purchase the entire valve part (about $200, sometimes a bit less), discard the bottom half of the valve (as replacing this piece requires removing all the rockers and is not necessary), and use the new upper half of the valve with the two new gaskets and metal plate.

Here is the TSB:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10172366-0001.pdf

 

[93Bandit]

It is the gasket that leaks, but Honda does not sell the gasket alone. Honda's official TSB says to purchase the entire valve part (about $200, sometimes a bit less), discard the bottom half of the valve (as replacing this piece requires removing all the rockers and is not necessary), and use the new upper half of the valve with the two new gaskets and metal plate.

Here is the TSB:

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10172366-0001.pdf

Thanks for the info. Man, $200 is steep just for essentially a gasket failure... Why couldn't you use purchase an aftermarket gasket? I see rockauto sells one for $5. More Information for ULTRA-POWER B33566 I understand OEM parts are usually the best and this is generally true for most makes/models, but in this case I think trying the aftermarket gasket for only $5 is worth the test, especially if it'll save you $195.

 

[WiiMaster]

Thanks for the info. Man, $200 is steep just for essentially a gasket failure... Why couldn't you use purchase an aftermarket gasket? I see rockauto sells one for $5. More Information for ULTRA-POWER B33566 I understand OEM parts are usually the best and this is generally true for most makes/models, but in this case I think trying the aftermarket gasket for only $5 is worth the test, especially if it'll save you $195.

Some people do. It's a mixed bag on its effectiveness. Considering Honda says to replace the upper half of the valve and the metal plate as well, it's fair to assume that part of the issue lies there as well.

 

[93Bandit]

Some people do. It's a mixed bag on its effectiveness. Considering Honda says to replace the upper half of the valve and the metal plate as well, it's fair to assume that part of the issue lies there as well.

I had considered that as well. But again for only $5 and since it's easy to get access, I think it's worth a shot. Either way, I appreciate the information!

 

[phattyduck]

He had the oil changed every ~8,000 miles which is stretching it for me.

Yes and no - if those were road trip miles with cruise control on - that's a pretty reasonable OCI. At ~15k miles a year, that's about every 6-months, so also the oil never sat in there for long periods. I do 5k intervals just to make the accounting easy (lots of short trips). If you do shorter intervals, don't reset the Maintenance Minder or you will miss the 'larger' services that only get tripped with 10% remaining on the indicator.

-Charlie

 

[jiantao]

Have the plugs been done at 105K? If not, get them replaced. I wonder if the timing belt replacement is the 1st or 2nd replacement. If 1st, it's likely the plugs were not done yet.

Just something else to keep in mind, keep the power steering fluid fresh. Extraordinarily cheap insurance. Genuine Honda PS fluid is very cheap and you can change out the fluid in the reservoir with a turkey baster.

8K miles on an OCI isn't crazy long like phattyduck mentioned but I agree, a little longer than I would do personally. But it wouldn't stop me from buying the car either.

 

[rmyoder]

I had considered that as well. But again for only $5 and since it's easy to get access, I think it's worth a shot. Either way, I appreciate the information!

I would try a branded gasket instead of the fake Honda ones on ebay or the generic ones at Rock. I have used lots of Mahle gaskets over the years so this would be my choice; Rock has them in stock (either alone or in a package with both gaskets) from time to time. Same situation at O'Reilly. Rock also had the Dorman gasket pack, but this is also OOS most of the time. I havent used Dorman gaskets so i dont know whether this is as good as Mahle.

 

[HondaGoBrrr]

Thanks for the info. Man, $200 is steep just for essentially a gasket failure... Why couldn't you use purchase an aftermarket gasket? I see rockauto sells one for $5. More Information for ULTRA-POWER B33566 I understand OEM parts are usually the best and this is generally true for most makes/models, but in this case I think trying the aftermarket gasket for only $5 is worth the test, especially if it'll save you $195.

It's not just a gasket failure, Honda says the groove that it sits in on the upper section could also be to blame, that said you get a decent amount of part for $200. Shop around, look for part number 15810-R70-A04. I sell at least 1 or 2 a week and supply a copy of the bulletin to those who want one.

 

[93Bandit]

Have the plugs been done at 105K? If not, get them replaced. I wonder if the timing belt replacement is the 1st or 2nd replacement. If 1st, it's likely the plugs were not done yet.

Just something else to keep in mind, keep the power steering fluid fresh. Extraordinarily cheap insurance. Genuine Honda PS fluid is very cheap and you can change out the fluid in the reservoir with a turkey baster.

8K miles on an OCI isn't crazy long like phattyduck mentioned but I agree, a little longer than I would do personally. But it wouldn't stop me from buying the car either.

I have no idea if the plugs have ever been replaced, so I'll add that to the list. The timing belt replacement was the first time it's been replaced.

What's unique about the Honda PS system that constant fluid changes will make a difference? I'll add this to the list, but I'm a bit skeptical.

It's not just a gasket failure, Honda says the groove that it sits in on the upper section could also be to blame, that said you get a decent amount of part for $200. Shop around, look for part number 15810-R70-A04. I sell at least 1 or 2 a week and supply a copy of the bulletin to those who want one.

OK that makes sense, thanks for the info. Do you have a link to where you sell the part?

 

[HondaGoBrrr]

I have no idea if the plugs have ever been replaced, so I'll add that to the list. The timing belt replacement was the first time it's been replaced.

What's unique about the Honda PS system that constant fluid changes will make a difference? I'll add this to the list, but I'm a bit skeptical.



OK that makes sense, thanks for the info. Do you have a link to where you sell the part?

The exact formula of Honda PS fluid is a mystery even to me, all I know is you must use it in Hondas.

I don't sell them online through my employer, you will want to try BernardiParts.com or (looks sketch but is legit, I swear) OEMHondaPartsOnline.com

 

[jdm06ody]

Howdy all,

My wife and I recently purchased our first Honda vehicle. I've always owned GM/Ford/Chrysler products and am familiar with servicing them and their quirks. I'm new to the Honda world so I'm not that familiar with their quirks and features. I'm mechanically inclined so I plan to do most service myself when it makes sense.

We purchased an elderly owned 2013 Odyssey with 156k miles. They purchased it new and it appears to be well cared for. They just had the TB and all related parts replaced at their local Honda dealer in Sept of 2022 with 154k miles, so I'm glad that's already been taken care of.

After lurking around the forum, I read about the VCM induced issues so I ordered the VCMTunnerII and will install it once it arrives.

I asked if they ever had the valves adjusted and he doesn't think so, so that'll be one of the first things to check. It runs well and isn't making abnormal noise so I'm hoping the valve lash isn't too far out of spec. Also hoping once I get the valve covers off I'm greeted by clean internals. He had the oil changed every ~8,000 miles which is stretching it for me. I know modern synthetics are good, but I personally think oil should be changed more often. It's cheap insurance after all and I hope to get 300k miles out of this van.

To summarize, below is a list of service items I plan to do immediately. Please let me know if there's anything else I should check.

• Adjust valves
• Oil/filter
• trans drain/refill
• install VCMTunnerII
• Spark plugs
• Spool valve leak fix
• ???

Thanks

Welcome to the odyssey forum. 👍🏻 good choice switching to Odyssey no doubt about that you will reach 300k you mechanically inclined just keep an eye on it and follow the routine service. 154k service B add on your list
•Check master cylinder and VSA modulator for damage or leakage
•check boots and boots band for cracks/ tightness
•check coolant or flush and fill
•.check catalictic converter heat shield exhaust pipe and muffler
•check pad and disc for wear damage and crack
•inspect tie rod end, steering gearbox, steering linkage boots
•check serpentine belt,
•check ball joints control arm bushing
• check sliding door rubber bumper missing
•check cabin air and engine air filter
•lube all your grease fitting
•check power steering leaks
•check if you have trans filter (replace)
•check all your fluid level and inflate your tire to specs.

 

[gobluetwo]

re: PS Fluid, I use Idemitsu PS fluid. Available at my local NAPA and what I've been using with no issues.

I believe they're the OE provider for Honda. The PS fluid bottles (Idemitsu, Honda) look exactly the same, at the very least.

 

[phattyduck]

What's unique about the Honda PS system that constant fluid changes will make a difference? I'll add this to the list, but I'm a bit skeptical.

The pumps are VERY sensitive to dirty fluid (similar to the transmission, sadly). They also take a special fluid that is not a domestic "Power Steering Fluid" or a more normal for imports Dexron ATF.

-Charlie

 

[willyfixit]

I had considered that as well. But again for only $5 and since it's easy to get access, I think it's worth a shot. Either way, I appreciate the information!

I replaced only the gaskets because it's not that hard and if it failed, then I would buy the whole valve assy. That was three years ago and 60,000+ miles. YMMV It's important to not over torque the bolts when installing. Only about 6 ftlbs.

 

[white2015]

It's not just a gasket failure, Honda says the groove that it sits in on the upper section could also be to blame, that said you get a decent amount of part for $200. Shop around, look for part number 15810-R70-A04. I sell at least 1 or 2 a week and supply a copy of the bulletin to those who want one.

Honda speaks the truth.
The problem lies in the matting surfaces.
200 is a lot cheaper than a new denso alternator if you non oem gasket fails and soaks your alternator in oil.
Or worse, during a cross country road trip.

 

[93Bandit]

I got the vcmtunnerII installed today. It's definitely running smoother so that's nice. I'll Start working on these other items soon.