I'm replacing the valve cover gaskets and the inside of the valve cover is pretty gunky. I've read a lot of mixed things on whether to clean it or not (sounds like you either need to really deep clean or just wipe out any loose stuff), so I attached some photos of mine to see what people think. The outer portions have like a caked layer so I'm thinking maybe just wipe out the middle portion, but open to cleaning it if that's the better option. If so, I already have engine degreaser (would that work?), but read that you can use dish soap or brake cleaner too.
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lando9
just another opinion. The look of this valve cover is normal for front head of J35/J37. I think somebody figured out long ago it was due to PCV design or some such weirdness. Front head is always much much darker than rear. I just finished Valve cover gasket and valve adjustment on 2011 Ody with J35Z8 engine, so its still fresh on my mind.
I don't go banana's cleaning these, but spray some brake clean and run wire brush to get it looking little better. Alas this time, I got a little surprise when I found #5 spark plug area cracked on this cover. My first one in person, but apparently this is a semi common issue, so instead of cleaning it, I got a new Honda valve cover.
Which leads me to another topic all together. On this 2011 engine, there was no little metal protection plate bolted to valve cover to protect #5 coil.
I started looking at parts diagram and Honda provided that piece on 2010, but not 2011.
Then I started looking at the back valve cover and it also has two holes, provisioned to install a coil protection shield.
Neither 2010 nor 2011 Odyssey provide them, but 2011 Pilot does.
Honda sure likes to play games..... go figure.
The crack was not visible at first, because entire front of the cover was covered in gunk and dirt, once I cleaned it (outside portion), I saw the crack.
Below are supporting images
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
![Image]()
I don't go banana's cleaning these, but spray some brake clean and run wire brush to get it looking little better. Alas this time, I got a little surprise when I found #5 spark plug area cracked on this cover. My first one in person, but apparently this is a semi common issue, so instead of cleaning it, I got a new Honda valve cover.
Which leads me to another topic all together. On this 2011 engine, there was no little metal protection plate bolted to valve cover to protect #5 coil.
I started looking at parts diagram and Honda provided that piece on 2010, but not 2011.
Then I started looking at the back valve cover and it also has two holes, provisioned to install a coil protection shield.
Neither 2010 nor 2011 Odyssey provide them, but 2011 Pilot does.
Honda sure likes to play games..... go figure.
The crack was not visible at first, because entire front of the cover was covered in gunk and dirt, once I cleaned it (outside portion), I saw the crack.
Below are supporting images
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