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2011 Honda Odyssey EXL
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I have a 2011 Ody EXL and have the spool valve leak onto the alternator, and now need to fix that and also get a new alternator when my old one is only like 6 months or so old. Anyway do I need to do the tensioner/timing kit at the same time? Complete newbie and broke momma of 6, 5 still at home and in need of our van working. I think we can probably manage the spool valve and we've already done an alternator so I know we can do that. I was going to do spark plugs as well. Other than the drainage from the alternator being taken out by the leaking spool valve I have not noticed a rough start or anything as indicated can be a sign of needing the timing belt kit done. Also forgive me for sounding dumb but I see and hear about timing belt vs serpentine belt but the diagrams look the exact same to me on where to locate them and I only see one belt so a little lost on that one. I have very basic tools and will need to buy or rent the rest. I also need a new axle according to the info provided by Honda when I did my oil change. I may or may not need a new oil pump until everything is cleaned up from the other leaking I don't really know if it's leaking or not. I haven't had any oil indicators on my dash just the regular maintenance mm ok nder stuff come up. After Infix this stuff I know I need a muzzler is the consensus still that Vibranium I think it is is the best way to go? Anything else I should know or be aware of or look for etc? These are not the only issues but they are the more major ones. I also have the driver side door issue where I need to replace the sensor and cable that goes by the gas door. My son is autistic and somehow managed to get the passenger sliding door stuck to where it will not unlock and the handle is in a halfway pulled position. Once I get that unlocked somehow then I have to look further into possibly the center roller needing replaced as it does the whole start to close but reopens etc stuff. Life is so fun lol. Any info, tips, tricks to help a momma in need out appreciated.
 

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Was there any Carfax or info that the timing belt was done? 7 years/100,000 miles is the usual/general recommendation for timing belt change. You go to owners.honda.com to enter your VIN to see if any recalls are outstanding, I can't remember if dealer service info is available as well. Also check out the The timing belt mega thread - why change it, service... thread for more useful information.
Serpentine belt is something many DIY'ers can do, sometimes refeed to as accessory or drive belt. It drives the AC compressor, power steering and alternator. Timing belt is a very advanced DIY activity. I would not recommend for you to do your own timing belt- but knowledge of what's involved is very good to know.
For the sliding door check out the Power sliding door mega thread - common issues, their... mega-thread. Info on checking and replacing the center roller. Both of these mega-threads are in the 3rd Gen section, but still are useful for your '11.
Glad that you know about muzzling the VCM. I hope you read the first post of the PISTON RINGS/MISFIRES/FOULED SPARK PLUGS - The VCM mega... thread Post a reply to this thread: Vcm muzzler Verbatim in order to contact Verbatim regarding his product.

Welcome to the OdyClub. Knowledge is power, and more power to you momma! :giggle:
 

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2011 Honda Odyssey EXL
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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
I have no idea where I would find service history prior to me owning it but I'll look back thru anything left with the manual and see if I can find anything.
 

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I only see one belt
The belt you see is the accessory belt (aka serpentine belt, drive belt).

The timing belt cannot be seen as it is fully hidden under covers. Those plastic covers can be spotted on the right side of the engine below the power steering pump.

Your timing belt is 5 years past the factory change time. (I think it's safe to assume it's the original; many folks trade their vehicle rather than get this service.) This should be your priority. If the belt or its tensioner were to break, the engine would probably suffer major damage.

Independent shops charge about $6-800 for the job. Start looking now.
 

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You seem to understand that knowledge about your Odyssey is power and can save you $ and limit repair anxiety….awesome! Suggested steps….
  • read read read this forum
  • buy aftermarket gasket for the spool valve and install, not hard but the three or four bolts need to be tightened accurately, which leads to tools…
  • collect a basic bunch of tools, if $ is limited get them at harbor freight, including small torque wrench
  • in google maps, search for auto repair, read reviews of top two in your area and pick one to visit, note that dealers charge crazy costs these days.
  • dont hesitate to ask questions here, but keep in mind responses to specific questions will give you the most help.
Good luck!
DanaH
2014LX
 

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I have a request out for a quote.
Good.

Make sure the quoted parts are the Aisin timing belt kit. Ignore deceptive parts descriptions like "Honda timing belt kit" (no such thing) or "OEM equivalent", and ignore any other brand names.

If not, but you like the shop otherwise, buy the Aisin kit yourself from RockAuto and bring it to the shop for installation.

BTW, your van is overdue for a coolant change. This would be an opportune time to do it as the cooling system has to be opened up to replace the water pump (part of the timing belt kit).

Use Honda coolant only. If the shop offers anything else, drop by your Honda dealer, pick up two gallons of Type 2 premix, and bring it to the shop.

Good luck.
 
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2011 Honda Odyssey EXL
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Discussion Starter · #13 ·
It's a mobile mechanic and I was quoted 800 for the labor I'm buying the parts for the spark plugs, alternator and serpentine, spool valve, timing kit, and axle.
 

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It's a mobile mechanic and I was quoted 800 for the labor I'm buying the parts for the spark plugs, alternator and serpentine, spool valve, timing kit, and axle.
decent price if they do good work.

rockauto.com

use the 5% discount code...
 

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Bolt - 2006 Honda Odyssey (EX)
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Those plugs should be good. I would recommend OE for the spool valve. You can get it for less than $200 at Majestic.
 
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I would go with OE for the axle also.
 

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I have a 2011 Ody EXL and have the spool valve leak onto the alternator, and now need to fix that and also get a new alternator when my old one is only like 6 months or so old. Anyway do I need to do the tensioner/timing kit at the same time? Complete newbie and broke momma of 6, 5 still at home and in need of our van working. I think we can probably manage the spool valve and we've already done an alternator so I know we can do that. I was going to do spark plugs as well. Other than the drainage from the alternator being taken out by the leaking spool valve I have not noticed a rough start or anything as indicated can be a sign of needing the timing belt kit done. Also forgive me for sounding dumb but I see and hear about timing belt vs serpentine belt but the diagrams look the exact same to me on where to locate them and I only see one belt so a little lost on that one. I have very basic tools and will need to buy or rent the rest. I also need a new axle according to the info provided by Honda when I did my oil change. I may or may not need a new oil pump until everything is cleaned up from the other leaking I don't really know if it's leaking or not. I haven't had any oil indicators on my dash just the regular maintenance mm ok nder stuff come up. After Infix this stuff I know I need a muzzler is the consensus still that Vibranium I think it is is the best way to go? Anything else I should know or be aware of or look for etc? These are not the only issues but they are the more major ones. I also have the driver side door issue where I need to replace the sensor and cable that goes by the gas door. My son is autistic and somehow managed to get the passenger sliding door stuck to where it will not unlock and the handle is in a halfway pulled position. Once I get that unlocked somehow then I have to look further into possibly the center roller needing replaced as it does the whole start to close but reopens etc stuff. Life is so fun lol. Any info, tips, tricks to help a momma in need out appreciated.
I got the mahle VVT gasket set - https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...valve-timing-vvt-solenoid-gasket/mae0/gs34049

I replaced my alternator with a Denso manufactured from Rockauto.
 

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I have a 2011 Ody EXL and have the spool valve leak onto the alternator, and now need to fix that and also get a new alternator when my old one is only like 6 months or so old. Anyway do I need to do the tensioner/timing kit at the same time? Complete newbie and broke momma of 6, 5 still at home and in need of our van working. I think we can probably manage the spool valve and we've already done an alternator so I know we can do that. I was going to do spark plugs as well. Other than the drainage from the alternator being taken out by the leaking spool valve I have not noticed a rough start or anything as indicated can be a sign of needing the timing belt kit done. Also forgive me for sounding dumb but I see and hear about timing belt vs serpentine belt but the diagrams look the exact same to me on where to locate them and I only see one belt so a little lost on that one. I have very basic tools and will need to buy or rent the rest. I also need a new axle according to the info provided by Honda when I did my oil change. I may or may not need a new oil pump until everything is cleaned up from the other leaking I don't really know if it's leaking or not. I haven't had any oil indicators on my dash just the regular maintenance mm ok nder stuff come up. After Infix this stuff I know I need a muzzler is the consensus still that Vibranium I think it is is the best way to go? Anything else I should know or be aware of or look for etc? These are not the only issues but they are the more major ones. I also have the driver side door issue where I need to replace the sensor and cable that goes by the gas door. My son is autistic and somehow managed to get the passenger sliding door stuck to where it will not unlock and the handle is in a halfway pulled position. Once I get that unlocked somehow then I have to look further into possibly the center roller needing replaced as it does the whole start to close but reopens etc stuff. Life is so fun lol. Any info, tips, tricks to help a momma in need out appreciated.
When you look on the passenger side of the engine you will see the serpentine belt. To the left, towards the engine, of the serpentine belt you will see some plastic covers. The timing belt is under those covers. It is recommended that you change the timing belt at 105K mile or 7 years, which ever comes first. It is possible your timing belt was changed by the prior owner. You should try to find out if it was already done. If it wasn't already done, you may want to consider having an experienced mechanic do it for you. Changing a timing belt while not complicated, requires you to be very meticulous about making sure the engine is timed properly. Otherwise you risk damaging your engine. If you decide to do the timing belt yourself, the single most important thing is NOT BUY PARTS FROM EBAY OR AMAZON! Lots of counterfeit parts are being sold their and they will fail and they will kill your engine. Get the Aisin timing belt kit from rockauto.com . They are a reliable source and Aisin makes many of the OEM parts, so you are getting high quality parts at a good price.

Whey do you think you need an oil pump? I would doubt that is that problem you are having with an oil leak. I would have someone you trust look at it.

If the axle you needs is the one on the drivers side, it is pretty easy to do. You can borrow the large sockets you will need to loosen the axle nut from AutoZone. Replacing that is pretty straight forward. If the axle that is bad is on the passenger side, it is much harder to replace. The reason is that you need to get the axle out of the center bearing carrier and that can be difficult. I did it, but it was not easy.
 
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