- Joined
- Jun 30, 2023
- Messages
- 135
Here is mine back in 2023 with 239K on it. I just turned 285K yesterday.
Honda K24 Valvetrain, 135K miles
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
It would be interesting to mic the lobes, see how much is gone, and then see when misfires occur.
Bit reluctant to remove the VC as I replaced the gasket once, only to have the garage replace it again. Maybe it does need RTV to do it right, or maybe they replaced it because I did not clean any oil off the engine (it was leaking in other spots too when I had it repaired). I probably should mic the clearances and see what they are at, just haven't felt like touching it.
Im not replacing the cam either way. Mine looked normal, I guess. Proper gasket installation is always essential. Also use a quality gasket and Hondabond, not the parts store RTV. "The right stuff" would probably work fine but its not any cheaper. Also clean the surface of old sealant and 100% of oil with brake clean. Tighten in the right sequence. Don't bother with a torque wrench. Use 1/4" drive rachet. The grommets bottom out when tight enough. With quality parts and proper install it won't leak. Most likely it will be a better job than the average ahop.
When you adjust valves, after adjusting them all, turn the engine at least one revolution and check them all again. The next size up should still be a no-go, the proper size have slight resistance, and the next size down easy to insert. If you have to, adjust again, then repeat turning and checking until all are adjusted properly. This may add a heck of a lot of time to the job and a heck of a lot of strain on your back. But when done it's done right.
I use M1 on ours, but I firmly believe in 5K (or less) OCIs. I've serviced 2 friend's 2007 TSXs and both used a little oil between services. These cars had far fewer miles than our 2006 TSX (237K). They followed the Maintenance Minder, which I do not.
You're definitely right about the back strain. Took me a couple days of recovery but saved $400. That's what my neighbor paid for his Element. After rotating the motor, I did adjust a couple a final time. I doubt they needed it but after using the feeler gauge so many times you get to know how each feels and I figured it best to make them all as close as possible.
Mine doesn't. Link. I should be thinking of replacing the cam, but it's far from a new car, and I can't have the downtime at the moment.
Oh wow, I've never seen one like that.
2003 was apparently not a good year for exhaust cams, I'm not the only one.
It's been 20k so I really should get another pic at some point.
One of the best engine Honda ever made....
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2023
- Messages
- 135
Mine has seen everything from Castrol to Pennzoil to Mobil 1in 0W20/5W20/5W30/10W30. Microgreen, Denso, Honda, and more regarding filters, and every interval between 5K and 10K miles. I can't actually believe it looked as good as it does, considering I basically have used it as an experiment, driving 75-80% highway miles. I have used MMO, LM MoS2, Seafoam, HPL EC 30, and soon will use BG EPR in it.
The only thing about mine is, I had the VTC rattle begin and didn't think much of it until I decided to begin researching the issue. I should have acted way back when it began and taken it to Honda to try to get them to replace the actuator for free or partial cost, but I waited too long and ended up going the spring replacement route. I worked closely with the Canadian company that makes the replacement springs and tried many rates that they were developing. I also replaced the timing chain tensioner, no dice.
Until I can get back in there and look into replacing the chain and guides along with another lower mileage actuator, I have been using a fuel pump kill switch to get oil up to the actuator for a rattle-free start. Not a bad thing to have regardless for security and getting the oil primed after oil changes.
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They are easy on oil, but only the earliest I imagine did not specify at least semi synthetic. Our 2005 calls for 5W20 semi synthetic, which I read as PUP or Castrol Edge 0W20 in 2025.
I would say the best, with the J Series a not so close second.
The Sierra NV mtn ranges still have snow on top here in July. I believe the peaks on I-80 are around 12k ft
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