- Joined
- Nov 13, 2020
- Messages
- 300
I've been trying to figure out if that's still a problem. This is supposedly a gen 3 VCM engine, I guess the gen 2s had a ton of issues, like 2011-2017 ish
Honda Odyssey J35Y6 recommendations
- Thread starter ssspencerjr
- Start date
Every week a new Gen3 comes onto my Odyssey forum with massive issues, all related to VCM damage.
Drinking oil, fouling spark plugs, failing fat converters.
If it were me I'd vcm block that great engine.
Every week for the past 1.5 years, that's when we bought our 15 ody.
I'm not overstating either, Every week.
I had no idea about the vcm issues until after we bought ours. I thought honda prided itself on simple reliable vehicles. I was wrong.......
Muzzle that new beast and you will never need to worry.
- Joined
- May 2, 2022
- Messages
- 69
I had heard that the VCM issues had been sorted out in the latest generation, but maybe it’s too soon to tell.
In the 3rd gen Pilots causing a lot of problems with torque converter clutches/transmissions at least in the 6 speed trannies. Software makes the TC slip more and electronic motor mounts work accordingly so you don't feel the vibrations from unbalanced motor. Piloteers has many show up because of transmission problems. The slipping kills the DW-1, overheating it etc.
I don't recall too many with the engine/piston ring issues (yet) on those. I have a '19 Pilot with 6 speed with 50k miles. VCM muzzled since 25k miles. My DW-1 is VERY dark every time, I've done 7 drain and fills over the time. First time was at about 20k and it was black. That was with one 200 mile round trip tow at less than 2000 lbs. Rest was just family and daily driver use. Factory external cooler installed at the 20k.
I have done 7 spill amd fills with maxlife.
It lasts much longer than oem fluid.
The magic number is 150k to 200k miles.
Issues show up like clock work
Only reason I haven't swapped yet is I'm under 8/120k HondaCare. I'd be the one that they decide to do a fluid analysis and deny my coverage.
Collect the factory transmission fill and store it away for warranty, then MaxLife it it.
I'll be "that guy" that recommends 5W30. 
My TL has the J37 which is slightly larger but has (potential) oil consumption issues as it gets older; I only have 33k on the odometer now so I'm embarking on a strict regiment of HPL 5W30 (factory rec is 5W2) with an Amsoil filter. I find it funny that Honda dropped VTEC on the latest J series in the new Pilot and went DOHC. The VTEC J series was/is a sonorous delight.
My TL has the J37 which is slightly larger but has (potential) oil consumption issues as it gets older; I only have 33k on the odometer now so I'm embarking on a strict regiment of HPL 5W30 (factory rec is 5W2) with an Amsoil filter. I find it funny that Honda dropped VTEC on the latest J series in the new Pilot and went DOHC. The VTEC J series was/is a sonorous delight.
Not when the VCM is active.....
The front 3 cylinders really heat up and cook/varnish that oil good.
Especially since the pcv is also on the front.
Use a good syn and be on the conservative side of the oci.
Looks like it
Supported Vehicles
Supported Vehicles (Must have 3.5L V6 I-VTEC) VCMTUNER or VCMTUNER II. Supported Models: 3.5L V6 I-VTEC (2005-2020) 2005-2006 Honda Odyssey (uses 2005-2006 style connector) 2006-2008 Honda Pilot (uses 2005-2006 style connector) 2007+ Honda Odyssey (uses 2007+ style connector) 2009+ Honda Pilot...
www.vcmtuner.com
3783-KC1
Site Donor 2024
For me, a Purolator PBL14610 filter and Pennzoil Euro LX (0w-30) works wonders for the J35Y series of engines. My RLX has never sounded or ran as smooth as when I put the Euro LX in. Only noise I can hear when the car is running are the DI injectors. Engine is also smoother on the highway. Might cause a slight drop in MPGs though. Can't say for sure though as the cold snap meant that the engine was dumping fuel at cold start. Any decent 0w20/30 should be fine. Lastly, if you want to stick to 0w-20, I've had the best luck with PUP.
Honda removing VTEC from their latest J Series V-6 is very sad. I love the J35 V-6's from 2006/2007 - super smooth and powerful.I'll be "that guy" that recommends 5W30.
My TL has the J37 which is slightly larger but has (potential) oil consumption issues as it gets older; I only have 33k on the odometer now so I'm embarking on a strict regiment of HPL 5W30 (factory rec is 5W2) with an Amsoil filter. I find it funny that Honda dropped VTEC on the latest J series in the new Pilot and went DOHC. The VTEC J series was/is a sonorous delight.
Just fun to drive.
I prefer 5W-30 for it's higher HTHS and Moft. Protection is more important to me than a 1/10 of a MPG gain if any from 20 weight oils.
Another vote to disable VCM. The S-VCM and VCM Tuner 2 are the most recommended/reliable units AFAIK.
VCM poses several problems for all Hondas regardless of generation. Oil fouled plugs, stuck piston rings, and misfires are the early symptoms, and were particularly prevalent in the early 4th gen Odysseys (like mine). However the long-term effects - damaged motor mounts and excessive vibration - are also problematic. Damaged front/rear mounts then allow the engine to move around too much, often causing the intake tube to tear and resulting in the engine stalling. Fortunately the stalls usually happen at stop lights instead of during acceleration, and the intake tube is relatively cheap. However, the front/rear mounts cost me $500 each, so they are not exactly a budget-friendly repair!
Regardless, all of these issues can be avoided if VCM is deactivated. It is too early to know whether the gen 5 Odyssey is as vulnerable to VCM gremlins as the gen 4 is, but I would not be willing to risk it.
My $.02
VCM poses several problems for all Hondas regardless of generation. Oil fouled plugs, stuck piston rings, and misfires are the early symptoms, and were particularly prevalent in the early 4th gen Odysseys (like mine). However the long-term effects - damaged motor mounts and excessive vibration - are also problematic. Damaged front/rear mounts then allow the engine to move around too much, often causing the intake tube to tear and resulting in the engine stalling. Fortunately the stalls usually happen at stop lights instead of during acceleration, and the intake tube is relatively cheap. However, the front/rear mounts cost me $500 each, so they are not exactly a budget-friendly repair!
Regardless, all of these issues can be avoided if VCM is deactivated. It is too early to know whether the gen 5 Odyssey is as vulnerable to VCM gremlins as the gen 4 is, but I would not be willing to risk it.
My $.02
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2021
- Messages
- 830
This. These engines are not easy on oil, when VCM is left enabled.
I run a 0w-30 in my J35Y5 even with VCM disabled due to DI and it being a short-tripper in a cold climate. ESP is my latest flavor. At least we don't have to consider chain shear.
Similar threads
- Question