My valves are adjusted when doing the plugs. Usually one or two are slightly loose and when the set to spec my mileage is down for about a week or two.
Thanks for sharing the photos under the valve cover of an Acura MDX that didn't have frequent enough oil changes.An example of not well maintained (140k 11 MDX). Plugged PCV valve and broke off inside the cover when tried to take it out.
View attachment 143591View attachment 143586View attachment 143589
Looks normal for a J-series from that era.Thanks for sharing the photos under the valve cover of an Acura MDX that didn't have frequent enough oil changes.
I think the issue might be that Honda engineers who designed the maintenance minder didn't realize how tough on the oil the J35 engines especially with VCM can be with extremely high temperatures in certain parts of the engine. Also the Honda owner's manuals recommend conventional oil, and for people who follow their owners manual's recommendation of conventional oil + the maintenance minder with OCI around 6k to 7.5k miles, with these hard on the oil engines, it could explain why these engines end up with sludge / varnish.Looks normal for a J-series from that era.
You must hate money.I'm sure I'm in the minority, but I avoid doing valve adjustments on any Honda. Of the one's I have done, none were out of spec more than a thou or so, hardly worth the bother.
You must hate money.
Could that be the reason why the Rear Main seal failing so early in most of these engines? I think it is related.I think the issue might be that Honda engineers who designed the maintenance minder didn't realize how tough on the oil the J35 engines especially with VCM can be with extremely high temperatures in certain parts of the engine. Also the Honda owner's manuals recommend conventional oil, and for people who follow their owners manual's recommendation of conventional oil + the maintenance minder with OCI around 6k to 7.5k miles, with these hard on the oil engines, it could explain why these engines end up with sludge / varnish.
I'm not sure. I always use high mileage full synthetic oil, which treats the oil seals perpetually in the hopes of it extending the life of the oil seals. I haven't had any issues with the rear main seal yet, or any seals, as none of the vehicles have leaks yet.Could that be the reason why the Rear Main seal failing so early in most of these engines? I think it is related.
I've been buying tools (not as much as The Critics) and parts to do the RMS at home but now I don't feel like doing it. It is not dripping onto the ground,.......yet. and I don't drive the car that much. I've spent over $1.3K tools and parts sitting in boxes.