Valve adjustment on a 2007 Honda Ridgeline (non-VCM)

[cheech279]

At 116K miles, I have considered getting a valve adjustment on my 2007 Ridgeline that does NOT have VCM. I’m having no misfires, trouble codes or performance issues, but I do fret some about the consequences if the exhaust valves should get too tight. I had my second Aisin timing belt kit installed at 114K miles due to age, but my indie shop in NC didn’t offer valve adjustments on the V-6.

I'm in PA now and here are the Honda dealer quotations I’ve received for parts and labor: $1,020, $945, $825, $815 and $652. A little sticker shock to be sure. The truck is in nearly one-of-a-kind condition for its age, and I'd like to keep it for 3-5 years. Interestingly enough, one dealer service rep told me they rarely do valve adjustments on the Honda V-6, and only when there is a misfire, trouble code or performance problem.

Anyone have any informed opinions on this?

 

[Hall]

If you can find a Honda specialist shop or an independent shop that does a lot of Hondas, they should have an experienced tech that can listen and hear if a valve adjustment is needed or not necessary. Without any symptoms, it's likely that nothing needs done (yet, if ever).

 

[Cressida]

I'm facing a similar consideration at 105k miles on a CRV now so have been thinking about this too. I think your intuition is correct to get it done within the next year. Maybe keep asking around for a recommended independent shop as Hall mentioned. Make sure the mechanic has completed a few of these valve adjustments on that engine and you should be good for many years. You are correct about the exhaust side being tight as the major point of concern.

 

[carviewsonic]

What does the service schedule in the owner's manual say? I would follow the schedule and get the valve adjustment done. Even at $1000 it's a lot cheaper than a burnt valve, and you'll probably never have to worry about that maintenance item again.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

The problem from many reads/videos is the exhaust getting tighter and quiet. Not sure how experience would tell that. Maybe they can a hear a uniform looseness saying still good?

 

[Sequoiasoon]

What does the service schedule in the owner's manual say? I would follow the schedule and get the valve adjustment done. Even at $1000 it's a lot cheaper than a burnt valve, and you'll never have to worry about that maintenance item again.

for the next approximately 100k miles.

 

[Nukeman7]

Based upon my decades of experience with working on Hondas, the 4-cylinder engines do have a tendency to get tight on the exhaust valves, especially during the initial 100K miles. On the other hand, I routinely service three Odyssey minivans for family/friends and have only found 2 exhaust valves (total) that were slightly tight after performing two valve adjustment services on each J35 engine over the past 12 years. The Odysseys have 127K, 218K and 311K, on the odometers, respectively.

 

[carviewsonic]

I had the valves adjusted at the dealer on my '07 K24 Accord a few months ago, at 118,000 miles. I was told the exhaust valves were on the tight side. It idles smoother (especially when cold), and throttle response feels a bit better since the adjustment.

 

[Oliveoil2]

I bet if you call the dealer and ask to talk with the lead Tech you’ll learn that they almost never adjust the valves on the Honda 3.5. The hard-working 4 cylinder’s are different and need regular checking.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Based upon my decades of experience with working on Hondas, the 4-cylinder engines do have a tendency to get tight on the exhaust valves, especially during the initial 100K miles. On the other hand, I routinely service three Odyssey minivans for family/friends and have only found 2 exhaust valves (total) that were slightly tight after performing two valve adjustment services on each J35 engine over the past 12 years. The Odysseys have 127K, 218K and 311K, on the odometers, respectively.

Do any of these have VCM, and have you checked the fuel trims? I have looked at a few of these used lately, and noticed on plugging in several had fairly negative fuel trims on one or both banks (removing fuel). Someone suggested maybe valves too tight.

I posted about it here: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...he-realities-of-honda-vcm.401164/post-7413869

 

[rijndael]

I tend to find the intake valves too lose on the J35s.

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

. I’m having no misfires, trouble codes or performance issues,

I'd leave it alone.

 

[Hall]

What does the service schedule in the owner's manual say?

Honda has been switching to "check" the clearance and adjust if necessary vs their recommendation in the past to adjust them. The interval has increased (just like the TB) from 60k miles to 105k miles too, I believe.

 

[The Critic]

The problem from many reads/videos is the exhaust getting tighter and quiet. Not sure how experience would tell that. Maybe they can a hear a uniform looseness saying still good?

MAP sensor voltage translates to engine vacuum.
https://www.motor.com/magazine-summary/foreign-service-january-2018/

 

[Sequoiasoon]

Honda has been switching to "check" the clearance and adjust if necessary vs their recommendation in the past to adjust them. The interval has increased (just like the TB) from 60k miles to 105k miles too, I believe.

I had same discussion on another forum that started with needing to get leaking valve cover possibly replaced. Another member got bent out of shape as I said have them adjusted while it is off on a never done 2.4L at like 170k. Discrepancy because he got the why would you adjust something that doesn't need adjusting, just check them. A bunch of back and forth, some videos etc. I changed to check and adjust if necessary wording, he understood that 98% of checking them is what it takes to adjust them with parts/labor if they are out of spec. Only difference is loosening the lock nut and possible small partial turn of adjuster. He also saw the same with exhaust valves getting tight and quiet not like other brands and years that louder tappy clicky valves need fixing but quiet is good, except on manual adjustment Honda's (and maybe others).

 

[The Critic]

I will say that dealer techs fight over the 105k service packages at dealers. Some dealers even have a waiting list for which tech gets the job next since it pays super well.

Most dealers pay their techs around 8 hours for the job and charge around $2500 to the customer.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I will say that dealer techs fight over the 105k service packages at dealers. Some dealers even have a waiting list for which tech gets the job next since it pays super well.

Most dealers pay their techs around 8 hours for the job and charge around $2500 to the customer.

What does this include? Timing belt, tensioner, water pump, valve adjust?

 

[The Critic]

What does this include? Timing belt, tensioner, water pump, valve adjust?

Timing Belt, Hydraulic Tensioner, Water Pump, Drive Belt, Valve Adjustment and Valve Cover Gasket.

 

[iCurious]

Currently, what is the MAP sensor value on the scan tool?

 

[cheech279]

Currently, what is the MAP sensor value on the scan tool?

Not equipped to check that.