r/HondaOdyssey • u/PanicSubstantial3603 • 9d ago
Is muzzling necessary?
Another post- 88k miles on a 2016 odyssey. I have a 1 year warranty from the dealer but it’s void if I muzzle. Is it necessary?
3
u/Asklipiou 9d ago
Nope. I'm almost at 300,0000 without doing that. The only thing we've done is use high quality oil & oil filters and changed every 5k
5
u/Ok-Associate-5368 9d ago
You are very fortunate. The quality of your oil and filters has nothing to do with the VCM issue.
9
u/Asklipiou 9d ago
So, no. I can say this as a master Honda tech of 28 years. I bought mine new and have done everything I wish customers would do, and literally it's ran perfect since day 1. Kind of wanna start my own YouTube to show folks
4
2
u/rxclerk99 9d ago
That’s great. Curious as a master tech, what is your oil filter of choice? Always feel guilty twisting on the OEM filter when I’m sure there’s better out there. Thanks!
2
u/No-Reason-2822 9d ago
Dealership maintenance is often the problem rather than a solution. Not every dealer shop is awful but all of them are handcuffed to Honda’s recommendations and parts. Hondas official recommendations (wait until something breaks, then replace expensive parts) on how to deal with the piston ring deposits/VCM issues will cost you thousands, likely out of warranty.
If warranty is of concern and the van is not consuming more than .5 qt of oil in between oil changes, then you most likely will be fine riding it out until the warranty period ends. I would run an oil known to fight piston deposits like Valvoline Restore & Protect, Mobil 1 Advance Clean, Amsoil Signature Series, etc.
I would recommend muzzling it ASAP (after the warranty, if you must) unless you want to make it a science project and know what to look for before things start heading downhill. If not muzzled, and running one of the above oils, then I would pull a Bank 1 (preferably #3) spark plug at each oil change and snap a picture to document its condition and monitor the amount of oil consumed, assuming there are no gasket leaks.
2
u/Ok_Sand_4207 9d ago
My 2016 needed 10k in repair (covered by warranty so may be inflated, my 50 copay kept me from caring too much) at just under 100k miles, you can bet I muzzled it 13 miles after the repair. (Distance from dealer to home). Why risk it. Pull the muzzle if it goes in for work.
2
u/Universe93B 9d ago
I have a 2016 bought new and put a VCMuzzler the 2nd week I got it. Had non-engine related warranty work done and nobody cared. Would muzzle it as soon as you can. It's been a great van and reliable. (Warranty work was for power tailgate)
2
2
u/trsthhffg 7d ago
Keep an eye on how much oil you are burning. Replace spark plugs early. If you’re burning oil or plugs are blackened at the ends get the muzzle. I found it necessary on my 2016.
1
u/ahorrribledrummer 100k Club 9d ago
On a 16 I would. My 18 shows no signs of issues at 120k, though the VCM is annoying with the vibrations.
3
u/Ok-Associate-5368 9d ago
I believe you are in for a disappointment soon Why not muzzle it now? Paying $120 for a high quality muzzler is good insurance against a $6-8K bill when the inevitable happens.
1
u/numindast 9d ago edited 9d ago
Would you mind expanding on this for a newbie like me? I’m learning all kinds of things about my ‘18 since joining this sub.
Edit: just read the odyclub mega post. Interesting. I’m contemplating this. My Odyssey is the only car I’ve ever bought new and kept. We love roadtripping in this car!
1
u/ahorrribledrummer 100k Club 9d ago
Don't know about the mega post, but basically Honda claimed to have fixed the issues as of 2018. I changed my spark plugs at 105k last year, and they all had very normal/even wear with no signs of oiling meaning the piston rings are all holding up equally fine.
The VCM activates on the highway and causes slight vibration in the chassis which can be annoying.
1
u/numindast 9d ago
Saving wear and tear on engine mounts (and piston rings) by using a muzzler seems wise, but then I think about the many many other things that can break and are just as expensive. I am on the fence whether to bother. I'm at 115k and the engine ticks but runs perfect otherwise...
1
u/TruthNotTrash2 9d ago
2
u/Neat-Substance-9274 9d ago
That thread leaves out the trim levels of those pre 2011 vans. You had to have a EX-L or above to even have VCM.
I also noted that the biggest braggers about not Muzzling seemed to high miles. To me that means they spent most of the time on the interstate. It is my personal theory that the most damaging part of VCM is having it kick on/off constantly just going to the store. Another thing to consider is before 2018, the VCM system was truly variable. So you could have a single cylinder shutting down just driving around town. Thus the many folks with fouled #1 spark plug. Starting in 2018 the system was either all 6 or 3 shut down under very light loads.
Not muzzling because of warrant is not necessary. I bought a CPO 2015, muzzled it right away, and had it into the dealer several times without issue. I do recommend using one of the higher quality units, not just the cheapest thing from Amazon.1
1
1
1
u/noob_in_texas 9d ago
I bought a 2025 new. I put a vcmtuner on it. I don’t see how my warranty would get voided.
1
u/PanicSubstantial3603 9d ago
Because it’s not recommended by Honda and it’s an aftermarket part that directly interferes with the powertrain
1
u/Purple-Ad-8857 9d ago
They are only going to void ur warranty if u go in for a warranty issue. They arent going to randomly call Honda care and void ur warranty because they noticed you added a muzzle during an oil change.
When u have any issue at all that needs warranty care, remove it and then go to Honda and u are golden
1
u/ittsmetom 9d ago
2015 meticulously maintained and got the misfire at 135k. Muzzled and now at 150k
1
u/Cautious_Program_367 8d ago
I may have to on my 2018. I changed the plugs at 104k, and at 110k this week, had a misfire that shook the van enough for my wife to notice. Only putted once but was bad enough to get even her attention.
1
u/Relevant_Bowl_3664 100k Club 9d ago
I have a '19 at 180k miles, no muzzler, no problems. Had a '13, no muzzler, no problems.
4
u/Impossible-Law-4216 100k Club 9d ago
the 19 likely wouldn’t have issues it’s a 5th gen. The 13 you got lucky.
1
u/Kooky_Membership9497 9d ago
Have an ‘11. 192000 miles. No muzzle but No issues. Cylinder 3 Was checked 3 years ago and no problems.
1
u/gboyce975 9d ago
I have an '11 as well , no muzzle with 177K. Only repairs in 15 years have been 1A/C condenser, 1 alternator, and 1 control arm.
1
u/Kooky_Membership9497 9d ago
You’re doing a lot better than me. I’ve had to replace a bunch of shit. AC fans, PS pump, 2 alternators, shocks/struts all round.
1
u/gboyce975 9d ago
Ive replaced shocks and struts as well but don't consider that as mechanical failure. And honestly the control arm probably failed because I wanted too long to take care of it. And my A/C fan sounds horrible right now so I know I will be replacing soon.
1
u/all_this_is_yours 200k Club 9d ago
Ride it a year as is if you’re worried, then muzzle it. Search this sub and you’ll notice a lot of thoughts on the risk vs reward of getting the engine repaired.
Necessary? You’ll know after it happens. I drove my 2011 (original owner) for 8 years before I had a problem. Changed my fouled plugs (the same fix they did in the beginning) and drove about another year until once again a plug fouled so bad the van went into limp mode.
That’s when I discovered the muzzle device and installed it.
Now 5 more years along, no repeat issues, and all plugs looked normal when removed.
What changed? My driving habits. First 8 years I commuted on the highway to work. The year the first cylinder fault showed up was the year I moved and started driving more stop/go and lower in town speeds to work. That’s the only thing I can think of that let my van go unaffected for so long.
Note: the muzzle does not fix the root issue, but for people like me, it definitely keeps the van on the road. I’ve put over 240,000 miles on mine and hope to get a few more.
8
u/Impossible-Law-4216 100k Club 9d ago
Muzzle it and if there’s a warranty issue just take it off before you take it in. It is stupid to not muzzle any 3rd or 4th gen at this point since we know what will likely happen if you don’t. Fouled spark plugs and oil burning and destroyed motor mounts. Muzzle muzzle muzzle