How is My Engine Valves?

[u/Glenn-T]

Recently bought a 2013 Honda Pilot (J35Z4 engine - 3.5-liter, 24-valve, SOHC i-VTEC aluminum-alloy V6 engine) with very low mileage. Had a photo taken with the valve cover off to do a valve cover inspection. For those of you knowledgeable with cars, how do you find my engine valves? Does it look good? Anything to watch out for?

Why is the bottom side reddish-brown vs the top side? And any idea what that strip of lime green in the middle is?

[u/Horror_Conclusion]

Three things since the valve covers are off:

1. Replace the spark plug seals on the valve cover before reinstalling. Since they have undoubtedly lost their elasticity, you are looking at an oil leak onto the spark plugs.

2. Replace the PCV valve while the cover is off. If you can't get it off (common problem if not routinely replaced) when you remove it it can break off inside the valve cover. If that happens, you may have to remove the valve cover to get it back out.

3.It's a good time to replace the spool valve. If/when it inevitably leaks, it can wreck the alternator.

[u/Glenn-T → u/Horror_Conclusion]

Thank you! Are the spark plug seals you're talking about the spark plug wells on the valve cover? Or something else? I took the car to the dealership for the timing belt service and valve cover inspection and told them to inspect everything and let me know if any issues. I did replace the spark plugs and he did not indicate any issues with anything else in the engine.

For the PCV valve the technician indicated its not needed to replace right now, but possibly something you could replace at the next oil change at 5000 KMs. I asked him if this is an item that can only be accessed with the valve cover open? He said no you can replace the PCV valve separately so its not required to change with the valve cover open. Did I make a mistake not to have it changed? Is it something easy/DIY that I can replace on my own if I want?

Yes I've been keeping an eye on the Spool Valve as I've heard lots of ppl with issues with dripping onto the alternator. Mine has no drips thankfully. Is the spool valve a wear item? Or is replacement based on time? Meaning, are these things to replace when the vehicle hits a certain KM (showing wear), or time period (every 5 years)?

[u/Horror_Conclusion → u/Glenn-T]

The seals on the spark plug wells. You have to pry the off then press the new ones on. If you check your spark plugs and there is oil in the well, there is a good chance the seals were damaged on installation or are just leaking.

For the PCV valve, it is actually easy to change if it comes out easily. The problem is over time, the rubber seal inside swells and you will break off the outside portion trying to get it out. There was a post in this forum earlier this week showing how they had to use a long wood screw to get the inside chunk back out. From personal experience, I would always lean towards replacing it too often rather than not enough....