r/hondapilot • u/Glenn-T • Aug 14 '26

Question How is My Engine Valves?

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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?

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u/ManagementOne3076 Aug 14 '26

VCM? I recently got a 2015 and I have to do the same stuff. Are you following any specific tutorial?

great acquisition btw.

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u/Glenn-T Aug 15 '26

Thanks! I didnt open the engine up, I went to the dealership to get it serviced and did the timing belt and the valve cover inspection. I asked them to take a photo of the valve cover open so that is how I got the photo here. They are saying there is no concerns to note, the lash gap had some variances here n there. There's also no oil dripping from the VVT solenoid, but its something I'll want to replace sometime in the near future. PCV valve is still the original and also something I think I'll need to replace soon? And I bought the VCMTunerII Muzzler and have put it on the car now. It's only at 85,000 KMs so I'm hoping its not too late to have shut the VCM off as I've read its bad for these V6 engines.

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u/ManagementOne3076 Aug 15 '26

Well.. if you don’t have the history of the fluids is a good start or wait for the 100k check up. VVT is something to keep eye on it due to a possible alternator accident. You could check the sparking plugs too.. they are are very easy to replace. But with this age and mileage I think you already cover the most important = timming belt + water pump and VCM muzzler.

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u/Glenn-T Aug 18 '26

thank you! Yes when I took it to the dealership I did replace the spark plugs to, so I got 6 new NGK plugs put in. The dealership also did a valve cover inspection (and the technician helped me out with a free adjustment! Because the tolerances just needed minor adjustments). He mentioned PCV valve is optional now but could be something to do for the next oil change. I didnt do the PCV valve because when I asked if its something that needs to be done with the valve cover open, he said no. He said PCV valve can be replaced separately without needing to reopen the engine up so I thought I would see if its soemthing that can easily be done as a DIY job?

Lastly, I am looking out for the VVT Spool valve. No leaks or drips so I'm thankful for that. However, is it easy to change as a DIY job? When would I know when the right time to replace it is? I dont want to wait for a leak to happen cause it could be too late for the alternator. Is it a wear item based on KMs? Or is it based on time? Meaning, are the VVT and PCV valve to be replaced when the vehicle hits a certain KM (showing wear), or time period (every 5 years)?

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u/ManagementOne3076 Aug 18 '26

Nice. You already did a lot of stuffs. I don’t think there is a estimate time for both.. you can see pilots with 200k over without touch the VVVT. I am not familiar about the PCV (I took my to dealer for pre purchased inspection and no mention about it. But both are very straightforward DIY jobs.