2010 Accord Crosstour 3.5L V6 150,000 miles.
engine was making a ticking noise in rear so I'm adjusting the valve lash on the rocker arms.
I noticed the rear head looks clean and the front head looks brownish. the front head is clean just varnished looking. Any ideas why the 2 different colors?
Thanks.

front head

rear head

 

The front could be hotter since it's near the radiator. The varnish doesn't look terrible on the front btw. Regular oil changes with high mileage/higher detergent oil might help check over time.

 

car gets regular oil changes.
I agree the varnished head looks ok and fairly clean. probably from heat like you said. Though I am surprised the rear head doesn't have any varnish on it at all, it looks brand new. I guess regular oil changes do help.
Thanks for your input!