Future Honda Engineer here to get familiar with Honda Engines
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 5
Future Honda Engineer here to get familiar with Honda Engines
Hi there!
I'm a Reliability Engineer who formerly worked with John Deere Power Systems (that means I'm pretty much 100% diesel, unfortunately) here to get familiar with both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines used in Accords. I'm currently interviewing with Honda for a position in their Engine Testing department.
What kind of maintenance do you most have to mind? What problems do you have to look out for? Do you know of any simple repairs or tricks that you've used to avoid big problems or fix your car quickly? Do you use a particular fuel additive or type of engine oil? What is your favorite thing about your Honda's performance, especially in terms of response on the highway? Does your engines thermostat seem to stay within regular bounds most of the time or does it take way too long to heat up or way too long to cool down? Is there a particular way Honda engines have changed over the years that you AREN'T especially fond of?
Anything you could tell me about what makes the Honda Accord (or Honda) engines different would be a big help. Thank you all and I hope to hear from you soon!
I'm a Reliability Engineer who formerly worked with John Deere Power Systems (that means I'm pretty much 100% diesel, unfortunately) here to get familiar with both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines used in Accords. I'm currently interviewing with Honda for a position in their Engine Testing department.
What kind of maintenance do you most have to mind? What problems do you have to look out for? Do you know of any simple repairs or tricks that you've used to avoid big problems or fix your car quickly? Do you use a particular fuel additive or type of engine oil? What is your favorite thing about your Honda's performance, especially in terms of response on the highway? Does your engines thermostat seem to stay within regular bounds most of the time or does it take way too long to heat up or way too long to cool down? Is there a particular way Honda engines have changed over the years that you AREN'T especially fond of?
Anything you could tell me about what makes the Honda Accord (or Honda) engines different would be a big help. Thank you all and I hope to hear from you soon!
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 5
Thank you for the kind welcome and thoughtful comment poorman212!
Well then... let the debate begin. 
I hope you all don't mind if I ask follow up questions to what you're saying.
I hope you all don't mind if I ask follow up questions to what you're saying.
Hello New Member **
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 198
From: Southern Minnesota
Welcome.
Honda has always prided themselves with making great engines. They range from lawn mower engines to mid '70's CVCC to the Bluetec and everything in-between. If you have a passion for engines Honda is the place to be.
Honda has always prided themselves with making great engines. They range from lawn mower engines to mid '70's CVCC to the Bluetec and everything in-between. If you have a passion for engines Honda is the place to be.
Super Moderator : And A Texan
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,652
From: Katy, TX
Welcome to HAF!
Over the years I've monitored this forum, starter (solenoid contacts) and main fuel relays seem to accumulate more faults than most other parts. Somewhat expected in a system that gets used so frequently, but certainly room for improvement.
good luck
Over the years I've monitored this forum, starter (solenoid contacts) and main fuel relays seem to accumulate more faults than most other parts. Somewhat expected in a system that gets used so frequently, but certainly room for improvement.
good luck
Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 98
From: New Jersey
In terms of changes that I'm not fond of, my '12 Accord coupe has the J35Z2 V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM- which shuts off 1 bank of cylinders, or 2 cylinders, depending on speed and usage in order to save fuel). Sometimes, around town, it's not as responsive as I'd like. My previous car, an '03 Accord coupe, had the J30A4 V6, and it was noticeably more responsive at around-town speeds. In fact, I sold that '03 Accord to a friend and recently drove it again. Indeed, it feels like it moves quicker at low speed (although in almost every other capacity, the '12 Accord drives circles around the '03).
It's worth the trade-off, because fuel economy is terrific for a V6, and when I mash the throttle, all 271 hp show up quickly, but at lower speeds, it feels a little laggy. It's a great engine, but making the ECO mode less intrusive might make the car feel a little more engaging.
It's worth the trade-off, because fuel economy is terrific for a V6, and when I mash the throttle, all 271 hp show up quickly, but at lower speeds, it feels a little laggy. It's a great engine, but making the ECO mode less intrusive might make the car feel a little more engaging.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 11,834
From: Kenton, TN
In terms of changes that I'm not fond of, my '12 Accord coupe has the J35Z2 V6 engine with Variable Cylinder Management (VCM- which shuts off 1 bank of cylinders, or 2 cylinders, depending on speed and usage in order to save fuel). Sometimes, around town, it's not as responsive as I'd like. My previous car, an '03 Accord coupe, had the J30A4 V6, and it was noticeably more responsive at around-town speeds. In fact, I sold that '03 Accord to a friend and recently drove it again. Indeed, it feels like it moves quicker at low speed (although in almost every other capacity, the '12 Accord drives circles around the '03).
It's worth the trade-off, because fuel economy is terrific for a V6, and when I mash the throttle, all 271 hp show up quickly, but at lower speeds, it feels a little laggy. It's a great engine, but making the ECO mode less intrusive might make the car feel a little more engaging.
It's worth the trade-off, because fuel economy is terrific for a V6, and when I mash the throttle, all 271 hp show up quickly, but at lower speeds, it feels a little laggy. It's a great engine, but making the ECO mode less intrusive might make the car feel a little more engaging.
The engine temps have to be at normal - we know that. VCM will not activate at speeds less than 30 mph. The slightest change in gas pedal "response" will cut VCM off and go to full cyl's.
Again the 07 Pilot has a light that lets me know when the VCM is active so I can watch/play with it. Not sure of the '12 Accords. I do have a highway on ramp that I get to take on the way to work and when traffic lets me I let the '07 wind out a bit - got to keep those plugs clean
,With the '16 Pilot, I have more issues with the 9 speed auto trans. Seems like the "take off" from a light and the thing doesn't even get to 3 MPH and it shifts to second....by 10 mph you are in third....kind of jerky IMHO. Don't get me wrong, if you stand on it from a stop....well that big heavy thing has some "get up an go" and in the higher rpm's actually has a lillte sound coming from the factory exhaust.
Do the '12 Accord's have a button to turn off the "Econ", the '16 Pilot does but the '07 Pilot does not?