So here's the story. My 2008 Odyssey was misfiring for a while. It was idling bad for a little while. Well one day it just would not accelerate past like 20mph and died. We waited and could drive again same speed. Took it home. Changed spark plugs. Not the problem. Was told to do catalytic converter ( I have 3) replaced them all. Now call won't start without a jump and lots of smoke comes out and dies again. Took it to a mechanic and he says I need a new engine possible blown head gasket. Is this definitely the case? Do I need to spend $3000? I'm a mom with 3 kids and I need this car. What should I do?

 

Do you have a Touring or EX-L model? Are you the original owner? How many miles? Do you know how to check the oil? If so, how is the oil level? Is the Check engine light on?

When your engine is struggling, does the Check Engline light flash along with the ABS/VSA lights?

I assume your mechanic is a general repair technician and not a Honda dealer, correct? Does your mechanic state why he believes the head gasket or engine to be at fault? Has he done any testing to prove his theory or is he just throwing this out there? Is this the same mechanic that told you to replace the catalytic converters?

My 07 has the exact same symptoms whenever the oil runs low. Oil consumption is a huge problem with 05-10 EX-L & Touring models with the i-VTEC engines. I've seen this problem happen a lot on other people's cars and when they continue driving with the problem occurring, they've experienced complete engine failure. I'm not saying this is your problem, but it is a possibility.



@RonJ, @tony_2018, @TomCat39

 

114,000 miles. Yes check engine light is flashing. A mechanic friend told me about changing the CATs and I had it towed to a shop completely different that told me I need a new engine. It's "knocking" too. It does have a ivtech engine. It's one of the higher up models not touring tho. It guzzles oil like crazy and yes I put a lot in.

 

Are you the original owner? If so, you may want to look into this:

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/23/h...wsuit-engines/

 

I'm not the original owner. I saw that sounds like my problem but that had a time limit to act and that time was April 2014. I didn't have the car then.

 

Guzzles oil? Define that term please. 1 qt per how many miles? Honda calls 1 qt/1000 miles normal. (but that is high consumption to me).

Sounds like this could be another VCM induced engine issue, although I haven't heard of VCM causing engine failure... just high oil consumption and engines having to be re-ringed,

Is the smoke blue or white? If white, you could have a cracked block or a blown head gasket. If blue, sounds like oil smoke and a by-product of a worn engine or oil control rings..

When you changed the spark plugs, did you see the old ones? Were any of them fouled with wet deposits?

Reading 101: How to Read Your Spark Plugs - OnAllCylinders

At 114k miles, you should have already had the timing belt/water pump service performed. Has that been done?

 

I guess that seems right 1 qt per 1000 miles. Blue smoke. Yes the spark plugs had oil or some crap in there.

 

No I don't believe the timing belt or water pump have been serviced.

 

Hmm. Over at Piloteers.org and ridgelineownersclub.com, there have been a number of instances where the spark plugs have loosened on their own resulting in damage to the engine when it melts part of the plug and pieces fall into the cylinder (typically in the front bank.. cylinders 4 or 5). I don't know if that applies in your case, but it has been somewhat of a flaw in the J35 engine and while it doesn't happen often, there are a number of reports of this issue. Some have found cracked blocks. I suspect a compression test is likely in order for your engine to give you some idea of the health of the engine.

At this point it sounds to me like you need a trusted shop to check out your vehicle and find exactly what is wrong with it. It's pretty hard to diagnose something like this over the internet. Maybe if you posted your general area someone might recommend a shop if you don't already have one you trust.

But those oily plugs (more than one?) sound a lot like VCM induced oil control ring wear.You might search out posts about the VCMuzzler. There's at least one FAQ I'm aware of that may provide interesting info, but it's rather academic at this point in your case.

Here's a FAQ on VCM and the VCMuzzler.
VCMuzzler II for disabling VCM - FAQ's - Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums

Note: I am not promoting the Muzzler, but am convinced that VCM can play a part in excessive engine wear and oil consumption.

Regarding general maintenance, your Odyssey uses a Maintenance Minder and it should have called out various routine maintenance procedures over time and miles. How long have you had this Odyssey?

Basically, around 105k miles, the MM should call for the TB/WP service and new spark plugs along with replacement of the hydraulic tensioner. I also suggest a valve adjustment at this time too even though Honda only suggests doing a VA if the valves are noisy. However, as the exhaust valves wear into the seat, clearance at the tappet/stem is reduced which makes for tight valves. IMO, tight valves (quiet) will do more damage to your engine than too loose valves (noisy). You should also replace the serpentine belt and tensioner at this time too. And it's a good idea to replace the PCV valve as well.

For Pilots and RLs (I don't know if Odysseys are affected) I also suggest a radiator replacement to avoid problems caused by failure of the threads connecting the heat exchanger (inside the radiator) to the transmission fluid lines. This typically causes coolant to mix with tranny fluid with catastrophic results for the transmission.

 

I've had this car a little over 2 years. It has been a pain in my *** since I've gotten it. I'd like to set it on fire in the woods

 

I don't know what you think engine failure is, but most people would consider piston rings going bad as engine failure.




Make sure you have full coverage and make it look like an accident.

 

If it's still running, but burning oil, I don't count that as failure. If the crank is broken or the block is cracked, that would qualify as engine failure to me.

And given her last update, it sure sounds broken, although I'm not sure why putting 3 new cats on it would bring it to failure.

 

It's completely and utterly broken. It wasn't running before the cats we thought that was the problem. Nope!

 

I'm really sorry to hear of your issue. You need more help than you're going to get over the Internet.

Hindsight always being 20/20, in the future, please don't leave issues like a misfire unattended. Minor issues can become major issues if left unresolved. That sounds a lot like the cylinder 4/5 loose spark plug issue. But without knowing more of the history, all you can get here are educated (more or less) guesses.

I hope you'll update this thread when you have a resolution. Best of luck to you.

 

Thanks! Hind sight is 20/20 and I should have fixed the problem a lot sooner. Lesson learned. I will put a new engine in at some point. Called the Honda dealership today they offered to do nothing.

 

Until you know what is wrong with the existing engine, you don't know if you need a new engine or not. Are you doing this on your own or do you have anyone who can help you who has a mechanical/automotive background? If you're doing this yourself, then I expect it may be quite the learning experience. If they're like mine, they are both expensive and painful. Sigh.

Once you have the problem rectified, I would suggest you install a VCMuzzler to defeat VCM. I don't know for sure, but would not be surprised at all to find VCM behind some or all of the problems you face. Regardless, you need to do your own due diligence when using aftermarket or 3rd party modifications to your vehicle. There are those will will agree with me on defeating VCM and those who do not. So be it.

But I sure would like to know what is the source of the problem with your existing engine and what the fix will be. Unless you bought the vehicle certified with the extended warranty to 120k miles, I wouldn't expect any dealer help either. I know that is not what you want to hear. Sorry.