The Honda J37 Engine Manual. Honda’s fourth generation of V6 engines, the J series, made an immediate effect on the worldwide automobile market. As Honda began to modify and design alternative adaptations of the J30 engines for various uses, the usefulness of these lightweight V6 engines was soon recognized. In 1996, Honda introduced the first J engine. The largest variation, the J37, was eventually introduced in 2007 to meet the criteria of Acura’s current generation cars. In fact, Honda J37 engines were used in Acura vehicles manufactured from 2007 through 2014. Throughout this article, we will concentrate on the Honda J37 engine, examining and debating its overall worth.
In general, Honda V6 engines mix durability, power, and performance effectively for an affordable price. The J37 engine has a lot of horsepower and torque out of the box. However, does the Honda J37 engine maintain high levels of dependability and overall value when compared to Honda’s other V6 systems?
First, let’s look at some of the J37’s basic engine characteristics and applications. After gaining a better knowledge of the Honda J37’s operation, we shall delve deeper into the engine’s dependability. Let’s start with some of the Honda J37’s positives before moving on to some of its most common faults and flaws. Starting with the engine specs of the J37 and which cars employ the Honda J37 engine in the parts below.
Honda J37 Engine Specifications
The following are the basic engine specs for the Honda J37 engine:
The Honda J37 has a die-cast aluminum block with cylinder aluminum liners, which contributes to its lighter overall structure. Furthermore, all J37 engine systems have intakes made of high-quality cast magnesium alloy. The Honda J37 engine produces 295-305 horsepower and 270 to 275 pound-feet of torque. As a result, these J37 V6s provide a solid foundation of power and high-performance capabilities. The Honda J37 engines are all naturally aspirated and feature the regularly used SOHC valvetrain. Because VTEC was used on every Honda J37 engine, they tend to be more fuel-efficient.
Despite the fact that the Honda J37 was first introduced in 2007, several J37 variations continued in production until 2014. Surprisingly, this final variant of the J30 engine series was never used in any Honda vehicle. The Honda J37 engine, as previously noted, was exclusively used in Acura cars manufactured between 2007 and 2014. Finally, in the section below, we’ll look at the entire collection of models that used the J37 engine.
What Vehicles Make Use of the Honda J37 Engine?
The Honda J37 engine was available in four different configurations. Each use of the J37 engine may be found in Acura vehicles with varying power and size outputs. Having stated that, the Honda J37 engine system was used in the following models:
J37A1
- 2007-2013 Acura MDX
J37A2
- From 2009 through 2012, Acura RL
J37A4
- 2009-2014 Acura TL
J37A5
- From 2010 through 2013, Acura ZDX
The four J37 engine modifications are used in four different Acura configurations. The MDX is a mid-size SUV, while the following Acura sedans are all small to mid-size. The J37, on the other hand, is regarded as a high-quality engine system with remarkable power and performance. Regardless, no engine is completely indestructible or flawless. As a result, let’s take a closer look at the Honda J37’s general dependability and most typical issues.
Honda J37 Reliability in General
The Honda J37 engine has made Ward’s top ten list of greatest engines due to its remarkable design and longevity. Many J37 owners anticipate reaching the 180,000-200,000 mile milestone without needing any maintenance. Reaching these greater mileages, however, is dependent on oil filter replacements and adhering to other basic maintenance measures. Certain components, such as the multi-point fuel injection system, appear to be best for engine durability.
The cylinder block is made of aluminum and will need to be completely replaced after considerable wear and tear. Despite this, many engine systems use aluminum cylinder blocks and have a long life. As a result, many drivers hold the J37 engine in high regard for its overall durability.
With that stated, let’s take a look at the most prevalent difficulties with the Honda J37 engine and explain our overall dependability conclusion in further detail.
The Most Common Honda J37 Engine Issues
Because the Honda J37 engine is regarded as an unusually reliable older engine type, common faults with this engine may be difficult to spot. However, there are a few issues that J37 Acura drivers have frequently experienced. With that said, let’s get started on our list of the top three most frequently reported faults with the Honda J37 engine.
1) Timing Belts That Have Been Worn Too Soon
To begin, it is critical to note that many versions equipped with the Honda J37 engine have prematurely worn timing belts. Unfortunately, many drivers report timing belts that are worn beyond repair and must be replaced before 80,000 miles. This problem could lead to one of our other stated issues, which is irregular engine ticking or knocking noises. Furthermore, worn timing belts can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- The engine will not start or turn over.
- Oil leaking from the engine compartment
- Problems with the exhaust system
- Uneven revving/unstable rpm
It is critical to understand that one of the most common reasons of prematurely worn timing belts is misalignment. Furthermore, dry arid weather might contribute to timing belt wear and cause it to wear earlier than expected. Many drivers anticipate a timing belt lasting at least 60,000 miles. Nonetheless, the Honda J37 engine system
Because the timing belt in most J37 engine systems is weaker than in other similar models of its era, it’s critical to keep an eye out for timing belt wear and replace a belt as soon as possible. This appears to be one of the most noticeable design problems for the Honda J37 engine, which is significant given the engine’s overall reliability.
2) Excessive use of oil
One of the most frequently mentioned problems with the Honda J37 on online forums is its proclivity to consume excessive amounts of oil. This problem can be avoided by doing regular oil changes and using high-quality oil. Despite adequate maintenance and upkeep, many drivers say that the Honda J37 engine consumes and leaks oil at a faster rate.
This is especially noticeable in older J37s with significant mileage and wear. Regardless, the Honda J37 engine systems are notorious for their high-oil consumption difficulties. As a result, diagnosing and identifying any damaged engine components or catalysts for oil leaks and irregular oil usage is critical before they evolve into more serious problems for your J37. Just a reminder that changing oil filters on a regular basis and using high-quality oil are two of the greatest strategies to avoid recurring high oil consumption problems.
3) Engine squeaking
Certain Honda J37 engine systems produce unusual banging or ticking sounds from the engine bay on occasion. This may not be a major concern for some, but it may be a persistent nagging issue for others. This issue could be caused by engine knock sensors. However, other more serious conditions may also be the cause of engine knock. Carbon buildup and defective spark plugs, for example, can both contribute to erratic engine noises and rattling.
Additionally, faulty tensioners and pulleys, as well as an incorrect fuel-to-air combination, may be to blame for this issue. Because of the number of factors that cause engine knocking, diagnosing this problem may be one of the most time-consuming repairs.
Related : The Honda H22A Engine Manual
Summary of the Honda J37 Engine Guide
Since we’ve already discussed the Honda J37 engine’s above-average dependability, let’s go over some of its strengths and weaknesses. These engines produce 295 to 305 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All of which were only used on Acura cars and were never used in other Honda applications. Needless to say, the J37 engine had a significant impact on the Acura brand in the late 2000s.
Yes, we did indicate that prematurely worn timing belts are a regular issue with the J37 engine. These engine systems, fortunately, use a single timing belt, which reduces overall replacement costs. Some may argue that these engines have insufficient oil capacity (4.3 liters total). As with many smaller 4-cylinder engines, this means that the engine is in risk if the oil levels decrease. Particularly after 150,000 miles, the engine is prone to excessive oil consumption. As a result, it’s critical to address any oil consumption concerns before they cause significant engine damage. Many of these issues, fortunately, may be avoided with appropriate maintenance and frequent oil filter replacements. Some drivers may have VTEC issues, particularly with increasing miles. These problems are known to be costly to repair.
The Honda J37 engine system, with 4 valves per cylinder, 6 cylinders, and 3.7 liters of displacement, was admired for its adaptability across Acura applications. Despite the issues we mentioned, these engines made Wards’ Top 10 list for their dependability. Please share your experiences with the Honda J37 engine, as well as your thoughts on the Honda J30 engine series, in the comments section below!
