Honda’s J30A 3.0-liter V6 engine was produced at the US plant from 1997 to 2007 and was installed in a number of popular models of the company, such as the Accord and the Odyssey minivan. After a slight modernization, this unit went to conquer the Chinese market as the J30Y1.
The J30Y1 is a modern 3.0-liter version with direct injection, an 86 x 86 mm bore and stroke and 257 hp. It was used in the Chinese Acura RDX in 2013-2018 and as the combustion engine of the Acura MDX Sport Hybrid (2017-2020), where the total system output reached 321 hp.
J-series family: J25A, J30A, J35A, J37A, J35Z, J35Y, J32A, J30Y, JNA1.
Specifications
| Production years | 1997-2007 |
| Displacement, cc | 2997 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 200 – 210 (base J30A1) 240 – 245 (powerful J30A4, J30A5) |
| Torque output, Nm | 265 – 270 (base J30A1) 280 – 285 (powerful J30A4, J30A5) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 86 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 86 |
| Compression ratio | 9.4 (base J30A1) 10.0 (powerful J30A4, J30A5) |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | VTEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.4 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Odyssey 2000) — city — highway — combined |
13.6 8.8 10.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~375 000 |
| Weight, kg | 190 |
The engine was installed on:
- Acura CL 1 (YA) in 1996 – 1999;
- Acura RDX 2 (TB3) in 2012 – 2018 (J30Y1, China);
- Honda Accord 6 USA (CG) in 1997 – 2002;
- Honda Accord 7 USA (CM) in 2002 – 2007;
- Honda Avancier 1 (TG) in 1999 – 2003;
- Honda Inspire 4 (UC) in 2003 – 2007;
- Honda Odyssey 1 (RA) in 1997 – 1999, Odyssey 2 (RA6) in 1999 – 2003;
- Honda Crosstour 1 (TF) in 2009 – 2015 (China);
- Acura MDX 3 (YD3) in 2016 – 2020 (J30Y1, Sport Hybrid).
Disadvantages of the Honda J30A engine
- All engines of this series are famous for their reliability and unpretentious maintenance.
- If you miss the drop in oil level, camshafts may suffer.
- The reason for the unstable operation of the motor is usually the contamination of the throttle and nozzles.
- From bad fuel, the catalyst quickly clogs and traction dips appear.
- Once every 50,000 km, you need to adjust the valves, every 100,000 km, change the timing belt.
J30A Engine Repair Parts List
| Full name of the part | Part code |
| Piston rings Honda J30A4 d86.00 STD 1.2-1.2-2.8 (13011-RCA-A01) TP | 32403-STD |
| Valve cap inlet Honda color code “white” (12210-P45-G01) Elring (Inlet 5,5 x 11/13×10 /ACM PR color code “white”) | 130.560 |
| Oil scraper cap (exhaust. 5,5 x 11/13×10 HONDA /ACM. Black spring) | 130.860 |
| Valve stem seals (130.860+130.560) (set 16 things (130.860+130.560) Black spring = exhaust, White spring = inlet) | 084.300 |
| Stuffing box 80x98x10/7.7 (614 830) Elring (80x98x10 A/BS F LD FPM) | 590.797 |
| Spark plug DOUBLE COPPER (RC9MCC4) Champion (RC9MCC4) | OE089 /T10 |
| Sealant kit: Dirko HT + Dirko S + Curil T Elring (20 ml Curil T+ 20 ml Dirko S + 20 ml Dirko HT) | 447.201 |
Frequently asked questions about the Honda J30A
How much power does the Honda J30A make?
Power output of the Honda J30A, hp: 200 - 210 (base J30A1); 240 - 245 (powerful J30A4, J30A5). Torque, Nm: 265 - 270 (base J30A1); 280 - 285 (powerful J30A4, J30A5).
How much oil does the Honda J30A take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.4 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Honda J30A have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda J30A uses a timing belt.
Is the Honda J30A turbocharged?
No, the Honda J30A is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda J30A need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Honda J30A last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda J30A is ~375 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda J30A?
Honda Odyssey 2000: city 13.6, highway 8.8, combined 10.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda J30A installed on?
Acura CL 1 (YA) in 1996 - 1999; Acura RDX 2 (TB3) in 2012 - 2018 (J30Y1, China); Honda Accord 6 USA (CG) in 1997 - 2002; Honda Accord 7 USA (CM) in 2002 - 2007; Honda Avancier 1 (TG) in 1999 - 2003; Honda Inspire 4 (UC) in 2003 - 2007 and 3 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Honda J30A?
All engines of this series are famous for their reliability and unpretentious maintenance. If you miss the drop in oil level, camshafts may suffer. All known problems.
