Honda’s J35A 3.5-liter V6 engine was produced at a facility in the United States from 1998 to 2012 and was installed on a number of major models of the concern, including cars under the Acura brand. It was the modification of this unit that was the first to receive the VCM cylinder deactivation system.
In 1998, based on the J32 engine, Honda minders developed a new 3.5-liter J35A engine. It was based on a 235mm high V-block with six cylinders. The block had a forged crankshaft with a piston stroke of 93 mm and its compression height of 30 mm. The cylinder diameter was 89 mm. In addition, lightweight connecting rods with a length of 158.5 mm were present in the design. Also, in the design of the J35A engine, one can note the presence of only one camshaft (SOHC) in the cylinder head with 4 valves per cylinder and a system for changing valve timing and VTEC valve lift.
J-series family: J25A, J30A, J35A, J37A, J35Z, J35Y, J32A, J30Y, JNA1.
Specifications
| Production years | 1998-2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 3471 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 210 (J35A1) 240 – 265 (J35A3, J35A4, J35A5, J35A6, J35A9) 245 (J35A7 with VCM) 285 (J35A8) |
| Torque output, Nm | 310 (J35A1) 330 – 340 (J35A3, J35A4, J35A5, J35A6, J35A9) 325 (J35A7 with VCM) 350 (J35A8) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 93 |
| Compression ratio | 9.4 (J35A1) 10.0 (J35A3, J35A4, J35A5, J35A6, J35A9) 10.0 (J35A7 with VCM) 11.0 (J35A8) |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | VTEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Pilot 2004) — city — highway — combined |
13.8 10.7 12.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~375 000 |
| Weight, kg | 205 |
The engine was installed on:
- Acura MDX 1 (YD1) in 2000 – 2006;
- Acura RL 2 (KB) in 2004 – 2008;
- Acura TL 3 (UA6) in 2007 – 2008;
- Honda Legend 4 (KB) in 2004 – 2008;
- Honda Odyssey 2 USA (RL) in 1998 – 2004;
- Honda Odyssey 3 USA (RL3) in 2004 – 2010;
- Honda Pilot 1 (YF) in 2002 – 2008;
- Honda Ridgeline 1 (YK) in 2004 – 2008.
Disadvantages of the Honda J35A engine
- Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets;
- A drop in the lubrication level here very quickly leads to wear of the camshaft cams;
- The engine speed at idle floats due to contamination of the throttle or injectors;
- Monitor the condition of the timing belt, it runs 90,000 km, and when it breaks, the valve bends;
- The cause of unstable engine operation is often misadjusted valves.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda J35A
How much power does the Honda J35A make?
Power output of the Honda J35A, hp: 210 (J35A1); 240 - 265 (J35A3, J35A4, J35A5, J35A6, J35A9); 245 (J35A7 with VCM); 285 (J35A8). Torque, Nm: 310 (J35A1); 330 - 340 (J35A3, J35A4, J35A5, J35A6, J35A9); 325 (J35A7 with VCM); 350 (J35A8).
How much oil does the Honda J35A take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Honda J35A have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda J35A uses a timing belt.
Is the Honda J35A turbocharged?
No, the Honda J35A is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda J35A 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 J35A last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda J35A is ~375 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda J35A?
Honda Pilot 2004: city 13.8, highway 10.7, combined 12.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda J35A installed on?
Acura MDX 1 (YD1) in 2000 - 2006; Acura RL 2 (KB) in 2004 - 2008; Acura TL 3 (UA6) in 2007 - 2008; Honda Legend 4 (KB) in 2004 - 2008; Honda Odyssey 2 USA (RL) in 1998 - 2004; Honda Odyssey 3 USA (RL3) in 2004 - 2010 and 2 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Honda J35A?
Engine versions equipped with VCM are notorious for oil leaks from system gaskets. A drop in the lubrication level here very quickly leads to wear of the camshaft cams. All known problems.
