The 3.5-liter Honda J35Z V6 was produced from 2006 to 2018 and replaced the J35A in the Pilot, Accord, Odyssey, Ridgeline and several Acura models. Most versions were equipped with the VCM cylinder deactivation system.
It is a 60-degree V6 with a die-cast aluminum block and cast-iron sleeves, one camshaft per bank driven by a toothed belt and four valves per cylinder. VCM shuts down three cylinders under light load, and in the second generation of the system also two. Versions without VCM, such as the J35Z3 for the manual Accord, the J35Z5 for the Ridgeline and the J35Z6 for the Acura TL and TSX, have conventional VTEC. Output ranges from 244 to 280 hp.
J-series family: J25A, J30A, J35A, J37A, J35Z, J35Y, J32A, J30Y, JNA1.
Specifications
| Production years | 2006-2018 |
| Displacement, cc | 3471 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 244 – 280 |
| Torque output, Nm | 325 – 345 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 93 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 – 11.2 |
| Features | SOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | i-VTEC / VTEC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-20 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | Euro 5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Honda Pilot 2010) — city — highway — combined |
16.3 9.2 11.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 165 |
The engine was installed on:
- Honda Pilot 1 (YF) in 2005 – 2008, Pilot 2 (YF3) in 2008 – 2015;
- Honda Accord 8 USA (CP) in 2007 – 2012;
- Honda Crosstour 1 (TF) in 2009 – 2012;
- Honda Inspire 5 (CP3) in 2007 – 2012 (Japan);
- Honda Odyssey 4 USA (RL5) in 2010 – 2017;
- Honda Ridgeline 1 (YK) in 2008 – 2014;
- Acura RDX 2 (TB3) in 2012 – 2018;
- Acura TL 4 (UA8) in 2008 – 2014;
- Acura TSX 2 (CU) in 2009 – 2014 (V6).
Disadvantages of the Honda J35Z engine
- The VCM system is blamed for oil consumption caused by stuck piston rings;
- Spark plugs in the deactivated cylinders foul, which leads to misfires;
- Active engine mounts wear out quickly because of vibration in VCM mode;
- The timing belt must be replaced on schedule, since the valves bend if it breaks.
Frequently asked questions about the Honda J35Z
How much power does the Honda J35Z make?
The Honda J35Z develops 244 - 280 hp and 325 - 345 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Honda J35Z take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.3 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-20.
Does the Honda J35Z have a timing belt or chain?
The Honda J35Z uses a timing belt.
Is the Honda J35Z turbocharged?
No, the Honda J35Z is naturally aspirated.
Does the Honda J35Z 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 J35Z last?
The typical lifespan of the Honda J35Z is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Honda J35Z?
Honda Pilot 2010: city 16.3, highway 9.2, combined 11.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Honda J35Z installed on?
Honda Pilot 1 (YF) in 2005 - 2008, Pilot 2 (YF3) in 2008 - 2015; Honda Accord 8 USA (CP) in 2007 - 2012; Honda Crosstour 1 (TF) in 2009 - 2012; Honda Inspire 5 (CP3) in 2007 - 2012 (Japan); Honda Odyssey 4 USA (RL5) in 2010 - 2017; Honda Ridgeline 1 (YK) in 2008 - 2014 and 3 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Honda J35Z?
The VCM system is blamed for oil consumption caused by stuck piston rings. Spark plugs in the deactivated cylinders foul, which leads to misfires. All known problems.
