V6 Accord Maintenance

[cjg1999]

Hello all, this is my first post here! I am thinking of buying a 06 or 07 accord, I am leaning towards the 4 cyl but I found a 6 cyl with low miles. My question is, does anyone have a link the spark plug changing procedure on the V6? I know with some V6's in the past you have to remove the intake manifold to reach the rear bank of plugs. This and any other maintenance advice would be great, thanks.

[Succinct]

Originally Posted by cjg1999

Hello all, this is my first post here! I am thinking of buying a 06 or 07 accord, I am leaning towards the 4 cyl but I found a 6 cyl with low miles. My question is, does anyone have a link the spark plug changing procedure on the V6? I know with some V6's in the past you have to remove the intake manifold to reach the rear bank of plugs. This and any other maintenance advice would be great, thanks.

This doesn't directly answer your question, but in case you weren't aware, I wanted to point out that the spark plug change interval is 100K miles (or something very high like that). So I don't think the changing of spark plugs should drive your purchase decision - there are other more important points such as performance versus economy of operation trade-offs. For me the V6 offered the better set of trade-offs, but then I was coming over from a V8 high-performance sedan.

One maintenace advantage the 4-cyl DOES have over the V6 is the 4-cyl has a timing chain versus the 6-cylinder's timing belt. Despite claims on here to the contrary, timing chains don't last forever either, but I think it's a safe bet to say it wouldn't need replacement nearly as often as the timing belt of the V6 (which I believe is currently at 105K miles or so, someone else will correct me I am sure)....

[benjamming]

They are not difficult to reach - nothing goofy.

[Succinct]

PS - Unless you are getting a SPECTACULAR deal on that used V6, you may want to scout on this forum what others have paid for brand new left-over 2007 V6s. The latest figure I saw was $22,500 for a new 2007 V6 EX-L without Navi, and some have claimed to have paid even less as dealers are still trying to make room for their ever-increasing inventories of 2008's.

[mdnky]

Originally Posted by Succinct

Despite claims on here to the contrary, timing chains don't last forever either, but I think it's a safe bet to say it wouldn't need replacement nearly as often as the timing belt of the V6 (which I believe is currently at 105K miles or so, someone else will correct me I am sure)....

Honda says 60-90K on their FAQ in the owner resources. In the owners manual for my vehicle, it says do it according to the maintenance minder system or every 60K miles if:

• You drive in high ambient temperatures (over 110º F / 43º C)
• You drive in very low ambient temperatures (under -20º F / -29º C)
• Frequently tow a trailer

Mine will be changed every 50K miles regardless of Honda's recommendation. I won't chance one breaking on me and destroying the engine. Had one break before on a Volvo, but thankfully that was a non-interference design engine and didn't cause any damage. Did set me back a bundle as I was 150mi away from home, so I had bills for a rental car, UHaul & trailer, and hotel room. Not fun.

If you're buying a used V6, make sure you find out about the timing belt. If it is at a dealership and has 50K or more miles, I'd make changing it a part of the deal.

[cjg1999]

Thanks for the info, I put a lot of miles on my cars I typically drive 20K - 23K per year so the mileage gets up there in a few years. it is very wierd to me that honda would not figure putting a chain on the V6 motor as well since chains are virtually maintenance free.

[benjamming]

mdnky,

Every 50k miles? That is quite a bit of overkill - 2:1 margin which adds up to quite a bill. Do you DIY to help keep costs in check? Baton Rouge doesn't qualify for the temp extremes? Do you tow?

[Streetridaz]

Originally Posted by cjg1999

Thanks for the info, I put a lot of miles on my cars I typically drive 20K - 23K per year so the mileage gets up there in a few years. it is very wierd to me that honda would not figure putting a chain on the V6 motor as well since chains are virtually maintenance free.

The j30 was breaking chains during testing.

[Succinct]

My 1994 Legend GS 6-speed (3.5L V6, but admittedly not a J-series engine) had a 90K timing belt change interval. The belt was changed at 91K and again at 181K (pretty much right on time) with no ill effects. The guy who bought it from me is now at 275K so it is getting to be about time to do it again, if he hasn't already.

[sjlee]

I could be wrong, but I thought that the 2007 Accords had a timing chain and a serpentine belt, not a timing belt.

[Accordtx1]

Originally Posted by sjlee

I could be wrong, but I thought that the 2007 Accords had a timing chain and a serpentine belt, not a timing belt.

the 4 bangers have the chain V6 has a timing belt

[sjlee]

Originally Posted by Accordtx1

the 4 bangers have the chain V6 has a timing belt

Thanks for the clarification.