Honda J-Series NO OIL to Rockers! Looks like a BBQ

[Dan]

Hello Everyone,

I have some interesting photos of under the valve covers of this 2003 Acura CL-S, engine is J32A2. It’s at 180,000 miles when I got my hands on it and because it is one of the rare 6-speed manual transmissions, I want to get the maintenance taken care of so it will last.

Valve covers come off and I notice the rear bank is much darker and has a burnt smell. Front bank is actually pretty nice for the mileage.

What caused this side to lose lubrication and become so toasty? Do I need to address an oil clog issue?

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[zero]

It’s probably a venting issue and not a loss of lubrication, or simply the nature of the engine. If you lost lubrication it would be insanely noisy and the cam would seize in the journals.

[Richard Kirshy]

Another item to keep in mind ..
The rear cylinder head, due to its location and less air flow around it, tends to run at a slightly higher temp where as the front head get more air flow.

[Dan]

The intake manifold was all clogged with carbon and replacing the PCV valve as well. Would a motor treatment such as seafoam be helpful?

[Mike]

That doesn’t look too bad at all. No visible evidence of sludge or other oil-related issues. Personally, I wouldn’t go the SeaFoam route.

As has been said, the rear head always tends to run a bit hotter, and therefore gets a bit darker than the front head.

[Dan]

Ok thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

[Author]

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