3.5L Gasket Kits

[kevo420]

In prep for the 100k maint that i want to do next month i'm trying to get all the parts i'm going to need together.

I'm going to attempt the valve lash adjustment myself since it doesn't seem overly complicated, just time consuming. Does anyone know if saturn or honda has an OEM gasket kit for this engine?

Looking on e-bay i see kits like this
http://cgi.ebay.ca/01-02-3-5L-Acura-MDX-V6-Vtec-J35A3-24V-Full-Gasket-Set_W0QQitemZ300315373953QQcmdZViewItemQQptZMotors _Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories?hash=item45ec30f181&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1215|293%3A1| 294%3A50

Our engine is the honda J35A3 right?

I asked the seller and the kit is made by evergreen automotive, i couldn't find anything on them other than they're a company in California... Anyone have opinions on aftermarket kits? I don't have any leaks and i'd like to keep it that way for another 100k so i'm looking to replace gaskets with ones of similar quality.

[3RedLines]

I used a Fel-Pro gasket set when I replaced the head gaskets on mine. They seemed to be of good quality- but expensive at $236.

Saturn parts.com shows an overhaul set at $33 here: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=214300&chapter=DP8V02&appSectionid=10&groupid=61210&make=31&model=Vue&year=2004&catalogid=1 , but I'm sure it doesn't include all the gaskets because they list a valve grind gasket set as being $253:http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=214300&chapter=DP8V02&appSectionid=10&groupid=10014&subgroupid=62060&make=31&model=Vue&year=2004&catalogid=1

The Ebay gaskets you linked have the wrong exhaust manifold gaskets shown (it it makes a difference to you)

[kevo420]

The Ebay gaskets you linked have the wrong exhaust manifold gaskets shown (it it makes a difference to you)

not particularly... I thought our manifolds were cast into the block? or do you mean the exhaust manifold flange gasket before the pipes?

Regardless i didn't plan on replacing those anyways, but i'll need one for the intake manifold, valve covers, and timing covers for sure just by doing the valve lash adjustment. If i get extras like the cam seals, spark-plug o-ring seals, etc... that's a bonus i figure and might as well do them.

I can only imagine what the dealership would want for them, i've used fel-pro before as well. I'm just always weary of a company i've never heard of before.

I did see the overhaul kit but don't expect it would be as extensive as the linked e-bay kit.

Anyone know if the intake manifold spacer will have to come out? If so i'll need a gasket for that too :ugh:

[3RedLines]

not particularly... I thought our manifolds were cast into the block? or do you mean the exhaust manifold flange gasket before the pipes?

Anyone know if the intake manifold spacer will have to come out? If so i'll need a gasket for that too :ugh:

Yes the exhaust manifolds are cast into the head. What I was saying is the linked Ebay kit shows exhaust manifold gaskets (2 shiny gaskets with 3 holes) but no flange gaskets. They may be for an earlier engine.

You shouldn't need to take the spacer out but the upper intake bolts through it if memory serves me correctly.

[kevo420]

Yes the exhaust manifolds are cast into the head. What I was saying is the linked Ebay kit shows exhaust manifold gaskets (2 shiny gaskets with 3 holes) but no flange gaskets. They may be for an earlier engine.


Yeah i saw that after i replied... It must be for another engine, unless they're the upper or lower intake manifold(plenum?) gaskets maybe?

Either way i decided against that kit.... I just called up a local parts supplier, and for a fel-pro head rebuilt kit it's $600 CAD :eek:. The e-bay kit is supposed to be the same thing, there's no-way it could match the quality that i'm looking for.
I just found a fel-pro kit on rock-auto, it was under the cylinder head gasket category... But it's a complete head kit like the one from e-bay and it's $215 USD.

Now i just need to decide if i want all the extras that come with it or if i want to spend probably the same amount on just what i need. :hmm:

[ssicarman]

To do the valve lash adjustment you only need to remove the upper intake assembly and the valve covers. So at most you would only need to replace those three gaskets.

Saturnparts.com has the valve cover gaskets at 8.25$ and the intake I can't find. Honda techs normally reuse these gaskets if they are not damaged.

If you really want to replace them see what a Honda parts department wants for them.

[kevo420]

To do the valve lash adjustment you only need to remove the upper intake assembly and the valve covers. So at most you would only need to replace those three gaskets.

Saturnparts.com has the valve cover gaskets at 8.25$ and the intake I can't find. Honda techs normally reuse these gaskets if they are not damaged.

If you really want to replace them see what a Honda parts department wants for them.

yeah i know that i only really need to replace 3 at minimum but figured while i had the valve covers off i could do the spark plug well seals, valve cover grommets, cam seals, timing cover, etc... I just liked the price-point of that kit.