As the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines, Honda Motors knows what goes into making an automobile's dependable, high-performing, and efficient beating heart. Over the years, Honda has produced gasoline and diesel engines integrated with their innovative technologies to push the boundaries of the automobile market and meet consumers' changing needs. Throughout these changes, their machines have stayed true to a heritage of reliability, earning Honda cars a reputation for dependability and low upkeep costs.
Read on to learn where to source replacement Honda engines, the different types of Honda engines and technologies, and how to take care of your Honda engine to ensure it performs at its best for as long as possible.
Sourcing Honda Engines (OEM vs. Aftermarket)
When you purchase a brand new Honda, it comes with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) engine made by Honda Motors. Engines made by third-party manufacturers and usable in the Honda fall under the "Aftermarket" parts category.
Unless the engine of your Honda is out of production and impossible to find, we recommend investing in an original Honda engine to return your car to its original level of performance. Because of the more stringent levels of manufacturing, you'll likely get more use out of an OEM replacement. Aftermarket engines might not only not be covered by Honda's warranty — they could also void the warranty and even damage your vehicle when installed. Moreover, they might not even fit into your Honda's engine bay properly. When it comes to an expensive part like the engine, it's prudent to avoid taking chances and to go with the original.
Types of Honda Engines
Honda has produced many gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid engines, ranging in size from inline two-cylinders produced and used in their vehicles from the 1970s up to V12s that power Maclaren and their Formula 1 cars.
Gasoline Engines
Honda's gasoline engines in consumer automobiles are the inline two-cylinder EH, the inline three-cylinder E0-series, P-series, and S-series, the inline four-cylinder A, B, D, E, P, S, F, H, L, R, and K-series, the inline five-cylinder G-series, and the V6 six-cylinder C and J-series.
The K-series can be found in many Hondas from the 2000s, like the Accord, Civic, Integra, and Stream, and is also one of Honda's most reliable engines, with many units hitting upwards of 300,000 km without needing significant repairs.
Diesel Engines
Honda has just a handful of diesel engines in its portfolio. They are the Circle L inline four-cylinder used in European Civics and the N-series. The N15A1, a 1.5L i-DTEC, sees its application in the City (2002–23), the Amaze (2002–23), the Mobilio (2015–18), the Jazz (2015–23), the BR-V (2015–20), and the WR-V (2016–23).
Engines Used in Hybrid Cars
Integrated Motor Assist is Honda's hybrid car technology first introduced in 1999. The hybrid technology incorporates low-emission gasoline engines over its four generations and counting, such as the 1.0L inline three-cylinder E0-series as found in the 2000 to 2006 Insight, as well as the 1.5L inline four-cylinder LEB as seen in the Honda Fit Hybrid (2013-19), Honda Vezel Hybrid (2013–21) and the Honda Grace (2014–20).
Honda Engine Technologies
VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control)
Honda's VTEC, or Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, uses two or three camshaft profiles that are hydraulically selected to improve the volumetric efficiency of the engine, increasing performance at high RPMS and lowering fuel consumption at low RPMs.
VTEC technology has been used in D, E, F, H, L, and R-series engines since its introduction in 1983.
i-VTEC (Intelligent VTEC)
i-VTEC, the "Intelligent" version of Honda's VTEC, first appeared in 2001. i-VTEC allows an engine to have low-speed and high-speed camshafts, maximizing engine performance at every RPM range.
The i-VTEC has had a significant impact on Honda's renowned K-Series engines.
Earth Dreams Technology
Honda's Earth Dreams Technology includes engine enhancements for improved performance and fuel efficiency, such as VTEC and i-VTEC, as well as optimized engine rigidity and combustion pressure for diesel engines.
Maintenance & Care of Your Honda Engine
To realize your Honda engine's fullest potential, both in terms of performance and longevity, it's crucial that you pay attention and care for it properly. Given the high cost of an engine replacement, you'll be doing a favor for your Honda engine and your wallet.
Key Routine Maintenance Tasks
Here are some simple maintenance tasks that you can do yourself to keep your vehicle in good condition:
1. Regularly change the engine oil to keep the parts lubricated.
2. Check and maintain the coolant levels.
3. Be aware of any leaks and address them promptly.
4. Replace the spark plugs, wires, and fuel filters when necessary.
Common Issues & How to Address Them
You might encounter these common engine issues along the course of ownership of your Honda. One might be engine overheating, which can be due to a leak in the cooling system, a bad radiator fan, a faulty water pump, a faulty thermostat, or low engine oil levels. Another is engine noises due to anything from a bearing to a timing shaft problem. Fixes for these will involve repairing or replacing the necessary parts or topping up engine oil. If significant damage to the engine has already occurred, you may need to replace the entire unit.
Are Honda Engines Expensive?
When looking to purchase a Honda engine, it is important to consider both the age and power of the machine. Older engines may be more affordable, but they may have a different level of energy than newer models. Similarly, engines with higher power may come at a higher price point. Ultimately, it would be best to base the decision on your specific needs and budget.
Where to Buy Genuine Honda Engines Online
You can buy brand-new OEM crate engines directly from your country's Honda and OEM parts retailers. On the other hand, second-hand Honda engines can be a cost-effective alternative. You can find them in great condition and at affordable prices here at BE FORWARD Auto Parts.
Works well and fitting is good