This is an 06 MDX, but this sensor will be common across many J series.

It goes under all the intake manifolds and coolant tubes in the block between both heads, down in the galley.

Ty in advance.

 

Looks like a Knock sensor (number 8 on diagram)?

 

Thats what I was coming up with as well. I believe you're 100% correct. When I looked up the part it seems to be correct, even though mine is split into two at the moment..

Thanks!

 

This is the cylinder block knock sensor.

TIP: Always replace knock sensor sub-wire with a new one.
It becomes so brittle after years of heat exposure that it breaks into pieces and loses contact or shorts it out.
Acura P/N 30531-RCA-A01 for '06 MDX.

 

OFFTOP: Is this a photo of your engine?

 

Good advice! I've already ordered the sensor and sub wire.

MOTOALL Knock Sensor & Harness 30531-P8F-A00 Fits for Honda Acura CL MDX RL TL 3.5L https://a.co/d/8eFRJ9Y

 

It is. The new one I'm building. Are you asking because you like how clean and pretty or see something wrong?

 

Yeah, I was impressed that it looks like brand new!
What is your goal with this MDX?

I've noticed that people don't appreciate these gen MDX. When problems arise, they are sent to the junkyard. My local Pick-n-Pull yards is stocked with them, but there are no '07+

 

Don't buy cheap chinese sensors. Buy oem once and be done with it, i think that sensor is not easy to replace once engine is installed in car. My 2 cents.

 

Thank you. To be fair, it is brand new.

I've an 06 Mdx totally loaded. The original owner, a family construction management company kept it perfectly maintained. I bought it of them for a fraction of the retail value. I always wanted an MDX. I had to replace the high pressure power steering hose without a lift. Total pain as its half metal pipe half stiff hose that runs from the power steering pump through the subframe to the driver side rack and pinion. Pia.

I put some money into it over time and have it very much how I love it.. I've taken it on international trips. Painted (original color), Leds., inverters and dual cycle battery, roof racks, im missing a million more.. The way I Love it.

I started a leak from the rear main seal, so I started deciding what I wanted to do with the car long term. Some Lucas stabilizer and closer monitoring for awhile. Barely lost oil. But, I hate leaks.

I was leaning on reman the engine or selling the car. But I wasn't going to separate the engine from the transmission without going all in.

Timing belt broke. Arg.
Fixed that, no compression.

We decided to go all in. New cars are ridiculously expensive to buy, maintain, values on older cars are climbing since covid.... I digress..

Decided a reman engine. 0 miles, dyno tested, 3 year unl mile warranty, etc.
Machine shops in my city are so backed up and more expensive.

I was going to rebuild the transmission but ended up ordering a reman transmission too.

I have 270k miles. Now ill take it to 6.

Got the engine out. Taken off all my tins to be cleaned and transferred. New various parts and sensors delivered.

 

While I agree, much is made for the manufacturers in China.. I've literally checked some part numbers to the same vendor. Some specs exceed OEM and are engineered with newer technologies. Checking reviews and watching and tracking warranties. But there is a ton of money that can also be saved here.

 

The 1st gen MDX ('01-'06) has a J35 engine that is probably easy to find remanufactured due to its popularity in all Honda models.
No luck with 2nd gen MDX ('07-'13) with J37 engine. The engine is much more unique and can't be found remanufactured. They are almost non-existent in junkyards nationwide.
In addition, due to the all-aluminum construction of the cylinder block, it cannot be re-machined. In the event of a catastrophic engine failure, the car will be trashed.

 

Why do you have to use a j37? That engine has the VCM Variable cylinder Management right? But you could fit a J35. Probably just some motor mount modifications?
Whats your transmission? I'd look at what other engines are used with it. Thoughts?

 

I'm not looking for an engine replacement. This is just an observation. My '07 MDX has J37A1 engine from the factory and this is a downside in terms of availability. And the J37 engine thankfully doesn't have a VCM system.

 

got ya.
the J series engines are great, reliable, long lasting and good performers. I like the 318ci magnum jeep used before the Hemi but jeeps have way to many hiccups. We called em tinker toys.. i stuck to the GCs myself.

Always loved Hondas. Owned a civic and an integra and driven numerous others.. the gen1 MDX was car and driver suv of the year for 7 year's.

Just wish I could find a good bull bar.

 

Looks like a knock sensor. Should you really be taking your engine apart if you don't know the names of parts or have a shop manual?

 

Absolutely. You assume I don't have a manual, which won't get into a knock sensor. Have All data too. Odb2 scanner, tools. Not my first engine. You think anyone and everyone must have a complete understanding of every component of any engine they work on? You think knock sensors are the same in every engine? You want to criticize me for posting a question seeking information on a forum. Give me a break.

The question is, should you be posting when you don't contribute in anyway? Your post is vapid.

News flash folks. Being a mechanic is about diagnosing and replacement of defective components. You don't need to re-engineer the engine to work on it. The combustion engine hasn't changed since it was invented. Its become a bit more efficient, and more complex with sensors and electronics but the technology hasn't changed at all. Create a controlled explosion in a confinded space to create energy, control where that force goes and convert the energy to mechanical energy you can route to the wheels. The best way to learn is to do, and you can find the information and help to do it.

 

my takeaway is you have access to manuals and all data and couldnt find this part …?