TL260power

Ok so my my car has new issues. The engine light and VSA came on last week. I also have slight vibration at idle. Dealer performed the test and found out that the engine could be done. 90% sure but is doing the compression test to be 100% sure. If not the engine it could be the rings. Don't remember which ones he told me. I don't know what to do now if it is the engine. I'm not going to spend $$$ on a new engine. I already replaced the original engine with this one.

Update: Test showed multiple fires in the engine, head gasket issue, radiator cap blown apart, spring is missing from that. May have damage internal engine components. So a lot of money will go into it. Couple thousands. Not worth it.

He also recommend me to trade in the car because it's not worth the money. What should I do?

So the only charge I have to pay today is the diagnostic and compression test. $269.

2002 TL-S 141k miles

Your thoughts?

Karanx7

iTrader: (2)

Do a part out. You'll make more money off that than the whole car.

TL260power

Yes. Trade in at the dealer is like $1000. Correction $500 or so they said.

Now how would I go about doing something like that? Posting parts online? Ebay? Where should I keep my car while I do this? I live in a townhome?

I'm not sure if I have the time to part out the car. It is fast and easy?

TL260power

What about this https://www.junkyourcarforcash.com/#

Good or bad idea?

I also found this - https://www.partingout.com/

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

What did you do to blow two engines!?!?!
Why did the first engine blow?

Skirmich

or get the J35A3 from the MDX... Get more Torque in a Cheap Engine.

TL260power

I don't remember. The first one happened like 6 or 7 years ago I think.

Could it be from driving fast? Nothing crazy like Fast and Furious.

I still can drive the car.

TL260power

Probably, I will have to check out much we talking here if I want to fix at the dealer.

J35A3 are pricey as well. Is this the one?

Acura MDX 3.5L SOHC J35A4 0 MILE ENGINE 2001-2002 W/ 2 YEAR WARRANTY | eBay
Acura MDX 3.5L SOHC J35A4 0 MILE ENGINE 2001-2002 W/ 2 YEAR WARRANTY | eBay

Skirmich

J35A"3" that 3 at the end is important. EBay Link: 3.5L VIN 1 ENGINE ASSEMBLY J35A3 ACURA MDX 01 02 RAN NICE | eBay
Just search in eBay: "J35A3 Engine"

BTW that link you posted is freaking expensive because it is a Fully Remanufactured Engine with 0 Miles.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

i'm betting you're neglecting her maintenance!
2 engines dont just die! and the one you explained is dying a HORRIBLE death. poor j32


the 2nd gen transmission dies 3 or 4 times during it's life time, but the ENGINE should never quit running

if you do get an engine swap, dont forget to maintain and do repairs!

Skirmich

Ohh and I drive my car like I stole it.. I literally go VTEC, 2x 3x times a day and I have the original engine with 220K Miles.
So definitely is not an issue on how you drive but rather how you maintain it.

TL260power

Link doesn't work

TL260power

I just checked with a mechanic about the cost of swapping an engine and he quoted $1,500. WTF lol

I might consider upgrading to a newer car.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...4449/overview/

tripleguy

What did you think it might cost? Do you know what's involved with the job? That actually doesn't sound bad if you know it will be done right. It's not generally an afternoon repair.

TL260power

Not sure maybe around 1K. But it's cool.

He said he will only swap an engine if it's the same engine.Due to issues with the computer he will have. So not sure about the MDX J35A3 as someone recommend earlier.

I found J32A but these look like they came off of a Honda Accord? Has H emblem. I know it's the same but will it matter in terms of resale?
It seems like a lot of the available engines on Ebay have the H emblem.

What should I look for? How can you tell if it's a good engine or not? They have positive ratings.

What do you think?

APPROX 30-55K MILES!
01 02 03 HONDA ACURA 3.2TL 3.2CL TYPE S 3.2L V6 SOHC VTEC ENGINE JDM J32A TYPE S eBay

APP 45-55 THOUSAND MILES!
01 02 03 HONDA ACURA 3.2TL 3.2CL TYPE S 3.2L V6 SOHC VTEC ENGINE JDM J32A TYPE S eBay

Skirmich

There are more than a Dozen members here running the J35A3 from the MDX.. The J35A3 is a stroked out J32A2..
Its a Plug and Play engine trust us we know our shit and its has been done before here plenty of times.

Your TL-S uses a J32A"2" that 2 is important if you buy any engine rather than a J32A2 you are using a different engine than what it came with your car ECU wise so food for thought, We don´t gain anything steering you off from fixing your car. The J35A3 is the best Plug & Play Engine/Upgrade you can get for your TL-S because of the Price/Performance Ratio.. The J32A2 is not a common engine and is more expensive than the J35A3.

BTW The link doesn´t work because the Sale Post is gone.

Beak14

Did you say resale? Son, your car has no resale. If you can shove a Honda engine in there, and it makes sense, financially, why not? Oh yeah, I forgot, resale.

Even though I'm giving you a hard time, I actually want things to work out for you. I figured I'd have some fun with you. Good luck! And, by the way, your car has no resale.

TL260power

I don't know why the links don't work. It redirects to a different site, not ebay.

Anyways enter the item number in the ebay search bar and it will shown up.

JDM 01-03 Honda Acura TL Type S J32A 3.2L SOHC VTEC V6 Engine CL J32A2
Item number - 272611863502

01 02 03 HONDA ACURA 3.2TL 3.2CL TYPE S 3.2L V6 SOHC VTEC ENGINE JDM J32A TYPE S
Item number - 252662937350

Acura said in addition to swapping the engine I need:

Timing belt package (timing belt, timing belt tensioner, drive belt, power steering belt, water pump, coolant)

Valve adjustment

Valve cover gasket and the seals

Additional seals, fluids and misc parts that may be needed (related to engine replacement)

Freight

Total would be approximately $5877+tax including labor.

If you wish to get a refurbished engine that would add approximately $1500+tax

I figure I sell it as is or trade it in and get a newer car.

ksu90

To swap in an engine should not cost $5877 plus tax. I did a swap with a friend 2 years ago and it cost about 1.8k to 2k in total.

Labor $500-600
Engine $500 (Get junkyard J32a2 or J35a3 preferable below 100k miles.) You can also get JDM engine and need to swap parts from old engine to new JDM (runners, fuel rails, intake manifold, coolant passages, EGR valves, etc)
Coolant $30-40
Engine Oil & filter $35
2x Serpentine Belts $30-40
Front and Rear Main Seal-$40
Radiator Cap $15
Timing belt, water pump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, tensioner ($150-200)
Valve cover gaskets, and other misc gaskets $50-100
Clean runners and intake manifold from your original.

You need to find a local auto mechanic that does good work to do the fix for you for much cheaper price than dealership.

Like said before, engine wise, JDM sounds cheapers at $500-$800 for 50k miles engine. You just need to swap your original engine parts into the JDM one so they are 100% matching.

TL260power

I found this JDM engine on Ebay. Search Item number 252753917099 if link doesn't work. Links direct to Viglink shopping site for some reason.

It looks ok. But It says Transmission not included?

​​​​​​​2001 2002 2003 JDM Acura TL 3.2 J32A Type S Engine Acura CL Type S J32A2 eBay

Skirmich

Just to clarify again the JDM J32A is not your original engine... Japan NEVER had a J32A2 which was exclusive to the USDM TL and CL Type-S The JDM J32A is a weaker version of the J32A1.

TL260power

Yes I remember. I don't know why that listing says J32A2 - 01-02-03 JDM Acura TL 3.2 J32A Type S Engine Acura CL Type S J32A2. Shits confusingg me lol.

I will go with the J35A3. Since it's a plug and play engine. Would I still need to get all the parts the dealer listed? Or just make sure they come with it?

Timing belt package (timing belt, timing belt tensioner, drive belt, power steering belt, water pump, coolant)
Valve adjustment
Valve cover gasket and the seals
Additional seals, fluids and misc parts that may be needed (related to engine replacement)

I found 2 more listings on Ebay aside from the white MDX listing.

Item numbers:

122344159332

01-02 ACURA MDX ENGINE 3.5L (VIN 1 6TH DIGIT)
182282269629

01 02 ACURA MDX ENGINE 3.5L VIN 1 6TH DIGIT 779522
401239850742
The description says:
This engine may have attached accessories that need to be removed or re-oriented for appropriate installation; in other words, some engines will fit in multiple vehicles but may need the accessories re-arranged to fit correctly. This rearrangement is the responsibility of the installer. These accessories may include, but are not limited to: distributors, manifolds, water pumps, electronic components (like switches, sensors and cables), fuel system components, belts, and hoses. If any accessories are attached, they have been included to make installation convenient; however, they are not part of this listing, and are not covered by the warranty. A 'CORE CHARGE' may apply for this engine.

I also forgot to mention that I have aftermarket headers installed on my TL. Will it fit on the MDX engine?

Skirmich

You just need the engine.. As long as it haves the Coils, Injectors and Sensors it is Plug and Play.
The only thing you will need to swap is the Intake Manifold so your existing IMRC Actuator keeps working.

Yes your Headers will fit the J35A3.

TL260power

The J35A3 only has 240HP. Is there another engine with more?

Skirmich

Do not fret about HP Numbers.. The real gain of the J35A3 is the low end torque that shits all over the J32A2 it will be faster off the line...
If you then make it a TL-S J35 you will have many HP more than the J32A2 and way more Torque.

TL260power

Ok cool. I also have another problem. When it rains there is a puddle of water right underneath the spare tire in the trunk. Any ideas how the water gets there? I'm thinking some seals are bad around my trunk area?

Iggy

^^ tail light gaskets. There was a thread recently about this so I decided to check. sure enough, water in the trunk.

I bought new gaskets ~$25 total but some guys have used silicone with success .

TL260power

Does it matter if the engine came off of touring?

Check this one on ebay. - 172587481666

Engine sounds good according to the video in the listing.

TL260power

Do I need to get the gasket or gasket base?

https://www.acuraoemparts.com/auto-p...taillight-scat

aztec209

What about swapping it for the 3.7? Someone in my town did the swap on a 3g TL

Iggy

Gasket base. 2 of them. they are reversible so it's the same part number for both sides

TL260power

I went to three shops today and all told me why I want to install a different engine. I told 1 mechanic it's a plug in play install. He wanted to know is it also a plug in play for the electric? Another didn't want to to deal with all the error codes it will get. So he preferred me to swap in the same engine. I also overheard one guy talking to the mechanic and say why he wants to install a 3.5L in a 3.2L car or engine. I don't know..

I don't get it.

Well three shops quoted:

$1,800
$2,500
$2,900

Kris9884

1. Plug and play means exactly what it says. Plug it in and drive away, no custom wiring or electronics.

2. I doubt there will be any error codes since it will all be freshly reset since there was no power to the motor for quite awhile. Unless something gets left unplugged or is actually broken.

3. Any mechanic at a normal tune up shop will shy away from ANYTHING that isn't just an OEM replacement or repair. Its just easier for them to leave out the what-ifs and not even deal with it. If something is truly plug and play, then don't tell them there's a difference. People screw themselves with the AV6 swap too. its all plug and play, swap over the things you already have and drive it away. There's no need to confuse the mechanics and tell them any back story. Just say "Here's the replacement motor, please use these coils and this manifold, thank you, take my money"

Skirmich

There is absolutely no reason to tell them the engine is from another car...
Sitting side to side the J32A2 and the J35A3 looks exactly the same because they share the same Freaking Block and Heads, The only visual difference from the outside is the Intake Manifold Spacer which rises it about 2 inches. Remove the Spacer and you cannot tell from one and the other.

Skirmich

Its easier to do that swap because the 3G uses Headers on Heads system, The 2G Exhaust still uses normal Headers so the J37 wouldn´t be a Plug & Play engine.. It is possible to swap it for sure but will require major mods and electrical wiring.

Also the J37 is so expensive it might be even worth more than his entire car... He can build a 3.7L out of the J35A3 in the future if he so desires.

TL260power

Sounds good to me. I'll do just that.

and use coils and manifold from where? My old engine? or just make sure the used J35A3 engine come with the the Coils, Injectors and Sensors?

Also does getting the touring motor make no difference?

Kris9884

As Skirmich said previously: "The only thing you will need to swap is the Intake Manifold so your existing IMRC Actuator keeps working".

As for the coils etc, he was just saying AS LONG AS the new motor came with everything a motor should, it would be plug'n'play.

In summary, as long as the new motor comes complete, ONLY swap over the intake manifold from the old motor, that's it, otherwise the engines are identical.