Does anybody know how exactly the engine works in the Odyssey EX-L and Touring models? I keep asking, and am told it runs on 3, 4, or 6 pistons depending on which, "mode", I am in and driving conditions. That I pretty much figured out, with the ECO light always coming on and stuff, but I still don't know how many cylinders are affected and when it moves from 4 to 3 cylinders. I would like to know if the engine could be changed to operate on more or less cylinders manually, how the pistons engage or disengage or just keep going along for the ride on the crank shaft, and which exact cylinders are affected. How do the valves operate when this is happening, what happens to the emissions, etc. If I knew this info, mabye that would allow me to improve my driving habits to get better milage or to abuse the engine less.

Does anybody know how exactly the engine works in the Odyssey EX-L and Touring models? I keep asking, and am told it runs on 3, 4, or 6 pistons depending on which, "mode", I am in and driving conditions. That I pretty much figured out, with the ECO light always coming on and stuff, but I still don't know how many cylinders are affected and when it moves from 4 to 3 cylinders. I would like to know if the engine could be changed to operate on more or less cylinders manually, how the pistons engage or disengage or just keep going along for the ride on the crank shaft, and which exact cylinders are affected. How do the valves operate when this is happening, what happens to the emissions, etc. If I knew this info, mabye that would allow me to improve my driving habits to get better milage or to abuse the engine less.

I know one of your answers. No you can not change what cyclinders are running manually.

I have a 09 brochure and it's got some info on it with a few pix, see if you can find one. What's interesting is how it's different from earlier models, mine (an 06) just shut down the other half of the engine block, now it doesn't. Must have to do with some cylinders wearing out faster than others I guess.

the easy part is to shut off the fuel injector for the cylinder that you want shut off. they may, ( i am not sure on this part) either leave the valves open or closed for the cylinder as well. this way the the individual cylinder is not robbing much power from the rest of the engine.
i have not been able to find out much on how it works on my 2010.

Not sure they shut or open valves. Don't these engines still have cam shafts?
I would assume they just shut off fuel to the required cylinders.