Honda Element. Manual - part 372

7. Remove the intake manifold (see REMOVAL ).  

8. Remove a bolt (A) securing the connecting pipe. B C 

Fig. 17: Identifying Connecting Pipe, Water Bypass, Positive Crankcase And Bolt 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

9. Remove the connecting pipe (B), water bypass hose (C), and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) hose 

(D).  

10. Remove the water passage (A). A 

Fig. 18: Identifying Water Passage And Thermostat Housing 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

11. Remove the thermostat housing (B).  

12. Remove the water pump (see WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT ).  

13. Install the water pump (see WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT ).  

14. Install the thermostat housing (A) with a new O-ring (B). 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Cooling System - Element

  

Fig. 19: Identifying Thermostat Housing And O-Ring With Torque Specification 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

15. Clean and dry the water passage mating surfaces.  

16. Apply liquid gasket, P/N 08717-0004, 08718-0001, 08718-0003, or 08718-0009, evenly to the engine 

block mating surface of the water passage. Install the component within 5 minutes of applying the liquid 
gasket. 

17. Install the water passage (A) with a new O-ring (B). 

NOTE:



If you apply liquid gasket P/N 08718-0012, the component must be 
installed within 4 minutes.  



If too much time has passed after applying the liquid gasket, remove 
the old liquid gasket and residue, then reapply new liquid gasket. 

Fig. 20: Identifying Engine Block Mating Surface Liquid Gasket Area 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Cooling System - Element

  

18. Install the connecting pipe (A) with a new O-ring (B). 

Fig. 22: Identifying Connecting Pipe And O-Ring With Torque Specification 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

19. Install the water bypass hose (C) and PCV hose (D), then torque a bolt (E) securing the connecting pipe.  

20. Install the intake manifold (see INSTALLATION ).  

21. Install the A/C compressor (see step 11 on ENGINE INSTALLATION ).  

22. Install the splash shield (see step 24 on ENGINE INSTALLATION ). 

NOTE:



Wait at least 30 minutes before filling the engine with coolant.  



Do not run the engine for at least 3 hours after installing the water 
passage. 

Fig. 21: Identifying Water Passage And O-Ring With Torque 
Specification 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Cooling System - Element

  

23. Install the alternator (see INSTALLATION ).  

24. Check the quick connector (A) and set ring (B) for cracks or damage. If the connector and/or set ring are 

cracked or damaged, replace the connector. 

Fig. 23: Checking Quick Connector And Set Ring 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

25. Make sure the set ring is in place inside the quick connector. If the set ring is off the connector, replace 

the quick connector.  

26. Replace the O-ring (C) in the quick connector.  

27. Check the lock (D). If the lock is damaged or deformed, replace it. When installing the new lock on the 

connector, push it straight down along the groove.  

28. Clean the connecting surface of the thermostat cover (E), then apply clean engine coolant around the 

connecting surface.  

29. Push the lock (A) down, then push the quick connector (B) onto the thermostat cover until you here it 

click. 

Fig. 24: Pushing Quick Connector Onto Thermostat Cover 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

30. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, and bleed air from the cooling system with the heater valve open 

(see step 10 on Coolant Replacement ). 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Cooling System - Element