Honda Element. Manual - part 379

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

10. Remove the tape adhesive residue from the No. 1 camshaft journal.  

11. Make sure the punch marks on the VTC actuator and exhaust camshaft sprocket are facing up, then set 

the camshafts in the rocker shaft holder (see step 6 ).  

12. Set the camshaft holders and chain guide B in place (see step 7 ).  

13. Torque the camshaft holder bolts to the specified torque (see step 8 ).  

14. Hold the camshaft, and turn the VTC actuator clockwise until you hear it click. Make sure to lock the 

VTC actuator by turning it.  

15. Install the cam chain (see CAM CHAIN INSTALLATION ).  

16. Adjust the valve clearance (see VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT ).  

VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT 

Special Tools Required  

Tappet adjust wrench set 07MAA-PR70100 

1. Remove the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL ).  

2. Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). The punch mark (A) on the variable valve timing control 

(VTC) actuator and the punch mark (B) on the exhaust camshaft sprocket should be at the top. Align the 
TDC marks (C) on the VTC actuator and exhaust camshaft sprocket. 

Fig. 12: Identifying Punch Mark On Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) Actuator 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Select the correct thickness feeler gauge for the valves you're going to check. 

Valve Clearance  

NOTE:

Adjust the valves only when the cylinder head temperature is less than 100°F 
(38°C).

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

Intake: 0.21-0.25 mm (0.008-0.010 in.)

Exhaust: 0.28-0.32 mm (0.011-0.013 in.)  

Fig. 13: Identifying Valve Position 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Insert the feeler gauge (A) between the adjusting screw (B) and the end of the valve stem, then slide it 

back and forth, you should feel a slight amount of drag. 

Fig. 14: Inserting Feeler Gauge Between Adjusting Screw 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

5. If you feel too much or too little drag, loosen the locknut with the tappet adjust wrench set, and turn the 

adjusting screw until the drag on the feeler gauge is correct. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

Fig. 15: Loosening Locknut 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

6. Torque the locknut to the specified torque. 

Specified Torque  

Intake: 20 N.m (2.0 kgf.m, 15 lbf.ft)  

Apply new engine oil to the nut threads.  

Exhaust: 14 N.m (1.4 kgf.m, 10 lbf.ft)  

Apply new engine oil to the nut threads.  

7. Recheck the valve clearance. Repeat the adjustment if necessary.  

8. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (camshaft pulley turns 90°). 

Fig. 16: Rotating Crankshaft Clockwise 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

9. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 3 cylinder.  

10. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (camshaft pulley turns 90°). 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

Fig. 17: Rotating Crankshaft Clockwise 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

11. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 4 cylinder.  

12. Rotate the crankshaft 180° clockwise (camshaft pulley turns 90°). 

Fig. 18: Rotating Crankshaft Clockwise 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

13. Check and, if necessary, adjust the valve clearance on No. 2 cylinder.  

14. Install the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION ).  

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION 

Special Tools Required  



Socket, 19 mm 07JAA-001020A or a commercially available 19 mm socket  



Holder handle 07JAB-001020B  



Holder attachment, 50 mm 07NAB-001040A  

REMOVAL 

1. Remove the right front wheel.  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element