Honda Element. Manual - part 390

turns at a time, in a crisscross pattern. 

Fig. 88: Identifying Camshaft Holder Bolts Loosening Sequence 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Remove the cam chain guide B, camshaft holders, and camshafts.  

5. Insert the bolts (A) into the rocker shaft holder, then remove the rocker arm assembly (B). 

Fig. 89: Identifying Rocker Shaft Holder Bolts 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

ROCKER ARM AND SHAFT DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY 

NOTE:



Identify each part as it is removed so that each item can be reinstalled in 
their original locations.  



Inspect the rocker arm shaft and rocker arms (see ROCKER ARM AND 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

SHAFT INSPECTION ).  



If reused, the rocker arms must be installed in their original locations.  



When removing or installing the rocker arm assembly, do not remove the 
camshaft holder bolts. The bolts will keep the holders and rocker arms on 
the shaft.  



Prior to reassembling, clean all the parts in solvent, dry them, and apply 
new engine oil to any contact points.  



Bundle the intake rocker arms with rubber bands to keep them together as 
a set.  



When replacing the intake rocker arm assembly, remove the fastening 
hardware from the new intake rocker arm assembly. 

Fig. 90: Exploded View Of Rocker Arm And Shaft 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

ROCKER ARM AND SHAFT INSPECTION

1. Remove the rocker arm assembly (see ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY REMOVAL ), then disassemble 

the rocker arm assembly (see ROCKER ARM AND SHAFT DISASSEMBLY/REASSEMBLY ).  

2. Measure the diameter of the shaft at the first rocker location. 

Fig. 91: Measuring Diameter Of Shaft At Rocker 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Zero the gauge (A) to the shaft diameter. 

Fig. 92: Measuring Shaft Diameter 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Measure the inside diameter of the rocker arm, and check it for an out-of-round condition. 

Rocker Arm-to-Shaft Clearance  

Standard (New):  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

Intake: 0.025-0.052 mm (0.0010-0.0020 in.)

Exhaust: 0.018-0.056 mm (0.0007-0.0022 in.)  

Service Limit: 0.08 mm (0.003 in.)  

Fig. 93: Measuring Inside Diameter Of Rocker Arm 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

5. Repeat for all rocker arms and both shafts. If the clearance is beyond the service limit, replace the rocker 

shaft and all out of service limit rocker arms. If any VTEC rocker arm needs replacement, replace the 
rocker arms (primary and secondary), as a set.  

6. Inspect the rocker arm pistons (A). Push on each piston manually. If it does not move smoothly, replace 

the rocker arms as a set. 

Fig. 94: Identifying Rocker Arm Pistons 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

7. Install the rocker arm assembly (see ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY INSTALLATION ).  

CAMSHAFT INSPECTION 

NOTE:

Apply new engine oil to the rocker arm pistons when reassembling.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element