Honda Element. Manual - part 391

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

2. Put the rocker shaft holders, camshaft, and camshaft holders on the cylinder head, then torque the bolts in 

sequence to the specified torque. 

Specified Torque  

8 mm Bolts: 22 N.m (2.2 kgf.m, 16 lbf.ft)  

6 mm Bolts: 12 N.m (1.2 kgf.m, 8.8 lbf.ft)  

6 mm Bolts: (21), (22), (23)  

Fig. 95: Identifying Camshaft Bolts Tightening Sequence 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Seat the camshaft by pushing it away from the camshaft pulley end of the cylinder head.  

4. Zero the dial indicator against the end of the camshaft, then push the camshaft back and forth and read the 

end play. If the end play is beyond the service limit, replace the cylinder head and recheck. If it is still 
beyond the service limit, replace the camshaft. 

Camshaft End Play  

Standard (New): 0.05-0.20 mm (0.002-0.008 in.)  

Service Limit: 0.4 mm (0.02 in.)  

NOTE:

Do not rotate the camshaft during inspection.

NOTE:

If the engine does not have bolt(21), skip it and continue the torque 
sequence.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

Fig. 96: Checking Camshaft End Play 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

5. Loosen the camshaft holder bolts two turns at a time, in a crisscross pattern. Then remove the camshaft 

holders from the cylinder head.  

6. Lift the camshafts out of the cylinder head, wipe them clean, then inspect the lift ramps. Replace the 

camshaft if any lobes are pitted, scored, or excessively worn.  

7. Clean the camshaft journal surfaces in the cylinder head, then set the camshafts back in place. Place a 

plastigage strip across each journal.  

8. Install the camshaft holders, then torque the bolts to the specified torque as shown in step 2.  

9. Remove the camshaft holders. Measure the widest portion of plastigage on each journal. 



If the camshaft-to-holder clearance is within limits, go to step 11.  



If the camshaft-to-holder clearance is beyond the service limit and the camshaft has been replaced, 
replace the cylinder head.  



If the camshaft-to-holder clearance is beyond the service limit and the camshaft has not been 
replaced, go to step 10.  

Camshaft-to-Holder Oil Clearance Standard (New):  

No. 1 Journal: 0.030-0.069 mm (0.001-0.003 in.)  

No. 2, 3, 4, 5 Journals: 0.060-0.099 mm (0.002-0.004 in.)  

Service Limit: 0.15 mm (0.006 in.)  

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

Fig. 97: Measuring Widest Portion Of Plastigage 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

10. Check the total runout with the camshaft supported on V-blocks. 



If the total runout of the camshaft is within the service limit, replace the cylinder head.  



If the total runout is beyond the service limit, replace the camshaft and recheck the camshaft-to-
holder oil clearance. If the oil clearance is still beyond the service limit, replace the cylinder head.  

Camshaft Total Runout  

Standard (New): 0.03 mm (0.001 in.) max.  

Service Limit: 0.04 mm (0.002 in.)  

Fig. 98: Checking Runout Of Camshaft 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

11. Measure cam lobe height. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element

  

Fig. 99: Measuring Cam Lobe Height 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

VALVE, SPRING, AND VALVE SEAL REMOVAL 

Special Tools Required  

Valve spring compressor attachment 07757-PJ1010A 

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

2. Using an appropriate-sized socket (A) and plastic mallet (B), lightly tap the valve spring retainer to 

loosen the valve cotters. 

Fig. 100: Tapping Valve Spring Retainer

NOTE:

Identify the valves and valve springs as they are removed so that each item can 
be reinstalled in its original position.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-2008 ENGINE Cylinder Head - Element