Honda Element. Manual - part 479

before entering the cylinder bore. 

Fig. 51: Positioning Piston/Connecting Rod Assembly In Cylinder 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

5. Position all pistons at top dead center (TDC).  

CONNECTING ROD BOLT INSPECTION 

1. Measure the diameter of each connecting rod bolt at point A and point B. 

Fig. 52: Measuring Diameter Of Connecting Rod Bolt 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Calculate the difference in diameter between point A and point B. 

Point A-Point B = Difference in Diameter  

Difference in Diameter:  

Specification: 0-0.1 mm (0-0.004 in.)

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Engine Block - Element

  

3. If the difference in diameter is out of tolerance, replace the connecting rod bolt.  

CRANKSHAFT INSTALLATION 

Special Tools Required  



Handle Driver 07749-0010000  



Attachment, 24 x 26 mm 07746-0010700  



Oil seal driver attachment 96 07ZAD-PNAA100  

1. M/T model: Install the crankshaft end bushing when replacing the crankshaft. Using the handle driver and 

attachment, drive in the crankshaft end bushing until the driver and attachment bottom against the 
crankshaft. 

Fig. 53: Driving In Crankshaft End Bushing 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Check the connecting rod bearing clearance with plastigage (see ROD BEARING CLEARANCE 

INSPECTION ).  

3. Check the main bearing clearance with plastigage (see MAIN BEARING CLEARANCE 

INSPECTION ).  

4. Install the bearing halves in the engine block and connecting rods.  

5. Apply a coat of new engine oil to the main bearings and rod bearings.  

6. Hold the crankshaft so rod journal No. 2 and rod journal No. 3 are straight up, then lower the crankshaft 

into the engine block.  

7. Apply new engine oil to the thrust washer surfaces. Install the thrust washers (A) in the No. 4 journal of 

the engine block. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Engine Block - Element

  

Fig. 54: Identifying Thrust Washer 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

8. Inspect the connecting rod bolts (see CONNECTING ROD BOLT INSPECTION ).  

9. Apply new engine oil to the threads of the connecting rod bolts.  

10. Seat the rod journals into connecting rod No. 1 and connecting rod No. 4. Line up the mark (B) on the 

connecting rod and cap, then install the caps and bolts finger-tight.  

11. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise, and seat the journals into connecting rod No. 2 and connecting rod No. 

3. Line up the mark on the connecting rod and cap, then install the caps and bolts finger-tight.  

12. Torque the connecting rod bolts to 20 N.m (2.0 kgf.m, 15 lbf.ft).  

13. Torque the connecting rod bolts an additional 90°. 

Fig. 55: Identifying Connecting Rod Bolt Position Angle 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

NOTE:

Remove the connecting rod bolt if you torqued it beyond the specified 
angle, then go back to step 8 of the procedure. Do not loosen it back to the 
specified angle.

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Engine Block - Element

  

14. Remove all of the old liquid gasket from the lower block mating surfaces, bolts, and bolt holes.  

15. Clean and dry the lower block 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 lower block and to the inner threads of the bolt holes. Install the component 
within 5 minutes of applying the liquid gasket. 

17. Put the lower block on the engine block.  

18. Apply new engine oil to the bearing cap bolts. Torque the bearing cap bolts in sequence to 30 N.m (3.0 

kgf.m, 22 lbf.ft). 

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. 56: Identifying Liquid Gasket Applying Area 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ENGINE Engine Block - Element