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Cylinder Head: Diagnosis Honda Element I

Mechanical 12 illustrations ~1400 words

Engine Compression Inspection

Note. After this inspection, you must reset the engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM), otherwise the ECM/PCM will continue to stop the injectors from functioning. Select ECM/PCM reset using the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) (see

Note. HDS CLEAR COMMAND ).

Scheme 65

Scheme 65: Engine Compression Inspection
Scheme 65: Engine Compression Inspection
  1. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (cooling fan comes on).
  2. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  3. Connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (see step 2 on «HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM)»(ref-220569-S09637220872006022000000) ).
  4. Turn the ignition switch ON (II), then select PGM-FI, INSPECTION, and ALL INJECTORS OFF function on the HDS.
  5. Remove the four ignition coils (see «IGNITION COIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220558-S34379733682006022000000) ).
  6. Remove the four spark plugs.
  7. Attach the compression gauge to the spark plug hole.
  8. Open the throttle fully, then crank the engine with the starter motor and measure the compression. Compression Pressure: Above 930 kPa (9.5 kgf/cm 2 , 135 psi)
  9. Measure the compression on the remaining cylinders. Maximum Variation: Within 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm 2 , 28 psi)
  10. If the compression is not within specifications, check the following items, then re-measure the compression. Damaged or worn valves and seats Damaged cylinder head gasket Damaged or worn piston rings Damaged or worn piston and cylinder bore
  11. Remove the compression gauge from the spark plug hole.
  12. Install the four spark plugs (see «IGNITION COIL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(ref-220558-S34379733682006022000000) ).
  13. Select the ECM/PCM reset (see «ECM/PCM RESET»(ref-220569-S34002765082006022000000) ) to cancel ALL INJECTORS OFF.
  14. Do the ECM/PCM idle learn procedure (see «ECM/PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE»(ref-220572-S08440202922006022000000) ).

VTEC Rocker Arm Test

Special Tools Required

  1. Air pressure regulator 07AAJ-PNAA100
  2. VTEC air adapter 07ZAJ-PNAA100
  3. VTEC air stopper 07ZAJ-PNAA200
  4. Air joint adapter 07ZAJ-PNAA300

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Scheme 66
Scheme 66

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Scheme 67

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Scheme 68
  1. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then turn the ignition switch OFF.
  2. Remove the cylinder head cover (see «CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL»(ref-220562-S21403875682006022000000) ).
  3. Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC) (see step 1 ).
  4. Verify that the intake primary rocker arm (A) moves independently of the intake secondary rocker arm (B). If the intake primary rocker arm moves freely, go to step 5. If the intake primary rocker arm does not move, remove the primary and secondary rocker arms as an assembly and check that the pistons in the secondary and primary rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm needs replacing, replace the primary and secondary rocker arms as an assembly, and test.
  5. Repeat step 4 on the remaining intake primary rocker arms with each piston at TDC. When all the primary rocker arms pass the test, go to step 6.
  6. Inspect the valve clearance (see «VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT»(ref-220562-S13898009212006022000000) ).
  7. Check that the air pressure on the shop air compressor gauge indicates over 400 kPa (4.0 kgf/cm 2 , 57 psi).
  8. Remove the sealing bolt (A) from the relief hole, and install the VTEC air stopper (B).
  9. Remove the No. 2 and No. 3 camshaft holder bolts, and install the VTEC air adapters (C) finger-tight.
  10. Connect the air joint adapter (D) and air pressure regulator (E).
  11. Loosen the valve on the regulator, and apply the specified air pressure. Specified Air Pressure: 290 kPa (3.0 kgf/cm 2 ,42 psi) NOTE: If the synchronizing piston does not move after applying air pressure, move the primary or secondary rocker arm up and down manually by rotating the crankshaft clockwise.
  12. With the specified air pressure applied, move the intake primary rocker arm (A) for the No. 1 cylinder. The primary rocker arm and secondary rocker arm (B) should move together. If the intake secondary rocker arm does not move, remove the primary and secondary rocker arms as an assembly, and check that the pistons in the primary and secondary rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm needs replacing, replace the primary and secondary rocker arms as an assembly, and test.
  13. Repeat steps 11 and 12 for the remaining cylinders. Be sure to set the cylinder's piston at TDC before beginning work.
  14. Remove the special tools.
  15. Tighten the camshaft holder mounting bolts to 22 N.m (2.2 kgf.m, 16 lbf.ft).
  16. Tighten the sealing bolt to 20 N.m (2.0 kgf.m, 14 lbf.ft).
  17. Install the cylinder head cover (see «CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION»(ref-220562-S41592105692006022000000) ).

Scheme 69

Scheme 69: VTC Actuator Inspection
Scheme 69: VTC Actuator Inspection

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Scheme 70
Scheme 70

Scheme 71

Scheme 71
Scheme 71
  1. Remove the cam chain (see «INSTALLATION»(ref-220562-S36888912342006022000000) ).
  2. Loosen the rocker arm adjusting screws (see step 2 ).
  3. Remove the camshaft holders (see step 3 ).
  4. Remove the intake camshaft.
  5. Check that the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is locked by turning the VTC actuator counterclockwise. If not locked, turn the VTC actuator clockwise until it stops, then recheck it. If it is still not locked, replace the VTC actuator.
  6. Seal the advance holes (A) and retard holes (B) in the No. 1 camshaft journal with tape.
  7. Punch a hole in the tape over one of the advance holes.
  8. Apply air to the advance hole to release the lock.
  9. Check that the VTC actuator moves smoothly. If the VTC actuator does not move smoothly, replace the VTC actuator.
  10. Remove the tape 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. Tighten 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 clicks. Make sure to lock the VTC actuator by turning it.
  15. Install the cam chain (see «CAM CHAIN INSTALLATION»(ref-220562-S26839483192006022000000) ).
  16. Adjust the valve clearance (see «VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT»(ref-220562-S13898009212006022000000) ).

Camshaft Inspection

Note. Do not rotate the camshaft during inspection.

Scheme 72

Scheme 72: Camshaft Inspection
Scheme 72: Camshaft Inspection

Scheme 73

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Scheme 76
  1. Remove the rocker arm assembly (see «ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY REMOVAL»(ref-220562-S04028856712006022000000) ).
  2. Put the rocker shaft holders, camshaft, and camshaft holders on the cylinder head, then tighten the bolts to the specified torque. NOTE: If the engine does not have bolt 21, skip it and continue the torque sequence. 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, 8.7 lbf.ft) 6 mm Bolts: 21, 22, 23
  3. Seat the camshaft by pushing it away from the cam chain 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.)
  5. Unscrew 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 tighten the bolts to the specified torque as shown in step 2 .
  9. Remove the camshaft holders. Measure the widest part 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.)
  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.)
  11. Measure cam lobe height. CAM LOBE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS INTAKE EXHAUST PRI 33.925 mm (1.3356 in.) 34.092 mm (1.3422 in.) SEC 29.638 mm (1.1668 in.) PRI: Primary SEC: Secondary C/C: Cam Chain

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