Valve Guide Replacement

2006 Honda Element EX, 2.4 YH1, StandardSECTION Valve Guide Replacement

Special Tools Required 

  • Valve guide driver, 5.5 mm 07742-0010100
  • Valve guide reamer, 5.5 mm 07HAH-PJ7010B
  1. Inspect valve stem-to-guide clearance (see VALVE INSPECTION  ).
  2. As illustrated, use a commercially available air-impact valve guide driver (A) modified to fit the diameter of the valve guides. In most cases, the same procedure can be done using the special tool and a conventional hammer.
    Fig 1: Identifying Valve Guide Driver Dimensions
    G03677221Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Select the proper replacement guides, and chill them in the freezer section of a refrigerator for about an hour.
  4. Use a hot plate or oven to evenly heat the cylinder head to 300°F (150°C). Monitor the temperature with a cooking thermometer. Do not get the head hotter than 300°F (150°C); excessive heat may loosen the valve seats.
    Fig 2: Heating Cylinder Head
    G03677222Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. Working from the camshaft side, use the driver and an air hammer to drive the guide about 2 mm (0.1 in.) towards the combustion chamber. This will knock off some of the carbon and make removal easier. Hold the air hammer directly in line with the valve guide to prevent damaging the driver. Wear safety goggles or a face shield.
  6. Turn the head over, and drive the guide out toward the camshaft side of the head.
    Fig 3: Removing Valve Guide
    G03677223Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. If a valve guide won't move, drill it out with a 8 mm (5/16 in.) bit, then try again. Drill guides only in extreme cases; you could damage the cylinder head if the guide breaks.
  8. Take out the new guide(s) from the freezer, one at a time, as you need them.
  9. Apply a thin coat of new engine oil to the outside of the new valve guide. Install the guide from the camshaft side of the head; use the special tool to drive the guide into the specified installed height (A) of the guide (B). If you have all 16 guides to do, you may have to reheat the head.

    Valve Guide Installed Height 

    Intake: 15.2-16.2 mm (0.598-0.638 in.) 

    Exhaust: 15.5-16.5 mm (0.610-0.650 in.) 

    Fig 4: Installing Valve Guide
    G03677224Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  10. Coat both reamer and valve guide with cutting oil.
  11. Rotate the reamer clockwise the full length of the valve guide bore.
    Fig 5: Rotating Reamer Clockwise
    G03677225Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  12. Continue to rotate the reamer clockwise while drawing it from the bore.
  13. Thoroughly wash the guide in detergent and water to remove any cutting residue.
  14. Check the clearances with a valve (see VALVE INSPECTION  ). Verify that a valve slides in the intake and exhaust valve guides without being stuck.
  15. Inspect the valve seating, If necessary, renew the valve seat using a valve seat cutter (see VALVE SEAT RECONDITIONING  ).
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.