Honda Pilot Timing Belt and Engine Service

This video is (Part 4) of a series in which I completely rebuild a 2003 Honda Pilot in preparation for adding a supercharger. This episode covers electrical repairs, timing belt service, valve adjustment, and valve cover reconditioning, along with additional engine services that help it idle better.
Previous Video in the series: • Honda Pilot Transmissi...
Next Video in the series: • Honda Pilot Gets a New...
Thanks for watching!
#ETCGVideo #ETCGHackHawk
My Patreon Account: / ericthecarguy
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarguy.com
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Music
Sonata No.2 in F Major by Joel Cummins (KZbin Music)
Dude by Patrick Patrikios (KZbin Music)
Tools (Some are affiliate links)
BG Intake Cleaner: www.bgprod.com/catalog/gasoli...
Plastic Vice Jaws: amzn.to/3FC4s0x
Shake n’ Break: amzn.to/3JGB0ZV
Lug Tool: amzn.to/3qv7RI0
Cable Lugs: amzn.to/3zaoe0A
GEARWRENCH 10” Pry bar: www.gearwrench.com/products/p...
CRC Brake Cleaner: amzn.to/2Z2nA7O
Brake Cleaner Sprayer: www.jbtoolsales.com/titan-too...
LOCTITE Sticks: www.amazon.com/Alert-LOC-3872...
Prep Spray: amzn.to/3p7eilq
Eastwood Chassis Black Paint: www.eastwood.com/ew-extreme-c...
Eastwood Alumablast: www.eastwood.com/ew-aluma-bla...
Tub ‘o Towels (used to clean timing belt covers and other parts): amzn.to/3mKf0Dp
Shrink tube connectors: amzn.to/3EGl6eb
Face Shield: amzn.to/32wfAhl
Parts (Some are affiliate links)
Timing Belt Kit: amzn.to/3FHBpJ3
Battery Terminals: amzn.to/3EGl71J
Lower Control Arms: www.1aauto.com/honda-pilot-ac...
VTEC Solenoid Gasket: 36172-P8A-A01
VTEC Gasket (oil filter housing): 15825-P8A-A01
Valve Cover Gasket Kit (Has all needed parts, you’ll need 2 of these): 12030-P8A-A00
Thermostat: 19301-P8E-A10
Spark Plugs (NGK): ZFR5F11
Anchor Industries (9389 Side mount): anchor-online.com
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How To Repair Structural Rust Damage: • How To Repair Structur...
ETCGHackHawk Playlist: • 2003 Honda Pilot Inspe...
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**Answers to your automotive questions found here: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
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Wanna see more stuff like this from ETCG? Information on Premium Membership: www.ericthecarguy.com/premium...
0:00 Introduction
4:22 Electrical Repairs
9:59 Intake Removal and Cleaning
14:50 Idle Air Control Valve Removal
17:35 Valve Cover Removal and Recondition
31:17 Exhaust Manifold Removal
32:33 VTEC Gasket Replacement
36:24 Reassembly
38:24 Lower Control Arm Installation
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.

[@johnboy76122]

I don’t think there is a better channel on KZbin that shows this level of detail and explanation. You’re the best Eric.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@samuelbadders7783]

check out www.autocado.com for great, affordable, and fast parts. Made for the consumer.

[@shinywobuffet3933]

The sight of a brand new transmission is so pleasing to the eye ☺️

[@vincelow]

Eric I'm glad you got the Aisin timing belt/water pump kit this time. Avoid those fake OEM timing belt "kits" from ebay/Amazon at all cost!

[@danh2134]

How do you know you didn't get a fake one from where you bought it from?

[@vincelow]

I got it from RockAuto. $175 + tax in May 2020 - many of the OE parts used in this kit. Honda doesn't sell timing belt kits for the J35, have to order them a-la-carte when you go to the dealer and is pretty pricey. You know it's fake if you find it in a kit that costs less than $200 🙂

[@ericthecarguy]

Me too. I have a feeling that's why the TL broke down.

[@wiimaster2847]

@@ericthecarguy I think so too. I hope it isn't though, that can be quite the pain to deal with on an interference engine.

[@ruinunes8251]

I also learned the hard way about cheap timing belt kits.

[@labradormcgraw]

There's a plethora of valuable tuition here - and all for free. Still the best on KZbin. Happy New Year to you and your family, Eric. See you in 2022! 😆🔧🚘

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you and your family!

[@pollypissypants6121]

@@ericthecarguy this might sound crazy but years ago like 2013. You actually helped me out one morning at a circle k gas station when I still lived in Ohio. You jump started my old Toyota Paseo. Thank you for that. I don't know why I just thought of that 😃.

[@corydharma]

Those little green shoes on your chair are brilliant! Stop you from rolling over your toes, or wires on the floor! Never seen those before

[@hickorystx]

Eric, you never cease to amaze me with your talents and experience. Really is like watching a famous painter complete a very detailed portrait!!! Thank you, over and over!!!! 🤩🤩

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you very much for that.

[@zx8401ztv]

It's so nice to have the engine seperate from the car, access to all areas. Nothing can hide from your advanced fondling 😀 I hope you have an even better 2022 eric.

[@ericthecarguy]

"Advanced Fondling" needs to be on a t-shirt. I wish you and yours a very Happy New Year!

[@Watchman999]

@@ericthecarguy you could write "AFR" across the top with the V6 image below and then have "Advanced Fondling Required" in smaller letters across the bottom. #doit:)

[@daveogarf]

Eric, LOVE the time lapse music! Adds an air of class and decorum to the proceedings.

[@rickir808]

The mobile cradle makes it so nice work and move around the shop 👍🏼👍🏼

[@ericthecarguy]

I LOVE that thing.

[@gardenst4398]

Very few honest Technicians like you tell every detail for newbies like me. Thank you so much🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️ Other youtubers just dont want to expose secrets and for sake of video and making money take a 5min short film 😝😝

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Can’t wait to see the super charger install as my son has an 04 Pilot

[@soarthumbs1]

Eric, through the years, your videos have been so therapeutic. Thank you and God bless.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@cmitt8883]

I have definitely had days when I enjoy watching your videos more than working in my own stuff! Thank you for your time.

[@rowanmarriott9459]

Really enjoy your work, thank you. Happy new year from United Kingdom.

[@charlesk9471]

Super nice to watch an experienced expert at work. Thanks!

[@samuelbadders7783]

check out www.autocado.com for great, affordable, and fast parts. Made for the consumer.

[@Jeff-xn1ew]

Eric it would be nice to meet you. Thanks for all you do. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ezauto1911]

Hi Eric, I will do the same thing on my Honda Pilot. Happy new year!!

[@onelostsoul1997]

What I found that works well after painting parts like valve covers is baking them at 250 to 275 F for an hour and a half and hardens the paint makes it last longer and a most of the time minor runs in the paint disappear from it being baked.

[@gerrytseng]

love the playdoh tip and seeing the valve covers get cleaned/painted!

[@lionsden305]

Idk why but It this is very satisfying and almost relaxing to watch. Thanks Eric for providing great content.

[@AUDITHISWORLD69]

I love how i just got a pilot and this series comes out. Perfect timing

[@nwjeepin888]

It’s amazing to see how you start years ago seeing the hi and low points, didn’t give up and now your a online star. Learned a lot over the years. Thanks for the hard work and I’ll be done with my own “fairlane” project this year hopefully

[@The_WK]

Bahaha the piano music at 2:50. I’ve been watching your videos for over a decade now. Thanks for taking the time Eric!

[@remowilliams7029]

ECTG an absolute legend and authority on Honda/Acura work on YT! Thanks for all your hard work and guidance, happy new year.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks, you too!

[@billbruce5528]

You're giving an old pilot a second life, awesome.

[@Patrick94GSR]

So nice to be able to service an engine out of the vehicle. Years ago I had to replace the clutch and flywheel on my Integra, and also replace the timing belt and reseal the oil pan. I decided to pull the whole drivetrain which made things infinitely easier.

[@paulb4496]

Thanks so much for this video. I have a 2005 pilot that I bought new. I learned a lot!

[@TheJurassicJunkie]

Your explaining and step-by-step style videos are the reason I'll always be here to watch. Great stuff Eric.

[@altri5842]

i like the beat you're using with your video.

[@HotRod-wv4vm]

Happy New Year 🎆 Eric to you and yours. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos in the coming year.🎁👍

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy new year!

[@edmeetze6324]

Nice job thanks for sharing all of the knowledge . Have an awesome new year ETCG

[@vijayantgovender2045]

Thank you Eric for sharing your wonderful videos wishing you and your family happy new year I am watching from South Africa

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you and your family as well!

[@hamood1234fool]

Love when you clean up rust and paint parts

[@op3l]

I love watching you work.

[@sunsetoriginals7320]

That music reminds me of watching Mr Dressup or Mr Rodgers as a kid!

[@SRDETSX]

Another great video, Eric! Intake manifold bolts should be tightened to 16 ft-lbs

[@heizendy6140]

HNY Eric! These videos are excellent, entertaining and informative! Love these!💕

[@monsterq6]

Great way to end the year. Cool editing!! Audio and music was so awesome. Great work. Happy new year Eric!!!!!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@rolandos64]

“Super clean” is the best degreaser hands down!

[@shado6849]

Your series on the element helped a ton when I was installing my headlights; and I come back just to watch your videos because you're an entertaining guy! I wish you the best of luck going into 2022!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@orlandogonzalez822]

Man I really like all your vids you never lose it at least not on camera thank god for editing 🤣Great vids!!!

[@JayTdub13]

Looks like a blast. Eastwood paint is amazing. I used their two part clear on a project and was absolutely blown away. Happy New year to ya, sir.

[@ericxiong6582]

some people smoke to relieve stress. Others drink. Me....I watch ETCG videos.

[@oldbiker9739]

Charlie Chaplin would be impressed with your choice of music , and mechanical skills . 😁

[@ryulee458]

Eric I just love the way you do your job you do things the right way love your video brother Happy New Year🎉🎊

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@MotorScotti]

I've really been enjoying the Pilot series. Thanks Eric and all the best for 2022!

[@The_Impulse]

Got a lot finished this episode. Growing the anticipation of the test drive video.

[@Thorsanbauer]

Love the "how it's made "music in the background

[@boblinda1738]

Classical music, I am impressed.😀

[@silasmarner7586]

Eric, a lotta lotta work, dude! Very nicely done. This and the Mini show the complexity of modern cars, yet still comprehendible by a good mechanic (I won't say "average mechanic" .. you're up above that now by a good margin!) I hope that after you move you can get a hot washer style large scale parts cleaner - there's a zillion styles - which you deserve and I think you could use given the large amount of stuff you need to clean. Car Wizard has a nice one. Also a crab pot or larger with a propane burner, using a mix of super clean and some detergent does a great job! I've seen guys use old institutional dishwashers with a heating element for the water.. I mean I LIKE your squirt bottle of pressurized solvent, and it's very useful, but for that large scale gunk I'll be interested if you get something a bit more up the scale. Thanks for the video Eric!

[@arvindsingh-qp7rg]

Thanks Eric for another educating and entertaining video , Happy New Year to you and your Family .

[@georgevargas2858]

Looking forward to the first start.

[@Samson-cb1kx]

Your the man Eric!

[@malcolmmarsh2710]

Great work! just like a new car!

[@michaelblacktree]

Looking forward to the supercharger install. And I'm sure you are, too. 😎

[@alejonin]

Next time use lemon juice and baking soda. The copper will clean nicely. With the wire wheel you probably made the strands thinner. Also if you see green dirt on the wires the green stuff goes up the cable. The lemon juice will clean even inside the cable where the wire wheel couldn’t reach.

[@ericthecarguy]

I don't normally keep lemon juice at the shop, but I do keep electrical contact cleaner which is what I used. Not that 'home made' remedies aren't cool. Also, I checked the resistance of the cable as you saw in the video and I feel I'm good. Thanks for the comment.

[@damienogorman9110]

Great viewing content as always Eric, wishing you and yours a Happy New Year, all the best for 2022. Kindest regards from Galway, Ireland 😉👍💚🍻

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy New Year! and thank you for your comment.

[@berryblack3612]

Looks real good Eric. Happy New Year to you and the family!

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy new year!

[@stevencox75]

wiring harness is the flying spaghetti monster

[@stevew270]

Wire wheels are nothing to take lightly, a friend took one in the eye, surgery to remove the lens of his eye, etc., took him a little over a year to heal from it.

[@lot931]

Nice practical cart, Good Job! I like how you got thru all the little detail things and make sure they are working and correct. Wish I could find a mechanic like you in my town. I think the flat rate system is driving them out of the field. Had to redo the motor mounts on my Honda and it was Not Cheap.

[@IAWorks]

I love your videos Eric. If there’s anything I can add, and these are more personal preference, I would recommend cutting the insulation of the cables just below the end of the copper terminals and look into a hydraulic crimping tool. They’re fairly inexpensive and work quite well. I also like to use tinned copper lugs on connections that would be exposed such as in an engine bay and to add a bit of silicone to the exposed copper before you put heat-shrink tubing on (or get the one that is lined with adhesive). The last tip I have would be to use wire ferrules on that style of battery terminal. It helps especially if you have to remove the wire later on and just looks cleaner to me. Just my preference and a few tips I’ve picked up over the past few years.

[@ericthecarguy]

Great suggestions. Thank you.

[@KingdomAuto]

Seeing that intake manifold makes me think that I should probably clean mine on my Odyssey as well, great tip about the EGR passages, really good to know! Thanks Eric :)

[@TheBeerBox80]

Great video. Happy New years ETCG!

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy new year!

[@JayEm7516]

Loving the background music 😀

[@jeanmarcdesilets524]

Thanks you Eric for the great vidéos. Very very interesting. From Québec, Happy New Year.

[@ericthecarguy]

Hello Québec! Happy New Year!

[@cats.cars.33]

EricTheCarGuy being pro AF these days. Love how these newer videos have been made

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@luiscorreia887]

Thank you Eric. Happy holidays.

[@Panhead49EL]

Imagine the book rate for the work done in this video.

[@mclehed77]

Oh man that pilot is gonna drive amazing even without the supercharger 😁👍🏾

[@ericthecarguy]

It does actually.

[@mclehed77]

@@ericthecarguy oh yeah it's together we just didn't c it yet. Does that me ur starting to like suv🤔

[@patrickcarrillo714]

21:25 When I changed the plugs on my 07 TL Type S they all looked like they were the original plugs and the car had almost 100,000 miles on it keep in mind I am now the 4th owner of the vehicle So the previous three could have cared less about the car's, maintenance and health. It never ceases to amaze me how people could spend tens of thousands of dollars on a vehicle and not take care of it

[@ericthecarguy]

Spark plug replacement is only due every 105K on this engine. That's why the plugs are so expensive.

[@patrickcarrillo714]

@@ericthecarguy I guess that's just a me thing My dad kind of beat it into my head to always keep up on the maintenance of any vehicle and specifically to always change the spark plugs I remember as a kid constantly changing plugs with him he was super OCD about that So when I got my car One of the first things that I did was change the spark plugs I put NGK IX iridium spark plugs in my car tried to get the NGK laser iridiums But the local auto parts store didn't carry them so I went with the IXs

[@1myfriendjohn]

Another awesome video Eric!

[@jeffmatson2046]

Eric ,I Truly Enjoy watching any new techniques . The Amazing uses it play-do! Whats Really , Exciting is actually Yr know of What parts work in the different years of Honda's ! Thank yu for yr time and diligence in knowledge .🛠️💮

[@ocavant]

You're a braver man than I am. No rags or towels in the IM holes? My luck would be some rando nut/bolt flying down a hole of doom. Glad you did not experience that. Seems so simple with the engine out and 360degree access. Great video. Will come back to it multiple times as I work on our '06 Pilot. Thanks!!

[@EVO_IX]

Love this channel. I will be doing my first time ever timing belt on a j series. Happy new year 🎆🎊🎈

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you. There is a video linked in the description you might find helpful for J series timing belt replacement.

[@vincelow]

Get the Aisin kit for the J-series (Edit: Part # TKH-001 - as linked in the description). Avoid ebay/amazon - lots of fake "genuine Honda" timing belt kits being sold. They even have pretty close looking Honda stickers on them. Even fooled ETGC as seen in his Acura TL timing belt video 🙁

[@wiimaster2847]

@@vincelow TKH-002 is for most Hondas but not all. The one in this video for example is TKH-001.

[@vincelow]

@WiiMaster good catch, the Pilot is TKH-001 as you mentioned. Just edited so it's correct now 🙂 I got the TKH-002 for the J35A8 in my TL.

[@EVO_IX]

@@vincelow I have a 2013 TL with 90k so I want to do this service on my own and hopefully I don’t miss timing 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@post_historic]

Happy new year, pops.

[@serge7dai]

another nice video ! happy new years !

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy new year!

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Also those valve covers looks great that Eastwood paint makes it look excellent.

[@lyndonsia5868]

Happy New Year Eric. Stay safe.

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy New Year!

[@aserta]

Happy New Year to you, and yours Eric! Here's to 2022 that's going to fulfill all your wishes, also, better wait times on parts and parcels ;).

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy New Year to you and yours too!

[@sithlord2984]

Always cool. You've helped me from the beginning. Stay dirty. And happy New Year.

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy New Year!

[@TotodrivesspdTanker]

Advance Happy New Year to you and your family!!

[@StevenBuchanan]

Great video Eric and Happy New Year!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@syopspwnz]

In a pinch you can clean copper wire w/ salt & vinegar. Simply mix the solution and put the wire in. Remove once desired brightness is achieved. It's quick, effective, and gives great cleaning coverage. Opinions abound about electrical tape in the engine bay. I like to use the fabric tesa tape. Useful for wire harness repairs as well as interior trim pieces that are rattling / rubbing. It'll be a little bit of a sticker shock but buy it in bulk - trust me, you'll use it.

[@ericthecarguy]

I used the fabric tesa tape on my last project. Never again. The reason is that as soon as that tape gets any oil on it it disintegrates into a gelatinous mess.

[@zx8401ztv]

i will keep that in mind, thankyou 😀

[@themidas2006]

thank you, great video as always

[@Xx1SailorScoutxX]

I would LOVE to see the rest of the build, especially the supercharging bit & how you plan on having the ECU tuned for it. Texas Honda Channel has a playlist of a Pilot build as well, & it was supercharged. My wife & my brother & law have Pilots, so I'm eating up the videos for inspiration!

[@nukenridge4921]

Happy new year Eric

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy new year!

[@MrFixit1]

"Putting the piolet into the air" No pun intended lol

[@xushenxin]

love it! It is a lot of work!

[@LuisCastro-fd2nv]

you are awosome my man. play-doh.thats great. thank you for you videos. your a master teacher.

[@steveafanador6441]

Your a beast Eric. I like the play dough trick 👍👍😀

[@HanifEFIMechanical]

Good Work

[@unfilteredjamaican3478]

And now my 5 yr old son saw you put play-doe in an engine and his 👀 opens up with ideas….😂😂😂

[@ericthecarguy]

You're welcome. 😉

[@djnevous3us]

I had those terminals on my old civic. They were pretty good

[@arielatom03]

Happy new year eric!

[@ericthecarguy]

Happy New Year!

[@dadtype2339]

Beautiful Job EC! Respect for the work both on the engine AND filming it! Also great use of the Drone! Question, your soundtrack made me wonder, do you listen to any music when working on mute or when not filming? I have to have something going on I go nuts lol. Thanks Man and thumbs up!

[@jdhern9078]

Good video

[@themidas2006]

thank you for the great video

[@jameswalker3288]

You should check out Texas Honda Chanel, he’s a guy from Dallas area. He supercharged his pilot a while back maybe you can score some interesting bits from him. Great video dude!

[@rolandos64]

Silicone spray is a must! It’s never been the same since! 👍🏼