How to replace VTEC Gasket and Spool Valve Filter on a Honda Element 2003-2011

In this video, we will be replacing the VTEC Gasket and the Spool Valve Filter on a 2005 Honda Element.
Product link:
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[@1unkn0wn]

Great video. I just want to add that for anyone having issue removing that rear-lower-most tensioner bolt there is an easy path forward: Support the oil pan with a block of wood and a jack. Using a 17mm deep well zip off all 3x engine mount nuts Remove the engine mount under the engine mount there is a plate with 3 bolts Remove those bolt and the plate There is an huge cavity in the frame under that plate that allows you to use whatever tool you want to get that last tensioner bolt out It takes very little time so long as you have a 1/2 impact to get after the motor mount bolts.

[@ChivasYang]

I just followed this to change the front one, daes work. All procedure is accurate. Really appreciate the video maker.

[@MendandMake]

I’m glad it helped you out ! Consider subscribing!

[@ChivasYang]

7 days passed ， no leaking at all, problem solved ten nice car again, really appreciate the video maker. Small suggestion, need electric wrench or 1/4 or 3/8 ratchet, or 1/2 short handle ratchet, Japanese car is good at using space

[@reflactor]

Thanks! This is exactly the problem with my CRV. There seems to be a lot less space in the CRV though.

[@MendandMake]

Glad it helped you out!

[@MendandMake]

Consider subscribing. I have all the suspension work on vids

[@capy_official]

The ABS MODULE is in the way on the 3rd gen crvs

[@sugar2943]

There’s a gasket on top of that variable spool filter that also is prone to leaking

[@MendandMake]

I got the one one the side of the engine. Don’t see one on top. Got the one in the back done

[@idriysdagod09]

I’m gonna do this for my 2006 crv. Is this the same setup? I already changed the solenoid

[@MendandMake]

I’m not sure if it’s the same set up but I heard a lot of the parts are the same

[@IsmaelGrijalvavaldez]

Muchas gracias amigo!!!! Bendiciones 🙏 y saludos....

[@MendandMake]

I’m glad it helped you out!

[@newbernbears]

Great job. Did any oil leak onto the belt or alternator before the fix?

[@MendandMake]

I’m sure a little dripped on it

[@MendandMake]

It’s completely dry now. Easy cheap fix. Cost about 10 bucks

[@marielambert9503]

How are those dorman gaskets compared to oem honda?

[@MendandMake]

Same fit

[@Luisquickwit]

What camera did u use for video a go pro

[@MendandMake]

iPhone 8+ for everything

[@jessicalatten7173]

Is this the same for a CRV? I’ve been looking everywhere on how to do it.

[@MendandMake]

Yes. I believe the CRV has the same engine

[@jessicalatten7173]

@@MendandMake I’ve been searching for days for this information. I’ve never tried doing car repairs but I’m great at following instructions. Thanks so much for this info- it’s going to save me so much money lol

[@MendandMake]

@@jessicalatten7173 yes! That’s like a $400-$600 repair at a shop but it only takes about an hour

[@MendandMake]

Consider subscribing

[@alecksluciferis4188]

Just bought an 06 element and found this in the glove box. Solenoid doesn't seem to be leaking but I do suspect a vacuum leak. Do you think it could come from there without having oil drip out? Or should I look elsewhere?

[@MendandMake]

Run your codes at autozone first

[@alecksluciferis4188]

@@MendandMake I have an OBD reader but no codes are showing up. No check engine light. Idling when cold drops very low and then surges back up every few dozen seconds or so.

[@MendandMake]

@@alecksluciferis4188 that sounds like a vacuum leak but you know just jack around with it. I’m a horrible when it comes to fixing cars. I replace 4 things before it’s fixed but then again I have four new parts on the car.

[@alecksluciferis4188]

@@MendandMake haha I'm the same! I noticed some of the hose clamps were very soft and loose when changing the air filter. Might change those and see where it leads. Otherwise I'll change the vtech filter since I have one anyway. Thanks for the clear video!

[@MendandMake]

It’s an easy fix you got it

[@LCLj73]

Great video 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@MendandMake]

Thanks consider subscribing

[@aaronruiz9397]

Good content thanks very helpfull

[@MendandMake]

I appreciate that Aaron glad it helped you out!

[@redminotepro6779]

I have a question, i got three gaskets front rear and one small ring where can i fit the small one ?

[@MendandMake]

So many things I could say with this question but you should have two. One with a screen and the other does nit

[@MendandMake]

How big is the smallest ring

[@rickran35]

that should be for the pressure sensor on the vtech solenoid. on of the electrical plugs can be taken off and there is an o ring gasket there. Theres a few other videos showing it.

[@user-yr6up6xt6x]

Genius

[@MendandMake]

These are easy fixes. Don’t take this stuff to the dealer. Consider subscribing for more fix it vids!

[@theniceneighbor]

What was your symptoms? CEL or leak?

[@MendandMake]

Leak all down the side of the block. It’s dry now:)

[@MendandMake]

Plus oil all down in the alternator

[@alarm7005]

👍👍👍👍

[@1STLAR2147]

Put a little dab of RTV on two sides of that pulley nut. Won’t have to worry about it falling out when reinstalling the bolt.

[@MendandMake]

Will do.

[@thestripiyilby]

Thanks for Sharing. Do I need to drain oil engine before replacing them? Great and easy to follow tutorial!

[@MendandMake]

No not at all you can just put a small rag underneath the front filter and a small oil pan for the back one. Very small amount of oil comes out

[@MendandMake]

Consider subscribing I have a lot of money saving videos plus I’m working on a water heater fix right now. Video should be posted in a few days

[@hwin713]

Thank you very much for making this video very clear and precise but minus you telling us after to hold onto back of tensioner 😅 I lost the nut to the abyss even took off plastics under engine bay

[@MendandMake]

Glad it helped you out. Watch the whole video first then fix it :)

[@soflowavers]

This change applies to a 2009 Honda accord too? It’s all the same set up? I see the years from 2003-11

[@MendandMake]

A lot of the parts are the same for these Hondas. Sometimes it’s the same parts but are in different arrangements

[@donaldisrael7147]

My local Honda dealer charged $150 not to find a leak in that gasket. Then they wanted $313 to replace screen.

[@MendandMake]

Lol that’s a rip. It takes about an hour for the whole job if that.

[@djwak59]

I had a garage do this job for me a few years back. Too much digging deep for me. My hats off to you for being able to get that serpentine belt off with 2 wrenches ! When I replaced mine, I needed a like an 18” breaker bar.

[@MendandMake]

Yea it’s not that bad of a job. Just little by little. Step by step. A shop will probably charge you a couple hundred to fix it

[@SuperNick090]

How often should these filters be changed ?

[@MendandMake]

I’ll tell you this… I had to change it at 300k miles because it was leaking oil. They get hard and flat and then they leak or the screen get clogged up. Very simple fix and it will save you about $400

[@edgartopico5595]

Excellent job 👍👍 Btw I am your new subscriber. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience and expertise.

[@MendandMake]

Thank you and thank you for subscribing

[@juniorog4080]

What are symptoms to know that we need to replace that? Thanks

[@MendandMake]

Honestly I replaced mine when I saw oil running down the back of my motor and oil running down the front and getting all over my alternator. These seals dry up and get hard and loose their puffiness and then lose the seal after about 6 years

[@juniorog4080]

@Mend and Make thanks for reply. Do you know if that would effect the way it runs, like would stall if clogged. We got p1009 and vsa code, replaced solenoid and pressure switch and still comes up.

[@MendandMake]

Make sure your quick connect is secure. You can have a intermittent cut off while driving. Be sure to replace both filters because the sludge in the spool valve can cause those problems

[@TR1CKSHOTS31]

@@juniorog4080did you ever fix the p1009 code? I got a 2012 accord se and I have the p1009 code, I’ve changed the cam shaft position sensor, and still have the problem.

[@juniorog4080]

​@TR1CKSHOTS31 Yes. But ours was for Honda CRV. We end up bringing to dealer, they cleaned out oil in intake tube, cleaned throttle body, performed idle relearn procedure. It also had a service bulletin, look up SB-08-089 and did a software update. After all that it has been running great since. Done this in February 2023. Good luck

[@sam33more94]

Question: how can I know if I need to change the vtec gasket. Thank you for sharing the video, great visual. Greetings from Texas

[@MendandMake]

This gasket is known to harden and flatten out about every 7 or 8 years. Also keep in mind, the front one is a screen so it is just best to change it out too to keep it clean.

[@MendandMake]

Hello to you from San Antonio!

[@xMrBlack]

If it's flat or split, replace it. Also, don't over tighten the bolts because doing that can split the gasket and you'll have to start all over.

[@MendandMake]

@xMrBlack yea and torque to specs

[@charliedc2A]

Thanks for the video brother. Good job on the repair. Hopefully doing this will stop my oil leak on the passenger side. 👍

[@MendandMake]

Thanks. There is one on the side of the engine block as well with an electrical quick connect on it

[@charliedc2A]

@Mend and Make yes I know exactly the one you're talking about. Luckily I can tell mine is not leaking oil. ✌️

[@googlewreckedit]

Thanks for the walk through! I thought I was going to have to buy a tool for the belt from what I've read but two wrenches worked great. I held the pully nut in place with the bolt when I reinstalled the tensioner and then just backed the bolt out when I was ready for the pulley.

[@MendandMake]

Nice work

[@teddiazjr.6223]

Good video What the torque setting on the bolt.

[@MendandMake]

I mentioned the torque while bolting them down and the conversion

[@ct4cf]

A little cleaning goes a long way. If u clean up the back side of the serpentine tensioner &the idler bolt; u will find that RTV will hold it in place easily making reassembly a breeze. Where r your fender covers soldier? I would've powered the entire engine bay area b4 starting this job. I hate putting gloves on these paws &I prefer 2stay as clean as possible. What a primidone aye?! BTW, gentlemen w/your skill set should have a serpentine belt tool. Put it on your gift list. I hate 2c a good tech struggle unnecessarily. Take it from this old NIASE Master Tech. u r better of w/the best tools. HINT: I like 2use ever so little HONDABOND sealant on those matching machined surfaces 2deter future leakage even though HONDA doesn't call 4it.

[@MendandMake]

Lol

[@MendandMake]

Good tip

[@karinamorales7876]

How long did it take you to make the change?

[@MendandMake]

Both about an hour and a half.

[@rhertz9829]

EXCELLENT! Just what I needed. Thank you!

[@MendandMake]

Glad it helped! Consider subscribing!

[@MikeBee77]

Thanks for sharing the video, do you know ow the foot pounds torque for those bolts that holds the pulley and the steering wheel pump?

[@MendandMake]

Honestly I was seeing 36 ft pound and 33 ft pound. So I just gave it a good snug tight

[@bobjones8412]

Is it necessary to remove the power steering assembly to access the spool valve gasket? It looks like you can remove the top bolt first with a regular wrench and then flip the cover down and remove the bottom bolt? Has anyone tried this?

[@MendandMake]

It’s just two bolts. It takes 1 minute to remove it and you don’t have to disconnect the lines

[@TheTallywho]

From reading about this job they say to use hondabond to seal this part and to wait up to 36 hrs to dry and set. Did you skip this step or just not show it?

[@MendandMake]

Marketing right? Honda bond I didn’t do that. I’ve had this car and have 350,000 miles on it. I’ve only had to change these gaskets twice so I guess they seal well without hondabond

[@TheTallywho]

No marketing had a shop tell me this along with crankshaft seal need to be replaced. They told me 2 days because the silicone needs to dry

[@MendandMake]

That doesn’t have anything to do with the v-tech right?

[@MendandMake]

It’s good news your telling me this. I’ll look into it. But I haven’t heard about that bond.

[@TheTallywho]

I’m not the best with the names of parts but the first part you change in this video the gasket with the circle and only one square is the supposed leak on my 05 And was told by the shop it takes a day to seal so I went looking for answers. Your video is the only one I can find changing this part. But there are written chats on Reddit stating rtv leeks because Honda for some reason wants hands formulated product ( which does seem sus) I’ll give it a go this weekend with out bond and I’ll let you know. Next is the crank seal you got a vid on that? ;)

[@MrConduct]

Appreciate it! Thank You

[@MendandMake]

Glad you like it Mr Conduct! Thanks for watching. Consider subscribing

[@MrConduct]

@@MendandMake Done! I was leaking a little over there, easy job when ya know what to do lol Thanks

[@michaelsmith2994]

No need to drain the oil before replacing right? I think it will all be in the sump?

[@coastalpoodlerescue]

😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍 excellent

[@MendandMake]

Glad you liked it

[@motorhead2003]

I just replaced the tensioner, and alternator on an 05 Element and the belt . Going back together, got everything done and can't get the belt to act right. As the belt was broken and off the car when I got it, i can't figure out the diagram. Ive tried a diagram that i saw on KZbin and it still not close. Can you tell me what the heck im missing? Ive been fooling around with this for 4 hrs and ran across your video and you seem to know what you're doing. Can you send me a diagram?

[@MendandMake]

i.ytimg.com/vi/7WeV8YFkCEU/hqdefault.jpg

[@samuelsteffen5615]

do you need to drain the oil to take the part off?

[@MendandMake]

No not at all but keep in mind it is best to drain the oil so you have new clean oil being filtered through the new screen

[@MendandMake]

Consider subscribing for more fixes that will save you hundreds of dollars

[@reydavidmejiaalvarez3082]

i have a little rattle on my k24 head on the passenger side, i thing maybe is a VTC actuator, but can the gasket Could it be clogged and lower the oil pressure?

[@MendandMake]

I changed mine because of oil leak. Are you getting that intermittent knock at about 60 MPH? If so make sure wiring quick connect is on tight. If that doesn’t fix it replace it.

[@MendandMake]

Plus… nothing more satisfying than having 4 new parts on your car before it’s fixed. Wink

[@reydavidmejiaalvarez3082]

It is a sound like a diesel engine after 15 minutes of driving, idling and at low rpm. When I accelerate above 2000 rpm it is as if the oil pressure rises and the noise is eliminated (my car does reach high rpm and high speeds without problem) I suspect that it may be a VTEC gasket or timing chain

[@MendandMake]

@reydavidmejiaalvarez3082 just pay the dealer for a diagnostic. Then if it’s easy try to fix it. I don’t know. Lol

[@reydavidmejiaalvarez3082]

@@MendandMakei live in mexico a i don´t have access to a professional builder bro :(

[@caseysimmons9578]

Do I drain the engine of oil before doing this?

[@MendandMake]

Not all all

[@MendandMake]

Most of your oil is sitting way below this level. Just as I took it off, that’s how much oil you will see. I hope this video helps you out Casey. Merry Christmas!

[@caseysimmons9578]

@@MendandMake Merry Christmas to you! I did it today and the leak was fixed! Way beyond my skill level, but God helped me. Thank you!

[@MendandMake]

@@caseysimmons9578 you got this!