Camshaft Replacement and Valve Adjustment for Honda Pilot (2009–2015) and Honda Odyssey (2011–2017).

The camshaft and valves play a crucial role in your engine’s operation, ensuring the proper timing of the intake and exhaust of air and fuel. For the Honda Pilot 2009–2015 and Honda Odyssey 2011–2017, regular maintenance of these components can prevent serious engine issues. In this article, we'll cover the steps for camshaft replacement and valve adjustment.

When Do You Need to Replace a Camshaft?

Camshaft replacement might be necessary in cases such as:

• Worn or corroded cam lobes.
• Malfunctions in the timing system (vibrations, knocking).
• Loss of engine power or reduced performance.
• Damage due to lack of lubrication or overheating.

Typically, the camshaft is designed to last a long time, but aggressive driving or poor maintenance can cause premature wear, requiring a replacement.

Signs of Camshaft Wear:

• Reduced engine power.
• Misfiring.
• Unusual engine noise (knocking, clanking).
• Difficulty starting the engine.

Tools and Parts for Camshaft Replacement:

• A set of socket wrenches (10mm, 12mm, 14mm).
• Torque wrench (for precise tightening of bolts).
• Gasket sealer.
• New camshafts (OEM or certified replacements).
• Valve covers and gaskets.
• Engine oil.

Steps for Camshaft Replacement:

1. Preparation:Turn off the engine and let it cool.Disconnect the negative battery cable for safety.Remove the engine cover to access the cylinder head.
2. Turn off the engine and let it cool.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable for safety.
4. Remove the engine cover to access the cylinder head.
5. Removing the Valve Covers:Use a 10mm socket to remove the bolts securing the valve covers.Carefully lift the covers, avoiding damage to the gaskets. Replace the gaskets if needed.
6. Use a 10mm socket to remove the bolts securing the valve covers.
7. Carefully lift the covers, avoiding damage to the gaskets. Replace the gaskets if needed.
8. Removing the Old Camshafts:Once the covers are off, you’ll see the camshafts and their mounting brackets. Use a wrench to remove the bolts holding the camshaft bearings in place.Gently remove the old camshafts, taking care not to disturb other engine components.
9. Once the covers are off, you’ll see the camshafts and their mounting brackets. Use a wrench to remove the bolts holding the camshaft bearings in place.
10. Gently remove the old camshafts, taking care not to disturb other engine components.
11. Installing New Camshafts:Install the new camshafts according to the timing marks. Before installation, apply a light coat of engine oil on the camshaft bearings for smoother operation.Reinstall the camshaft mounting brackets and torque the bolts to factory specifications. For Honda Pilot and Odyssey, this is typically around 20-25 Nm, but consult your service manual for exact specs.
12. Install the new camshafts according to the timing marks. Before installation, apply a light coat of engine oil on the camshaft bearings for smoother operation.
13. Reinstall the camshaft mounting brackets and torque the bolts to factory specifications. For Honda Pilot and Odyssey, this is typically around 20-25 Nm, but consult your service manual for exact specs.
14. Reassembly and Inspection:Reinstall the valve covers and tighten the bolts.Check the oil level and top it off if needed.
15. Reinstall the valve covers and tighten the bolts.
16. Check the oil level and top it off if needed.

Valve Adjustment

For the Honda Pilot 2009–2015 and Honda Odyssey 2011–2017, valve adjustments are recommended every 105,000 miles or when symptoms arise. Proper valve adjustment ensures optimal engine performance, as improper adjustment can cause noise, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption.

Symptoms Indicating a Need for Valve Adjustment:

• Tapping or clicking sounds from the engine.
• Reduced power.
• Rough idle.
• Increased fuel consumption.

Tools for Valve Adjustment:

• Feeler gauge for measuring valve clearance.
• Torque wrench.
• Set of wrenches.

Valve Adjustment Procedure:

1. Removing the Valve Covers:Start by removing the valve covers as described above to access the valve train.
2. Start by removing the valve covers as described above to access the valve train.
3. Measuring the Valve Clearance:The recommended clearance for intake valves is 0.20 mm, and for exhaust valves, it is 0.30 mm. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the valve and the rocker arm.
4. The recommended clearance for intake valves is 0.20 mm, and for exhaust valves, it is 0.30 mm. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the valve and the rocker arm.
5. Adjusting the Valves:If the gap is too large or small, use a wrench to loosen the adjusting nut and set the valve to the correct clearance.Tighten the adjustment nut using a torque wrench to ensure proper tightness.
6. If the gap is too large or small, use a wrench to loosen the adjusting nut and set the valve to the correct clearance.
7. Tighten the adjustment nut using a torque wrench to ensure proper tightness.
8. Double-Check:After adjusting, manually rotate the crankshaft a few times to ensure the clearances remain correct.
9. After adjusting, manually rotate the crankshaft a few times to ensure the clearances remain correct.
10. Reassembly:Replace the valve covers and tighten all bolts, reconnect the battery, and start the engine.Check for any abnormal noises or rough idling.
11. Replace the valve covers and tighten all bolts, reconnect the battery, and start the engine.
12. Check for any abnormal noises or rough idling.

Cost of Service

If you choose to have a shop handle the camshaft replacement and valve adjustment, the costs can be considerable:

• Camshaft replacement: $1000–$1500.
• Valve adjustment: $200–$500, depending on your location and engine condition.

Doing these tasks yourself will save a significant amount of money but requires time and experience.

RESULT:

BEFORE

AFTER

FAQ:

1. How often should the valves be adjusted on a Honda Pilot or Odyssey?Valve adjustment is recommended every 105,000 miles or when you notice symptoms of misalignment.

2. Can I replace the camshaft myself?Yes, if you have experience working on engines and have the necessary tools, you can replace the camshaft yourself. However, it is a complicated task that requires precision.

3. What happens if I don't adjust the valves on time?Failure to adjust the valves can result in poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, noise, and even damage to the engine.

4. How long does it take to replace a camshaft?A professional replacement can take between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the condition of the engine.

Replacing the camshaft and adjusting the valves on a Honda Pilot and Honda Odyssey are critical tasks to keep your engine running smoothly.