How to Replace the Gasket on a Honda 3.5L V6 VVT (VTEC) Solenoid

How to replace the gaskets on a leaking VTEC solenoid for a 3.5L V6 found in a second generation Honda Pilot. This is a 2011 model and this engine was used in other Honda models as well such as the Ridgeline, Crosstour, and Odyssey. A leaking solenoid may cause variable timing issues if the leak is bad enough, but the biggest issue is oil leaking on the alternator causing the alternator to fail. #honda #hondavtec #j35z4 Amazon affiliated links: US: https://amzn.to/4iXw6sR Canada: https://amzn.to/3Pjuf42 UK: https://amzn.to/40jj8ym Website: http://4diyers.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/4diyers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4diyers Twitter: https://twitter.com/4DIYers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4diyers/ Tumblr: http://4diyers.tumblr.com Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/4diyers/ Tools/Supplies Needed: -new gasket set -10mm socket with ratchet set -small pick or screwdriver -standard screwdriver Procedure: Start by opening the hood and make sure the engine is cooler.  Using a standard screwdriver, turn the clips at the front of the engine cover a 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Then lift out the engine cover.  Use the standard screwdriver to disconnect the clips on the wiring harness and lift it up slightly. This will give us a little extra room for pulling out the vtec solenoid.  Unclip the electrical connector by pushing in the tang and pulling it straight up. Unclip the other electrical connector, same as previously, push on the tang, and pull it straight off.  Next use a 10mm socket with an extension and ratchet, and remove the 3 10mm bolts. The top one will be the longest and the two on the bottom are shorter. For this I’m using my OEMTools 1/4” ratchet and socket set from Mobile Distributor Supply. This is a great little set neatly packed in a portable case. A link to their website will be included in the video description.  Once those bolts have been remove, the solenoid can be finally removed. A little push from the side should pop it free.  Remove the metal plate. It may need the assistance of a screwdriver to help pry it up. Another gasket will be below this. You’ll need a pick or a small standard screwdriver to pry it up. Take your time and don’t damage the gasket groove. My gasket was quite hard and ended up coming out in pieces.  I tried to clean up the solenoid with whatever I had here to reduce the chance of any debris falling during reassembly.  The solenoid also had the same style of gasket which I have already removed.  As you can see the old gasket is extremely brittle and it doesn’t take much to break it apart.  Here is the new gasket kit. I’ll include the link for this kit in the video description.  Make sure the groove for the gasket is clean and then install the new gasket. Once in place, here it is. The kit comes with brand new bolts so I will be installing these. Install the new gasket on the engine side. Make sure it is fully seated, otherwise it may prevent the solenoid from being seated properly and you do risk damaging the gasket if it does get pinched.  Install the plate. Then install the solenoid. Install those fasteners, start them by hand first. As mentioned previously the top bolt is the longest. Use the ratchet to slowly tighten down each of the bolts evenly. Make sure the solenoid does pull down at the same time and doesn’t become caught up on the pins or Risk pinching a gasket. Finally finish up by tightening those bolts. The torque specifications for these 10 mm bolts are 6 ft lbs or 8 NM.  Clip in the electrical connectors. You should hear a snap once they’re fully seated. Finish up by pushing the wiring harness back into place that goes across the front of the engine. Finally reinstall that engine cover and you’re officially done. Thank you to all those who watch my videos and support my content. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for future tutorial videos and like my video if you found it helpful. New videos are always being uploaded every week! © 4DIYers 2013 All Rights Reserved No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.