Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys.

So I have a problem with the VTEC.

First some spec and background info:
Engine:
Benson sleeved b18c
CP pistons, pauter x rods, acl bearing, built by laskey
B18c5 head with ferrea valvetrain and skunk2 pro 1
Full-race turbo kit with gtx3076 gen 2

Everything was working perfectly last year, and suddenly my oil pump broke. During the winter I took out the engine, replaced the pump and added ati damper along with it.

Also I replaced id1000cc(maxed them on pumpgas) with id1700x and type r cams with skunk2 pro 1. Cams are degreed.

Put the engine back and VTEC won’t engage. It’s strange, because under 5000rpm it tries to engage, but it seems like it won’t lock, so it’s pulsating. After 5000rpm it doesn’t try anymore. Maps is switching, so I have tuned it so it runs without any issue even though VTEC doesn’t work. If I go of the gas pedal at for example on 6000rpm, and go back with full throttle, it will pulsate for 1 second and then it runs without VTEC engage, but map says VTEC map.

What I have tried:
- checked the filter in the solenoid gasket.
- change the VTEC solenoid, and also tested it with 12v directly to check if it clicks. Both solenoids clicks
- checked that piston in the solenoid moves freely.
- checked if there is voltage on the solenoid, and there is. It a bit hard to measure it, but I manage to measure 7-9v. I set the VTEC parameters in Hondata so it tries to engage even though car is not moving. I also tried to connect it to 12v when engine was running, and still same problem.
- oil pressure is 70-90psi, measured on stock location
- enough oil, top on the dip stick
- as mentioned before, ecu switches map.
- checked the pins on the rocker arms that is moving freely with air pressure
- changed the o-ring on both oil orifice and the cam cap

So I’m almost out ideas. Next thing want to try is recheck valve lash clearance. After that I’m totally empty for ideas. As I mentioned everything did work fine last year.

I’m open for any ideas.

turboLScrx

A video would be very helpful on something like this , I had a similar issue after my build, it was a combination of needing more fuel and distributor issue

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Don’t mind the TPS which says 85%. I was little bit lazy on the video, but same thing happens with 100% TPS

sirtef99

Timing dead on?

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Yes, both timing belt and ignition timing.

Balor_Gr

I had this issue many years ago when someone forgot to put one of those small pins on the rocket arms and the head was loosing pressure... ffs

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Which pins? The oil orcifice on the cam gear side?

Balor_Gr

One of those pins i dont know if they have a different name.

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

I checked that too, and I have all of those pins.

AllMtrRex

You are the tuner? The injector and cam change will also cause this if you do not tune the car after those changes.

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Yes.

I agree. I’m just running on 7psi and the AFR is between 10.7-11.5 for now with 17 degree of total timing, which is in my opinion not too much or too little. I’ll hook up plex knock monitor as soon as I get Vtec working.

I asked around in the norwegian forums, their opinion is that since I had a oil pump failure, maybe there’s is some debris that clogging oil channels. But I assume that there isn’t anyway to check that without taking the whole engine apart?

AllMtrRex

Did you replace the gasket between oil pickup and oil pump with a new OEM replacement?

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Yes, new gasket and new oil pickup.

maxwellmercer

Did you remember the o-ring under the center cam cap?

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Yes. It’s new, and also the o-ring on the oil orifice.

AllMtrRex

Whats the map look like?

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

Added the map. It uses secondary maps from 1psi. Remember that I havent started to fully tune it.

I made new adjustment to the valve lash and blew through the hole in the vtec solenoid holes when removed. Now I can feel like something is happening when I bump up the vtec crossover to 5500rpm. It still hicks under 5000rpm, same as in the video. I hear a slightly there is another tone. I will get bigger compressor and try to blew moreair in to those holes. And also I will try to fint a adatper to I can meassure oil pressure through the service hole on the head.

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

I checked the oil pressure through the service lot at the Vtec solenoid. As soon Vtec solenoid engages there is 70psi +

turbociv910

if vtec wont engage, the signal wire is open, the oil filter on the solenoid is clogged, solenoid is broken, you have the wrong head gasket, you are missing the pins in the rocker arms ( vtec engages from cyl 4 exhaust toward cyl 1, then intake side cyl 1 back to cyl 4.. so if your missing exhust side cyl 4, nothing will work)...you are missing the end links in the rocker shafts near the cam gears or you dont have oil pressure.

Tharshan

iTrader: (1)

signal wire is open - already checked this, and tried to put 12v on the vtec solenoid when engine is running, still same problem.
the oil filter on the solenoid is clogged - Its new and completly fine
solenoid is broken - tried two different, and both clicks and both behavoir the same
you have the wrong head gasket - same headgasket as last year, and vtec did work then. I havent changed it
you are missing the pins in the rocker arms - I have checked that all of the pins are there
you are missing the end links in the rocker shafts near the cam gears - are you talking about the oil orcifies, or what is called? Then I have them there with new o-rings and checked that they arent clogged.
you dont have oil pressure - 70 psi meassured on the stock location, and 70psi meassured at the vtec solenoid.

B00STD

Speed sensor and all other sensors good?

turboLScrx

Have you ran a wire to the vtec solenoid and manually tripping it while the motor is running ?

Balor_Gr

At that point i would try another ecu with a NEW fresh map.

Txdragon

^^
If you've eliminated all else, the only other possibility is the ECU.

K20.ek

I’m in the same boat lmk if you find out what it is.