BCSi00

Hi, I'm new to Honda-Tech. I just bought a month ago (very good price) a Civic Si 2000 but with a LS/VTEC swap. B18B1 block and P72-1 head (I think is it a 93 GSR head because of the code in front of the head 9/3).

The car runs very good but I cant feel/hear the VTEC Kick, so no VTEC! I take the car with the mechanic.
Actually he followed up a thread here in Honda-Tech called "The Official Why VTEC doesn't Engage" Thread...

He have tested the following:
1. Oil pan was very dented. So we hook up a new one (oil pick up its ok)
2. Solenoid test... clicks OK
3. Solenoid gasket not clogged but actually cleaned it... OK
4. Solenoid internals... OK
5. PS... OK
6. External Oil line to feed the head... OK
7. Runs the car and try manually engage VTEC from the inside of the car... NO VTEC.
8. Test pressure at the block... 60psi (Is it good?...)
9. Test pressure at the head... just 15PSI (I know this is not good)
10. Test with air pressure at the head... hear the clic all rocker arms lock togheter. No apparently oil leaks there.
11. O-ring in the middle of the head... OK
12. Rocker safts... OK
13. Rocker Arms... OK

I have to mention there is NO CELS. Electrical is OK... the issue remains in the head oil pressure...

he said he's gonna take off the head and see if the original oil passage for the VTEC head is tapped, dowel pins on their place, gasket installed correctly... What else you think should check besides this?

Thanks in advance for your help!

jbpnoman

What ECU is running the car? Also, if vtec is tuned correctly, you won't "feel" it kick.

BCSi00

It have a P2T ECU (I think is the original 2000 Civic Si's ECU)....

But, what about the low oil pressure at the head?? that's not normal right???

HondaPartsHero

https://honda-tech.com/forums/hybrid-engine-swaps-18/%5Bfaq%5D-%22my-vtec-doesnt-work%22-1812135/

BCSi00

Thanks HondaPartsHero, the mechanic already tested the vtec valve
VTEC Solenoid OK
VTEC PS OK
Wiring OK
NO CELS

Actually he wired the vtec to activate it manually from the inside of the car, and didnt work.

He changed the complete vtec valve for another that was working in another car, and it didnt engage... problem is low oil pressure in the head. Only 15 psi.

But I think he did not check for IAB, knock sensor, etc. I will tell him tomorrow about this.

And again, what about the low oil pressure in the head?

HondaPartsHero

Unless you have a check engine light for knock it won't affect VTEC activation. Is your check engine light on? I was mainly posting that link for oil pressure information.

BCSi00

Hi, No I dont have engine light on...

I will check again the information you post for oil pressure... thanks!

BCSi00

Hi guys,

Mechanic test again oil pressure at the head test port... again only 15psi, so he took off the head.

He found:

* Head gasket was reused one. (I think the guy who did the swap dindnt change it for a new one)

* Intake manifold didnt have gasket.

* O-Rings are all hard and flat. You think this is my problem for low oil pressure in the head??

Mechanic will replace o-rings, and install new gaskets...

As additional comment, I order a Breather kit because we saw the engine doesn't have PCV valve and/or breather box installed.

Sergio Flores

did you fix the problem?

TRDTOYGP

Hi guys

I have the same issue on my Honda b16a and I can’t seem to figure out why I have no Vtec

I had checked the wiring in engine bay
Checked all the grounds
Checked my Speedo drive
Check the Vtec solenoid
Check the oil pressure sensor
Checked the oil pressure and I’m on 4,5bar when car is hot and higher when I rev to 6000

I have no engine codes now and I’m lost now

TRDTOYGP

Hey Man
hope you are well, was the outcome of this issue and what was the actual problem?