My VTEC in my H22 has not been working, so in my search to find the answer I have discovered that I have low oil pressure to the head. It's basically settling at around 25 psi in VTEC range, which is like 30 psi low. Im thinking there has to be a blockage somewhere. Anyone got any suggestions or possibilities?

thanks

 

Check the pressure @ the block first then check it @ the pump. Since if it's VTEC only I'd bet your screen is dirty.

 

also check your oil pan, the slightest bend on the bottom will block the oil pickup...happened to me twice...damn low cars

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Monkey Fing a Coconut &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">also check your oil pan, the slightest bend on the bottom will block the oil pickup...happened to me twice...damn low cars</TD></TR></TABLE>
happens more than you'd think

 

how much of a pain is it to mess with the oil pump on a 99 prelude SH? The ATTS makes it damn crowded underneath.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sirwags &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">how much of a pain is it to mess with the oil pump on a 99 prelude SH? The ATTS makes it damn crowded underneath. </TD></TR></TABLE>

i highly doubt its the oil pump, u may not even be able to see the dent in the oil pan but it is still there, easy way to tell: when you empty your oil knock on the bottom of the pan, if it sounds hollow around the edges and then sounds solid towards the middle its because the oil pickup is right there due to a bend

 

i dont know what you mean by oil pickup. Also, how does that effect oil pressure to the head?

 

Also, how would you go about checking the oil pump on a 99 Prelude SH, is the ATTS in the way?

 

CHECK THE OIL PRESSURE IN THE BLOCK FIRST. Before you continue trying to figure out the source of the problem. Checking the VTEC port in front of the engine is fine and dandy but if the blockage is just the VTEC screen there's no reason to disassemble the bottom end!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by TimeRacer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">CHECK THE OIL PRESSURE IN THE BLOCK FIRST. Before you continue trying to figure out the source of the problem. Checking the VTEC port in front of the engine is fine and dandy but if the blockage is just the VTEC screen there's no reason to disassemble the bottom end!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I'm not exactly sure where this guy original got his oil pressure readings, but I'm going to guess he got it from the oil plug on the head, just as a guess, but the only way the guage would read the low pressure in vtec because of a clogged filter would mean that he would have to be taking a pressure reading after the vtec solenoid, and thats a little hard to do, I suppose he could have possible removed a rocker shaft end-cap....but its unlikely. This leads me to conclude that the problem resides somewhere in the bottem end, or possibly a blown headgasket, just a thought........please give us more information about where you're getting your pressure reading and symptoms of your car

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Speedra500 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm not exactly sure where this guy original got his oil pressure readings, but I'm going to guess he got it from the oil plug on the head, just as a guess, but the only way the guage would read the low pressure in vtec because of a clogged filter would mean that he would have to be taking a pressure reading after the vtec solenoid, and thats a little hard to do</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's actually the EASIEST place to take the oil pressure reading from! You do this by taking out the BSPT plug right above the coolant neck right in front of the engine. That's your VTEC oil pressure test plug. Then there's one behind the ignitor which is your block pressure and then you can check your oil pressure at the oil filter at the stock oil pressure plug. Check all those before you start disassembling the engine. I would of hoped that w/ the # of turbos that have been fried using the VTEC only port someone would of learned.

 

Im getting the readings from the 1/8 port to the left of the VTEC solenoid (if your looking at the solenoid from the passenger side of the car). Secondly, I had the oil pressure in the block checked and it was fine along with the solenoid, which leads me to believe that their is a blockage somewhere in the oil passage from the block to the head. The car runs perfect, i just dont have VTEC.

if you want to see the plug i used, go to the topic called " How can i check the oil pressure to the head" and look at the big picture.

 

If you want help, you can link it.

 

That's where you're supposed to take the oil pressure readings from. Whoever said take it from the 1/8 BSPT plug by the coolant neck is wrong. At max you will get about 7 to 10 psi at the coolant neck. You're oil pressure readings by the vtec solenoids 1/8 BSPT will give you your max psi in the head. Also a clogged vtec solenoid filter screen will restrict pressure but it's not the only thing that can keep you out of vtec. If your primary, mid, and secondary rockers aren't locking together correctly your pressure will be altered greatly! Have you tested with a mutlimeter the vtec pressure switch?

 

I havent checked the oil pressure switch with a multimeter, but i do have a meter. How do i go about checking the switch and what current should i find there? The switch shouldn't effect the oil pressure to a high degree though right? The solenoid screen has been checked out and it's fine. thanks

Even though TimeRacer's responses seem slightly prickish, I do apologize for not linking the pic, but frankly, im not exaclty completely computer-forum literate so i dont know how to link the thing


Modified by sirwags at 10:30 PM 6/2/2005

 

Disconnect the 1P connector from the vtec solenoid valve, gray plug! Measure resistance between term and body ground. Should be around 14-30 ohms of resistance, if your meter ranges itself make sure you read it right!

If resistance is in spec remove the vtec solenoid valve from the head, check the solenoid valve filter for clogging. If clogged with crap clean and replace engine oil and filter.

If filter isn't clogged take the top of the valve assem off and push vtec solenoid valve with your finger to see if you've got normal movement. If normal check the pressure elsewhere.

I'll try to get you some numbers on the vtec pressure switch give me some time, are you hearing any loud valvetrain noise or loud ticking going on with the pressures you gave us. Something is making me think your vtec lobe isn't locking properly, like you've got bad LMA's or clogged oil orfices or something

 

Geesh, thanks for giving all the footwork to us to help you out. To link the page all you do is find the post that you're looking for and copy and paste that into the text area that you're writing all your messages into. Even Mac users can do it.

 

The vtec solenoid has been completely checked out- the screen is clear, it responds to air pressure, and electrical current is good. There aren't any valvetrain noices at all-everything is running fine except for the fact that i have low oil pressure and no vtec. Is there any easy way to fix a clogged oil orifice.

thanks for the assist

to answer timeracer: your method doesnt work to copy and post the picture

 

omfg... I wish some people weren't delinquents...



You could of just taken the link for the thread so we'd have the reference....
Anyway if you're not getting pressure to the head the next step would be to check the pressure at the oil filter (where the stock pick up is). You have two options remove hte stock oil pressure sender or just find a spin on oil filter pressure tester. The spin on is probably easier. But anyway good luck working on your problem.

 

thanks for the pick timeracer. Just to make conversation-delinquents are outcasts or rebels, so your comment, which would seem to be an attempt to comment on my intelligence, makes no sense.

Anyway, is there an easier place to access the oil pressure in the block other than by the filter because the 99 SH is damn crowded in the engine bay and underneath.

 

bump because i have the same problem of low oil pressure and no vtec...

 

Same problem here but on a B18 LS/VTEC. Anyone figure this out?

I am having the exact same problem as you, except I do hit vtec. Only I hit it about 1,000 RPM after I set it (hits at 5,400RMP). I put an oil pressure gauge on the port on the head above the coolant lines. It shows 0 psi until where I set vtec crossover (4,200 RPM). At 4,200 RPM I see the oil pressure rise to 20 psi so I know the solenoid is working. It is just enough pressure @ 5,400 RPM to push in the pins but they pop in and out and I hear this nasty "clicking" noise. Keep me updated if you find anything out... this is very annoying.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LST2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Same problem here but on a B18 LS/VTEC. </TD></TR></TABLE>

How (specifically) did you route your external oil line?

To sirwags et al: If there is pressure at the block and not at the vtec solenoid you should have a cel to that effect. This would be a clear indication of a blockage, which is not uncommon with H23/VTEC conversions when the H23 oil control orifice is left in the block. If the pressure in the block is low, look further upstream...