Hey all, my 98 ITR has 46k miles, still running very strong. I brought it to acura for a tune up, i had the following things done to the car...

Valve adjustment
Fuel Injector cleaning
Fuel filter replaced
transmission fluid change
engine oil change (mobil 1 tri synthetic 20w50)
I also did the engine flush (they hook up the motor to some sort of machine, that removes all the old oil inside the engine)

Now, that i have the car back, it doesn't feel the same, it actually feels a lot smoother. I can barely hear the VTEC crossover at 5700rpm. Before the tuneup, i could really...really hear the vtec kick in, now after the tuneup, its like... umm... did they disconnect the vtec or something. Its kind of weird, the car still seems pretty fast, maybe the valve adjustment, and syntheic oil made it smoother? It sucks, i don't hear the VTEC as much as i used to.

any ideas dudes?
thanks

 

It could be the engine oil. 20W50 is kinda thick.......

 

thick oil = VETC will not work correctly (if at all)

Willis

 

 

Just go back to the dealer and have them change your oil again and see if makes a difference.

 

are you guys serious? the oil is too thick? dammit, i didn't know that would affect the vtec, can anyone confirm this for sure?

thanks

 

what do you think makes 'VTEC' work?

 

i think i am going to change the oil back to 10w30 trisynth....and see what happens
dammit....

 

Might as well do it your self. It won't take that much time.

 

Just curious, why did you put such thick oil in your car?

 

how is vtec kicking or not related to how thick the oil is?

 

If I remember right Vtec works in conjuction to oil pressure. The thicker oil requires more work from the oil pump to move it. This loss of energy might keep the oil pressure low enough not to engage Vtec.

Please correct me if I am wrong. ( I really like to know everything about the car I drive )

 

oil pressure is what locks the rockers together.......incorrect pressure=no vEteK y0

 

Just run with the oil that is intended for the car... 5W-30... depending on weather and all... you might wanna run a different grade during different weather.. depending on stuff like snow and cold weather and what not... but don't run the oil that thick though... you'll realize a little more difference by using 5W-30 motor oil...

Simple analogy: try running in a puddle of mud.. then try running in a puddle of water... where are you faster....

 

you got the engine flush done at the dealer? How much did they charge?

 

LOL. Highly doubtful, unless you're putting 75w90 gear oil in your motor.

 

I had the same issue after my 30,000 mile service from th dealer. For a few days it didn't feel like VTEC was kicking in... I called the dealer and they said they could look at again. I waited anotehr day or so and suddenly I could hear and feel VTEC just like before...

 

you run this too? what sucks is i only have a hand pump to get the oil in......but thats ok, i just change it less often; like every 36,000 miles

 

Did you notice power loss above 7000 rpm? Your VTEC could be working just fine. Thicker oil reduces engine noise, maybe that's what you're experiencing....
20W50 is good for high temperatures = track use!!!

 

20W50 is a bit thick, but it will NOT keep vtec from engauging! That is the most assenine statement I've heard to date. Once 20W50 is warmed up to operating temp, it's not much heavier than cold 5W30. So yes, your car may not feel the same. But the valve adjustment has more to do with it feeling "different" than anything else. The more miles you put on that 20W50, the more viscosity it looses. Hence, lighter oil. Next time just use 5W30, thats all.

 

You shouldn't call people assenine unless your sure you got your facts together.
"Once 20W50 is warmed up to operating temp, it's not much heavier than cold 5W30. "
Now thats assenine. So your saying 50 weight(20w50 warm) isn't much different then 5 weight(5w30 cold).

 

Its possible that a 50 weight oil is just stealing a lot more power from the engine. The crank has to hit the oil. Hitting a 50 weight vs hitting a 30 weight might be quite a few horses.

 

I usually use 5/30 in the winter and 10/30 in the summer, I was told it is better that way the oil does not break down as fast, i do not see or feel a difference, but should I just stick to 5/30 all seasons?

 

when i did my service work at the dealer i brought my own oil

 

engine flush at the dealership cost... umm like $60 Canadian $$..which is like 2cents US!!! ... no..really, around $37US