https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=830163

found this thread of all the reasons why vtec wouldn't engage. It's not specific enough for my application though.

I need to know specifically what WOULD NOT let it engage without throwing a code?

1998 B18C1
2001 ITR Engine Harness (Some plugs spliced in for extra sensors)
1998 GSR Cabin Harness
2000 JDM PCT CTR ECU (OBD2b+step up)
10w-30 Synthetic Oil
Stock Piping (Header-to-Muffler)
Skunk2 Intake Manifold

Something's that kind of concern me.
1. LS Dizzy (1LegCut)
2. Used Vtec Solenoid (Bought from H-T user, was told it was 100% working order)
3. Dent in lower portion of oil pan

I actually have no evidence at all that vtec isn't working. There is no real difference when 5,700k+ rpms. No audible difference, No physical difference. I know people say you shouldn't or can't feel it. I was thinking though, with the single stage intake, and later engagement time. I should at least be able to notice something. The only thing i notice is higher acceleration at 6.5k+ rpms, and a bit of a burning oil smell. I have no leaks or anything either. The motor is fresh, and no CEL's.

Maybe i am just used to this. (Girlfriends SI)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veCGzntRC2g

With her car you have the audible and physical change.

If you want/need anymore information, i will be glad to tell you.


Modified by Mfoehrkolb at 1:47 AM 9/24/2008


Modified by Mfoehrkolb at 1:48 AM 9/24/2008

 

Did you check your oil level?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by garados &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Did you check your oil level?</TD></TR></TABLE>

--- Yup, it's right on the top mark. (When cold and level surface)

 

hmm, well if you're not having any real power loss to redline, then I think you're fine. I didn't notice an audible vtec sound until I put on an aftermarket exhaust.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by garados &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hmm, well if you're not having any real power loss to redline, then I think you're fine. I didn't notice an audible vtec sound until I put on an aftermarket exhaust.</TD></TR></TABLE>

--- Ya, that's what i was thinking. All i hear is the whine of the motor, it's kinda different. Reminds me of when i drove my friends RX-7. The sound of a rotary engine. haha.

The only reason why i was thinking there would have been a difference is because i have that single stage skunk 2 mani, and the ctr ecu. I had the ecu in my girlfriends SI for a bit and the difference between 5,400 and 5,700 is huge. Audible difference i mean, but then again. She has dc header's and vibrant muffler.

So besides no audible and physical difference. What is my best bet to check? What wouldn't be throwing a code and stopping vtec from engaging?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mfoehrkolb &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
What wouldn't be throwing a code and stopping vtec from engaging?</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

You can rule out your dizzy. I've been using my LS dizzy (ghetto cut leg) for a while now and it's always hittin VTEC on demand.

You're car actually sounds normal from what you've posted so far. You won't really notice it since you have "stock piping".

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AlphaQup &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You can rule out your dizzy. I've been using my LS dizzy (ghetto cut leg) for a while now and it's always hittin VTEC on demand.

You're car actually sounds normal from what you've posted so far. You won't really notice it since you have "stock piping". </TD></TR></TABLE>

--- Ya, thats what i am thinking. I tried keeping the rpms at 5,600 and then go slowly passed 5,700 to see if i noticed anything. Nothing. The only time i actually notice anything is at 6,300. I am thinking it is working correctly, just not what i expected.

 

if your vtec wasnt working properly i dont believe you could take the car to redline..

 

check timing. what cam gears are you running? some cam gears are faulty and wont line up exactly.

if the oil pan is dented maybe not enough oil pressure is building up, but depends on how dented it is.

maybe you should go get your car tuned and see what your tuner says

 

my friend has a ls vtec and suspects it is the oil pressure sensor that the vtec heads have on the side near the dizzy, it seems to be too much blue and black smoke it sounds like a normal engine runs but not how other vtec's do, he has a check engine light, however if u dont.. idk it is hard to say

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JuggsxCOmanDO &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">check timing. what cam gears are you running? some cam gears are faulty and wont line up exactly.

if the oil pan is dented maybe not enough oil pressure is building up, but depends on how dented it is.

maybe you should go get your car tuned and see what your tuner says</TD></TR></TABLE>

--- Timing is fine, stock engine. Gsr cams. I don't think the dent is big. Like 1/4 in. Nothing serious at all.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Steven. &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">my friend has a ls vtec and suspects it is the oil pressure sensor that the vtec heads have on the side near the dizzy, it seems to be too much blue and black smoke it sounds like a normal engine runs but not how other vtec's do, he has a check engine light, however if u dont.. idk it is hard to say</TD></TR></TABLE>

--- I have that CTR ecu. So i know they throw different codes for certain things, so idk the sensor differences between usdm and jdm.

 

I was driving up a hill the other day and was in 2nd gear. i actually heard it crossover so i guess it was working the entire time. just wasn't listening hard enough.