I have a 1994 accord ex 5 speed. rev limiter at 4500k? it has enough oil. I doubt its the ecu. seems like vtec isn't engaging, that is the range where vtec is suppose to engage and when i rev up to 4500k in all gears it hits a limiter forcing me to switch gears or slow down. any ideas suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

Not throwing a CEL?

 

Usually the distributor is on it's way out when this happens.

 

You need several conditions met for Vtec to operate:

A) Correct Oil pressure - if you don't have enough oil pressure, it won't engage.
B) Correct Engine Operating Temp
C) Closed Loop ECM, No codes
D) No VSS issues.

If you're dealing with a "Check Engine" lamp, fix it.
Check the Vtec solenoid for the signal from the ECM
If a signal is confirmed check:
Vtec Solenoid for debris (oil ports)
Vtec Control Switch for blockage



P

 

^ i'll give that a shot. no CEL light at all

 

can't be that i just replaced the whole distributor. It had the 4500k limiter before that as well.

 

When did this problem start? Did you do anything at all to the car prior to the problem appearing?

Barring a wiring or modification issue, it is likely that the VTEC spool valve gasket screen is clogged or the solenoid itself is bad. I've seen a handful of bad spool valves on '98-02 Accords and '02-06 CR-Vs, but not so much on the '94-97s.

Try cleaning the screen on the gasket. If that doesn't work, try a used spool valve from a salvage yard.

 

Nope not at all. Bought the car from a 35yr old military man 8 months ago. He barely drove it, there could be a possibility that there might be some clogging. But does having a 4500k limiter sound like a Vtec problem?

 

Yes.

 

do you have a spool valve and/or spool valve gasket screen diagram ? thanks man

 

Refer Post #4
It's direct from Honda Parts Division

P

 

k

 

hmm..after doing some research, switching out or cleaning the spool gasket seems fairly easy. Im going to try that, if still no luck then im going to try switching solenoids.
I hope mine looks like this, that way i could confirm that the clogging is the cause:

 

If that doesnt work, see if you can find a known good ECU to swap out and try!
My car did the same thing except it was at 3500 rpm. Swapped out the ECU and it fixed the problem.