Can someone tell me when the VTEC should kick in on the H22? I have a 97 Prelude.... engine just overheated like 5 days ago due to a burst hose. Had hose, thermostat, radiator cap replaced. Also right after that, CEL came on and revealed my knock sensor was damaged. Replaced the knock sensor today.

Car has about 97k miles on it. Bought it used. Had it checked by many mechanics who all said engine looked great.

My question is, before the overheating, seemed like the VTEC would engage around 5k rpm, now its not kickin' in until 6k rpm. Is this a bad thing?

 

In short.....yes.
Could the bursted hose have hurt your VTEC solenoid?

 

I've read post on this solenoid thing. I'm not mechanically inclined at all, but i want to learn. It seems like cleaning this solenoid is easy. Is it something that is easily accessible... like, could a butter fingers idiot such as myself unscrew the bolts and clean this thing?

 

Yes, just pay attention to what you do very closely and do it backwards. Be mindful of the thin gasket in there(IIRC)