obd1 b16a. cel light comes on around 8500 rpm's and vtec disengages.. but when i turn the car off and back on the cel light goes off. any help? i would diag the light myself but like i said the light wont stay on for me to diag. thank you

 

If it's a stock motor, maybe reving it to 8500 rpms is part of the problem.

Maybe have someone ride with you with the scanner in hand?

 

no its a tuned motor.. it redlines at 9200.. and its obd1 so u you cant use a scan tool..

 

oh yeah and its got ctr internals on the head.

 

It should store that code in the memory. But it sounds like it might be an oil pressure issue.

 

You can hook up a scan tool to the car. as long as its 92+

 

Maybe its low on oil.

 

Yes you can hook up a scan tool to an OBD1 Honda (as long as the vehicle was originally OBD1).

Yes.
Often the ECU will store the code even if the CEL is off, however there are times that it will actually clear the code. Do you have your ECU/back-up fuse installed and not blown? If that's out then of course it won't store the code and clear every time you turn off the car.
Next time you get the CEL to come on, pull the ignition or fuel pump fuse to kill the engine without turning off the car. Then jump the SCS connector (2 pin blue or gray connector under far right of dash up behind corner of glove box [92-95 Civic] may be inside a green rubber cap with a 3 pin gray connector in it as well) and count the long and/or short flashes. I believe you can flash the CEL DTC with the engine running but I can't remember for a absolute sure.
Get back to us what DTC you find.

 

thanks for the help.. ill let yall know..

 

When the CEL turns on, pull over and leave the engine running. Jump the service connector with the engine running and you can then retrieve the CEL code.