So for a while now I've been noticing a lack in power in my 98 accord. It doesn't feel like vtec is kicking in when it usually does. Instead of a jump in power it just steadily accelerates at WOT. So I figured perhaps the vtec solenoid gasket and filter might need to be replaced, I take off the solenoid and find that the little button thing on top of the plunger with the hole in it is gone! I'm way confused as to how that happened and can't find any place where I can buy just the little piece. Every place only sells it as a whole and I don't want to spend $120 on something that's not broken. I tried to use a B16 vtec solenoid button thing but it was to big, does anyone know what the function of the button is? Let me know if things look normal in the pics, the first one is the F23 the next is the B16. I'm assuming it's missing, but the plunger is a little weird looking so I don't know.

 

Have you made sure that you have enough oil in engine? vtec won't work if oil is below a certain level. By looking at the pics, there's nothing looking unusual there.

 

Oil is good, I'm thinking this piece is missing, what I call the button lol. But then again maybe accords don't have one although I'm pretty sure they do. I think it should go right on top of the plunger like it does on the B16 solenoid.

 

My 97 has it, and the last solenoid i replaced the gasket had one too. There may be the cause of the problem. How did it go missing?

 

Thanks dude, that's the answer I was looking for. I have no idea how it went missing, could've come off when I messed with it last, or when I just took it off this time but I didn't see nor hear it fall off. I looked in my garage and engine for about 2 hours lol. I'm about to buy a new one, ugh. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Well I bought the new solenoid from honda, took off the solenoid, and to my horror it was exactly the same as mine. No button thing...Dam it! Looks like I was a retard and over reacted and now I wasted $140 on something that wasn't broken. Once you take it out of the package Honda won't let you return it. Well at least I have a new vtec solenoid lol.

 

Did it fix the problem? Could've still been a bad solenoid.

 

I'm sorry to hear that you bought the new solenoid already, but like i said, mine has it. Hopefully the solenoid was bad and so, you didn't just by a new for nothing.

 

Turns out it still drives the same so I did buy it for nothing lol. I had a bad over heating issue about a two months ago but I fixed that problem by replacing the thermostat, water pump, t-belt, and radiator cap but maybe damage was done when it got super hot. I might need to replace my clutch too, its almost 3 years old and it feels weird. It's not slipping though. I don't know, too many possible problems lol. It's time for me to just put in a new engine anyway

 

i had an extra vtec solenoid for sale too/ i should of just gave you mine but im new to this forum and didnt read ur post until now
atleast its oem lol

 

I hope not.

I beat on mine WAY more than I should and it still doesn't slip. Over five years on it. I wouldn't say it feels like a million bucks, but no problems.

A worn flywheel could be what your feeling... Regardless, like you said, it sounds like an overhaul is definitely in your future!

Good luck with this thing man.