sorry im new here and new to imports so not even sure if im in the right spot so bare with me and my lack of terminology ... i have a 98 civic with b18b swap w/vtec iv researched this as much as i could before i asked here so heres what iv done iv pulled the solenoid and cleaned both filters, piston and spring all in good working order. oil is topped off and i energized the solenoid and it works. now heres whats happening when i hit 55 rpm it sounds like its kickin in but kinda sputters a lil and car doesnt pull. iv been told it either works or it doesnt but i id say thats kinda in between.. motor sounds like it is but its not being transfered to the wheels. sorry if iv confused ya but any help would would be appreciated....

 

So you have an Ls-vtec.. weird only thing i can think of is, the v-tec solenoid, are you sure it works. Cause it can probably be that. OR you probably don't have a vtec, what kind of short block are you using? Should have it stamped on the left top side near the distributor..

 

Any CEL codes?

 

nope no codes..

 

no its vtec... i pulled the vtec solenoid and cleaned it out.....b18b1

 

Does the CEL work?

 

lol it is ls vtec. its a B18B1 bottom block with a B18C1 or B16 head. which is a vtec head.

and again is the check engine light working? was it wired for vtec?

 

i dont know what head it is and dont know how to tell? and i assume it was wired for vtec ? guess thats all valuable info. annnnd i dont know if cel is working.....just know its not lit...now im really startin to feel dumb!! lol!!

 

When the key is turned to ON(II), does the CEL turn on and then off after 2 seconds?

 

yes cel turns on for 2 sec and head says p72-1 if that helps

 

Then CEL does work.

 

anything else i could check?

 

im pretty sure its getting the signal @ 55 but it just seems like its not working right but id like to verify it is getting the signal but dont know how? i know u cant test it while stationary??

 

Is this a vtec or engine misfire problem? When was your last tune up? Is the ignition timing set to spec?

 

tap the wire from the solenoid and then take some type of automotive light bulb (a dash light or dome light works) connect that to the taped wire from the solenoid and the other wire for the bulb to ground if it's activating the Vtec the bulb will light up.

Thinking of wiring my spare Shift light from an old Tach as a Vtec Light

 

good ? i was thinking the same thing but car runns fine just until u hit 55 rpm plus so i guess i just figured it was vtec?? car is new to me so idk! plugs look like its time to change but not horrible i have some new ones just havent put em in yet and timming ill check soon should i set it to tdc?

 

lemme c if i got it run that wire and bulb into the cab while driving and then c if it lights up?

 

Inspect the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor - replace if necessary. Then check the ignition timing with a timing gun.

 

while setting the timing set to tdc?

 

just wanna say thanks for all the replys! i cant stand paying for anyone to work on my car!!

 

FOR the Love of God DON"T even try E3 Plugs. there crap and were never ment for cars thay were ment for 2-cycle lawn equipment. and there still trash.

Make sure there NGK Or if you cant get them go with Denso's

but also you can have some one rev the car to 4500~5500 (make sure thay hold the RPM's steady) with it parked and using a jumper wire unplug the vtec solenoid and connect 12V + to the solenoid wire and the motor should rev up a little if it just stumbles and runs like crap it somthing else.

 

You may be thinking about the mechanical timing. I'm talking about the ignition timing. Here's the general procedure:

 

Just so you know the p72-1 is a B18C head

 

also i just remembered i had broblems with my car about a month are so ago and could not get it to give me codes. i swaped out the chip in my ecm for the one i had and it started giving my codes again (turned out it was an IAC) but back to the point the CEL might work ok but if you ECM is Chiped and the chip is a Bad burn it might not trigger the Cel when there is a Problem.

 

no thats what im talking about tdc= top dead center= the white mark and was asking if thats where i should set it? thats where its supposed to go but i know some people play with it so was just wondering..