i have an issue with my noisy lost motion assembly's. on cold start ups my b16 jdm second gen makes that type writer ticking noise for the first minute or so, then it goes away. Iv had this problem for years now, hasn't gotten much worse but its annoying. (Btw it is not my valve lash).

There is limited information on this topic (because its only an issue in the pre 96 b series vtec engines-mine is 93 motor) and its only become an issue now since these motors are only getting older, and these pre 96 engines have older LMA technology.

Now here is my problem. I have my head apart using this write up https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/how-install-new-lost-motion-assemblies-vtec-head-lma-2536305/ which is an amazing write up if you want to replace LMA's yourself. Now here is a video on how to clean them yourself rather than replacing them.

Now that you've seen the video, i cannot for the life of me get the snap rings off. I have bent my tools trying to take them apart. so instead i soaked the LMA's in a chemical solution and oil, to free up the gunk inside. Before i did this they were sticking very badly. after 3 days of soaking they feel perfect, no more sticking. i dont want to be cheap and not replace them, but they coast 50$ each here in canada for the type r LMA's (these are the best and cheapest i could find). thats 450$ with tax for all 8. I just dont want to cough up that much if i can jsut fix them.

My question is: Do you think soaking them in this chemical solution will resolve the noise for a while? i can feel a huge difference after soaking but how long will it last? i want it to last 2 more years noise free, then I'll rebuild the head and do it then when i have more money.

now they dont stick anymore, but how long will that really last for? should i chance it? or should i just buy new ones? i want to save money here and 450 bucks to replace them is not ideal. Its not fair in the states they are only 30 bucks, and the online honda parts place wont ship to canada.

thanks for reading and for your input, i think this is useful because the LMA are only becoming more of a problem as our b series vtec engines are getting older.

Danno

 

so just got the motor back together i decided to hot tank the LMA's and started her up and sounded perfect. ticking is gone. how long it will last will be the real question. just gotta make sure i drive it enough to keep it lubed up. but this saved me 450 thats all i know. so if you have an issue id recommend this for sure.