Hi,

So my old head had burned valves. I swapped in a new head, and now I have no VTEC. It worked with the old head

I went through the troubleshooting steps in the Honda Manual, and everything checks out. I have also searched around the forums to see what I could find out.

I have since, swapped back in the Vtec components from my old head (spool/ valve, etc.) No difference.

Oil pressure is good
No CEL lights or Code
Temp is good

kinda stumped

Any ideas?

 

why didn't you just replace the valves ? are you using a z6 head or a y8 one ?

 

I was able to get a head that had a complete rebuild 7000 miles ago, where are mine wasn't in tip top shape. It was easier to just swap the whole head..

I am not sure which head it is, possible the y8 as the intake manifold on the one I put on was missing and extra coolant out, I had to y that part in to make it work. Didn't realize the intake manifold was different until the very end, when I had an extra hose.

 

What exactly makes you think vtec isn't working? Have you hooked a test light to the signal wire for the vtec solenoid, or are you just going by what your butt thinks?

 

well the vtec is pretty distinct when it kicks in, in ever single Acura/Honda I have owned. and it was very obvious when it kicked in before I changed the head. Every time at 4800rpm I could hear it and feel it.

I guess I could hook up a test light to the vtec solenoid and take her for a drive and see if the signal kicks in. But the vtec worked without issue before I changed the head over. I tested the solenoid and it works as expected when I send 12v to it.

 

vtec isn't supposed to be distinct, especially on a D series. It's supposed to be a smooth transition. It's quite possible it wasn't functioning properly on your old head for some reason, maybe related to why your old head took a **** on itself, and now that it's functioning correctly, you aren't used to it.

Generally though, if you aren't throwing a CEL (your CEL does work, right?) and you can rev to the normal redline in second gear, your vtec is working.

 

This is quite possible, that the old head was screwed and when the vtech kicked in, I guess it could of sealed the burned valves better from the rush of oil? Providing a big boost

CEL works perfect, no codes. I can redline with out issue, and the car has power.

This is my first d-series, so you could be right..

 

Yeah, 99.99% chance that there is nothing wrong with your vtec. Don't worry about it.