Had a strange problem at the weekend. just finished a turbo b18c build and was the first time at the track.

was doing a burnout and when the revs came down it cut out and wouldnt idle or run at all. When looking at it today i am getting no compression at all on cylinder 2. Some how the rocker arms have jammed down leaving the valve open slightly.

Removed the cams and used a screw drive to lift the rocker arms, they sprung up and the valves sealed again. when i took the rockers off to look at it seems the vtec piston that slides to lock the rocker arms is seized solid and would not return home.

I have never seen these go wrong like this before, I can fix it easy enough but i am confused how it happened and how to make sure it doesnt happen again, Was revving the engine to 8700 which is stock for the import b18c.





Compared to a working arm from cylinder 1




Anyone had anything similar?

 

Yes, but I wouldn't say it is common though. Are you sure all dowels went in the same way they were taken out? Have you looked for contamination or debris? Anyway, holy **** you have some funky wear on the tips of your valve stubs! Are you sure you don't have a oiling issue?

 

Weird. Isnt there just a spring behind that dowel?

 

Well i got to the bottom of the problem. When i was rebuilding the engine one of the cam cap bolts had snapped and i got the bolt drilled out.

I had cleaned the head out but obviously not well enough. found this tiny bit of metal behind the vtec piston which was stopping it returning fully. I looks to be part of the threaded bolt that has remained inside the long rod the rockers pivot on.



I dont think there are any other oiling problems and yeah the wear is a bit strange on the stubs. Apart from this the engine was running great.
will get it back together tonight and hopefully not done any more damage. Fingers crossed!