The car studders just before and when it hits Vtec, its an accord type R 1999, i pulled the spark plugs out and it seems the plug seals had gone, and the plug chambers were caked in oil - when i cleaned the plugs up and leads, the car seemed to run better - but I have ordered a cam cover gasket and new rings for the plugs - anyone know if this could of been the reason the vtec was studdering? I'm hoping with a n ew set of plugs, and gaskets, it will sort it out! thanks

 

You've pretty much solved your own problem. Also make sure that you have proper oil levels for the VTEC solenoid to activate the oil-pressured slide to run the 3rd set of runners.

With VTEC, timing advance occurs and wants more spark. When the plugs are wet with oil, well, obviously proper spark can't occur, whether it's in VTEC or not.

 

yeah - the car runs perfect and idles perfect out of vtec though - and i thought the HT leads cover the electrode on the end so it shouldnt get any of the oil on it? I dunno, but its definitly a problem there that needs fixing, i hope it will sort my ropey vtec - also the plugs have been in there for 40k miles, I just realised, shameful! so new gaskets and new plugs! cheers pal

 

I guess maybe oil is travelling up the HT leads rubber sleeve in small bits, oil levels i constantly monitor anyhow so it never runs low - it used oil pretty fast, faste rthan any other car ive owned, a top up every 2-3 weeks, but doesnt burn any that i can see, and no leakages underneath - crazy

 

Not really "crazy". With higher mileage Hondas, that's common, and it's mainly due to its main seal at the block. You don't see much "ooze" or other symptoms but you will have some additional "oil loss" than what most Hondas have, which is about a quart every 8 weeks or so, depending upon mileage.

So, yes, it can and does happen, but addressing the areas I mentions should at least help steer your way clear to a better running engine.

 

Thanks Shodan, much appreciated. My new seals come on wednesday, i'll get some new plugs also for her, and see how it goes. I really do hope it is that causing this anomaly, as i love this car! Any suggestions on spark plugs? thanks

 

Always use NGK, regardless of whether or not you are modified or not.