I have a 1997 honda civic ek3. it is a 1.5L with the two vtec solenoids and the lean burn mode. does anyone know where I can get the right engine manual and service manual for it as I have looked everywhere and couldn't find it anywhere. I think its jdm d15b 3 stage vtec (there could be other names for it maybe usdm name)? thanks.

 

The manual if found would be in Japanese. That motor wasn't release anywhere else that I know of.

 

Well, I will say HondaHookup does have much of the EU and UK info which is a nice addition. I never bothered registering there to check it out as the old source had a huge plethora of manuals but alas, it is gone off the inet.

I did look into all the "non-usdm" material they had and did not see the elusive 3 stage motor. So I think this manual will be only in Japanese if you ever come across it.

I did see a significant amount of carburetor information which is nice. And many of the EU/UK motors we see here. Glad to have some additional references, thank you!

 

Could it be possible that the particular engine was put in another model which has an English manual?

 

Not that I am aware of. I've only heard of it in JDM market, and I assure you, their manuals would not be in English.

 

Could I possibly use an engine manual of something similar? I don't have an idea of what that could be but maybe there is a similar build that was in the U.S or in European markets.

 

There are bits that will be the same or similar, what will be totally different is the head portion. Other details will a trial and error to see what matches.

You will basically need to compare all the D series engines specs/parts to see what is the actual. Many torque values in those manuals will also match like engine mounts, valve cover gasket nuts, water pump bolts and the like.

So yes in many things and ways you will be able to piece together most of the information. And with great study and inspection you may be able to figure out the head. It will have elements of a vtec head, as well as elements of a vtec-e head. So it will be more complicated than either one but still operate in much the same ways. If you are ever disassembling the rocker arm assembly I would suggest the taking of tons of photos of every aspect as you go, this will give you a solid reference of assembly if you do it right.

You will also have to make note of how many teeth on the timing belt so you can match it up to belts available etc.