i just put a b16 into my 91 hatchback but i dont really know how to tell if the vtec is coming on

 

if you cant feel it then it prolly is not working. You should at the very leaste hear the intake get louder around 4800 rpm.

Rev it slowly up to 4800 and you should be able to hear it.

I am not 100% on the 4800 engement it might be 5200

 

Depending on where you have your VTEC point at, usually 5600rpm you should hear your motor get louder. Sounds like "waaaaaaaaAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"

 

Yeah, you should be able to hear it very easily on a b16.

 

Nope...it's hard to hear vtec engage if you have stock intake and exhaust. I was never able to tell the difference until i got an intake but now i've got an exhaust and it's way louder.

 

well that means it was working when i first put the engine in but now its not..... crap

 

Check your wiring and make sure you don't have any loose connections.

 

could the vtec solenoid itself go out

 

It's a possibility. Do you have another lying around?

 

no im not much of a parts warehouse but i do work at advance auto but thats more of a dealer part