Hey guys, hows it going? I have a couple people already helping me out on this, but I figured Id get some input because H-T is the best Anyways, I have a B18C1 that we had on the dyno the other day for the first time. The problem was that I hadnt taken it in vtec yet due to not being tuned and having a GT35R on it, lol, so it was its first time revving up. It had great oil pressure (60+ psi) up to VTEC, and thats where we saw the problem. As soon as VTEC hit, pressure would drop from about 60 down to 40 psi, and not rise from there, it would stay steady around 40. Pressure was so low that, every time it got to 7k rpms it would throw a code 22 and, Im assuming, disable VTEC. It is obviously a problem with the VTEC system. I DO have the oil control orifice in the block, so thats good, I also have the dowel and oring under the cam cap. The solenoid also has a brand new screen. I am leaning towards a bad solenoid, would this cause this to happen? Its almost like there WAY too much flow through the VTEC portion of the head. Anyone who has seen this or has input PLEASE help me out to find this problem!!! Thanks so much!

 

I've seen 22 come on when an engine is low on oil.

 

damn 20 psi drop from vtec? 5 psi is the normal

a bad vtec solenoid would not cause bad pressure, your getting code 22 because vtec is NOT getting enough oil pressure.

- oil pump
- bearing clearances
- bad oil filter

you get the idea

 

Hmmm...well its not bearing clearances, motor was built by Earl, oil pump is brand new OEM, and we tried a few filters. It is definitely something in the VTEC system, as the drop does not occur until right when VTEC hits. Tomorrow I am going to disable VTEC and see what happens, but I already know that it will not cause a drop. What in the VTEC system would cause a loss in pressure? Are you SURE it cant be caused by the solenoid? If it were to open too far, I would see it entirely possible to see it causing too much oil to pass...?

Thanks for the input guys, anyone else?

 

its hard to give a good opinoin on line when you dont have all the info in front of you i would do what you think needs to be done then start trying what HT is trying to help you out with not trying to bash replies but you guys know what im talking about.

 

the vtec solenoid cannot open ''too far''
if it would the the case of the solenoid getting stuck open, vtec would just try to be on all the time.
have you check all the oil control orifices, dowels and their O rings?
are all the vtec rockers assembled properly?
I dont know what would happen if one of the pistons were missing, .02.

 

im thinking debris possibly cloggin the vtec oil route.....maybe a dried peice of honda bond etc...worth a guess..

 

Thanks so much for the input guys. So I guess there is absolutely no way the solenoid can cause this? As for debris blocking the line or the rockers not assembled properly, common sense would dictate HIGHER oil pressure, which is not the case here (correct?). VTEC is definitely switching over properly, it is very audible and engaged at the correct RPM. So there IS pressure enough to activate it and it does not drop low enough to deactivate it until 7k rpms, if this makes a difference in the diagnosis. The two dowels and o-rings involved with vtec are here and installed properly. This is really stumping me here, and its the only thing stopping me from tuning my car. And I definitely understand what you mean when you say its hard to tell without the car in front of you, but you guys are awesome and all know your stuff, and Im just looking for people who have input which will lead to the solution or people who have had this situation before...thanks again guys and please keep up with the good ideas and places for me to look/start!

 

I think it may also be worth it to mention that my Autometer electrical oil pressure gauge is receiving this oil pressure from a GE sandwich plate.

 

What oil are you running? What filter? There is a possibility that you got a **** oil pump, or that the pressure relief valve is stuck open. Also you may need a restrictor in the oil feed line to the turbo. you should be seeing 75-85 psi of oil pressure above 3k rpm's

 

Im running 5w30 Castrol, stock Honda oil filter (which is now a Fram I believe, we changed it out at the dyno). The turbo definitely has the restrictor, its a GT35R with the restrictor built in. And Ive been told to expect 60-80 PSI over 3k rpms?

 

id try a new oil pump, sounds like the presure release might be messed up.
-joseph

 

OK, well today I went and disabled VTEC (snipped wire to solenoid) and took it for a ride. Now here are the EXACT symptoms: builds steady pressure to 60PSI about 3k rpms, after that it starts to fall off slowly then down all the way to 40PSI where it will not go any higher and throws the CEL. Could this be an oil pan/pickup issue? I know my pan is dented but its not very bad. But still, form what I understand it doesnt take much at all if its near the pickup.

 

Heres some pics of the pan guys...let me know what you think

 

i would check the oil pickup like you said.

 

Yeah, Im just looking for input from people who have had this problem to see if my pan is dented enough to even cause a problem...people please chime in

 

Bumpity

 

so...what have you checked so far?

have you already checked everything was posted?

 

Everything not requiring the engine to be opened up...Im trying to get input on the pan first because that seems like a logical thing...I have a feeling it is the problem.

 

if its dented, i would check it; if its minimal, then i doubt that'll be the problem, but..

 

Yeah I hear ya...the dent doesnt look HUGE, but I think its dented in RIGHT where the pickup is, and Im really hoping somebody who has had this problem can check out the pics and chime in...

 

Anyone? Need to know before i drop all the money on a pan...

 

TTT

 

Changed the pan and pickup today...and the problem is fixed!!! Solid oil pressure all the way up now, Im so happy and the car gets to hit the rollers again on Tuesday! Thanks so much again everybody for all the help!

 

good siht