Integra VTEC problem.. pls pls help

[hangcool]

I am having problems with my 94 Integra VTI-R(SIR in Japan). It's the one with the 4 round headlights and running the B18C engine. My problem now is, when the RPM reaches 5800 (vtec engagement point), I cant hear the VTEC roar at all. It's hardly noticeable...... I believe that the vtec did kick in becoz i was revving the car slowly and felt that the car was trying hard to gain power at around 5000 rpm but I can feel the car picking up power at 6000 rpm again. Currently, I have installed the Apex'i SAFC, Apex'i ITC, Apex'i cat back exhaust, Apex'i air intake but I doubt this is the problem. Can anyone tell me why doesn't the engine roar at all when the VTEC kicks in ??

[Marasmus]

The VTEC kicks in at 4400 rpm. you can't notice a sound difference unless you have a different intake and/or exhaust... but at 5800 rpm is the change between the long-throw and short-throw runners on your intake manifold.

Okay. If you pop your hood and are looking straight at the engine, on the right-side of the intake manifold (opposite where the intake pipe connects), you'll see a flying-saucer looking thing that has a vacuum hose attached to it from the bottom. This is the solenoid that switches which runner is being used. Turn you car on and unhook the vacuum hose (don't worry, it won't hurt anything). You should see the little arm coming out of the solenoid drop about 1cm. At this point, you car is using the short-throw (above 5800rpm) runner only. Now put your finger against the vacuum hose - you should feel the suction. If you don't, there's a problem.

If you have a friend available, keep the hose touching your finger so you can feel the vacuum, and have your friend rev the car past 5800rpm. The vacuum should go away above 5800rpm. If it doesn't, well, you know what's going wrong It should stop sucking, and it isn't. Off the top of my head, I don't remember what the vacuum hose is connected to on the other side, but you'd probably want to check that out.

Hope this helps!

[hangcool1]

I had problems with the username above.. but hangcool1 is still me. I have actually changed the intake and the exhaust. But the vtec sound is still not noticeable. Really wonder if the VTEC is busted or not. I will check out that vacumm thing. btw, do you have icq number or MSN messanger ?

[Marasmus]

Originally posted by hangcool1
I had problems with the username above.. but hangcool1 is still me. I have actually changed the intake and the exhaust. But the vtec sound is still not noticeable. Really wonder if the VTEC is busted or not. I will check out that vacumm thing. btw, do you have icq number or MSN messanger ?

I have an icq number, but i haven't used it in about a year. Best bet is to just keep this thread updated with what you find.

I tried to find pictures of the solenoid on the net, but I couldn't find anything. It's pretty hard to miss - it's the only thing on that side of the GS-R's intake manifold.

Oh yeah - also inspect the vacuum hose itself. It might be suffering from dry-rot, getting a few little cracks in it. That will mess with the vacuum pressure and could cause a problem.

If the little lever arm on the solenoid doesn't move, try moving it with your fingers. If it doesn't move, there might be a problem either with the solenoid or with the valves inside the manifold.

[hangcool1]

Hi again, I just checked that vacumm thing.. seems to be suction coming out of the pipe.. not the saucer.. that means it should be okay.. any other ideas why I cant hear the sweet sound of vtec at 5800 RPM ?

[HonDork]

THE RADIO IS UP TOO LOUD!!

[stefan525]

Why dont you check the codes on the ECU. Not all the codes on the ECU will bring up an MIL(check engine light). Good luck. Stefan525

[RedRocketGSR]

yea, VTEC kicks in at 4400 RPM. I always thought it was 5800 RPM also but it's not. If you get a catback system then trust me, you will be able to hear it at 4400.