Recently, I occasionally have problem with VTEC. Sometimes when it goes to 6000rpm, it just bounces back and forth even if I floor the gas pedal.

Later I suspect it might be related to the engine coolant temperature. So I tried to VTEC at different number of bars at the coolant temp gauge.

It seems to me the problem happens when there is only one bar at the gauge. Does that mean the engine needs warm up to engage VTEC? Or is it just my problem?

If it is not only my problem, will my engine take a toll when I VTEC it at one bar?

Many thanks.
Yee Man

 

You should always let the engine warm to three bars before engaging VTEC.

 

Actually, without 3 bars, it won't let you VTEC.

 

Honda has built several temperature related protection devices on the engine. Previous posters are correct, without three bars, when you hit VTEC the fuel will shut off.

 

well...if you have an aftermarket thermoswitch/stat set, the operating temperature may be ok for VTEC, but you'll only see 2 bars.

 

Thanx for your replies. Next time I will watch out for the temp.

BTW, I can't find this in FAQ, I think we should add it if it is not there.

Yee Man

 

In general, high RPMS plus cold engine equals excessive engine wear/tear, esp. if you do it before the oil has a chance to circulate through the engine. In addition, WOT on a cold engine is a bad idea for the same reason (when the engine starts, you're effectively running it as if you'd drained all the oil out). I have no idea how long it takes to circulate the oil, but I usually hold off on anything other than gentle low-rpm driving until I see 3 bars. However, once 3 bars show up, it's WOT city! =) =) =)

I have documentation at work where even a JadgTiger (WW2 German tank destroyer) was recommended against >3000rpm usage until it's warmed up. Seems that some things never change (I make WW2 combat sim games for a living, thus why I have access to that kind of info)

 

just FYI, when the engine isn't warmed up, the rev limiter usually kicks in around 7500 RPMs. I did that a few times before I found out that you had to let the engine warm up before vtec'ing.