I just got my car back from the shop today after not having driven it for almost 1 1/2 months. The car had been vandalized (top slashed & seats stolen) and then it sat in my condo parking lot for a little over 1 month. Then I drove it a short duration to the shop where I got the top replaced... I never tried to Vtec.

Now, today I finally got my car back from the shop and wanted to hit it a little, and around the point where vtec starts to kick in, the car almost felt like it was bucking as it was trying to vtec. It did try to kick in... I could feel the change, but it was also literally bucking. After trying maybe three times, I got scared and stopped trying to rev to vtec point. I also pulled over and checked my oil, and it was fine. (btw, the car was fully warmed up w/ three bars)

Could it be that the gas that was sitting in my car for over a month, got some water in it, and since our cars require optimal performing fuel that it was causing performance problems on the top end of the power band? I'm really hoping that this is what it is... It really freaked me out!! I've had my S for almost 2 years and never had any engine problems with it. Now, because of some asswipes vandalizing my car, the engine is having problems.

I would appreciate any help or suggestions!!

 

This is possible. Has it been somewhat humid and cool where you live? What was the level in the gas tank? If you had a low fuel tank with lots of air in there, condensation could have been an issue. Although it's not certain that this is the problem, it wouldn't hurt to put some gasline antifreeze into the tank to help with the water situation. Gas antifreeze contains methyl hydrate, which can "take up" the water and help the engine get rid of it.
With the car sitting for so long, particularly if it was humid, the electrical contacts on the MAP sensor could have also deteriorated. It might not be a bad idea to uncouple it and plug it back in with some wiggling and such to "freshen up" the contacts. If this resolves the issue, you might also consider getting a new MAP sensor or at the very least, Honda's new method of securing the harness:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=253242

 

Great!! Thanks for the great advice and quick answer!! BTW, I live in Florida, so yes it's very humid, and the car was also sitting out in the open during the time period when we had hurricane Wilma come through.

Will just going and topping off with some new gas help out? I'm also going to try unclipping and re-clipping in the map sensor to remove any potential corrosion.

Thanks!

BTW, the tank was 3/4 full...when it was sitting

 

With 3/4 tank of gas, I doubt that water is the issue but you never know. Also, if it is water, putting another 1/4 tank of fresh gas won't do much. The MAP sensor thing is a known issue which Honda has acknowledged.

 

Well, following your suggestion, I went out and un-clipped, re-clipped, and lightly wacked the sensor. I took it for a "test" drive and it's working fine now!! Thanks again for your quick response.

Almost 45 days w/o Vtec felt like forever, and it felt soo good to hit Vtec and feel the rear end slide around when I hit 2nd gear.

Thanks again!!

BTW, I had a cabrioworld top installed w/ a glass window, and the fit is fantastic!!

I'll take some pictures tomorrow.

 

I would hope that water did make it's way into the fuel system. That is bad news. If you have water in your system it could cause scerious problems. I would recomed a pruduct called BG. There are fuel system additives, injector cleaners, oil additives, and trany additives. You can pick it up @ some honda parts departments or maybe napa. This stuff is no joke, good product. (20$ a can) Maybe take a look at the oil level. If the level is low it starves the vtec and it does not work correctly. If your oil is good take a look at the vtec solenoid, I have heard of them getting clogged. Hope you figure it out soon.

 

Did you read the last post? He figured it out 2 days ago!

 

I know, I have a IQ just a bit higher than a retard. No hard feelings.