Guys and Gals,

I've been driving my car around for a week or so and I am noticing that my vtec isnt kicking in like I used to remember it to--instead the car feels like it continues to accelerate like normal above 6500 rpms. I've read that this is usually because either the engine is too cold or oil pressure is too low. I only rev the engine after 3 bars appear on the dash and I checked my oil level the other day and it is actually above the High mark on the dip stick. So is it possible for the oil to be too high to make the vtec not work? Also, my trusted mechanic (honda specialist) that I have been doing business with for 10+ years did the oil change recently, so this is the first time I've checked it since the oil change. I've never had any problems with him filling the oil too high. Is too much oil bad on the engine? I'm wondering if I should take it back to my mechanic and get him to drain some out. Right after I got the car back from the oil change, the vtec worked fine--so do you think that this is something that permanently damaged my engine? If so, I would think it would be the shop's fault. I appreciate everyone comments on this subject. Thanks!

 

Too much oil is very bad for a motor, but as long as it not TOO OVER filled like a quart or more, if that's the case the oil would have found its way out, such as pissing out of somewhere or just burning it out your ex. For the s2000 I know nothing about so get it checked out, if there was something wrong with the solenoid, I think that would trigger a check Eng. Light.

 

What type of oil are you using? (synth, non-synth)

 

You would not be able to hit 9K rpm if Vtec was not kicking in

 

Exactly. Which is why I'm wondering what type of oil he's using. Synthetic has been known to smooth out VTEC transition...

 

I didnt get the engine all the way to 9k--it was up around 8k or so today when I was driving around trying to find out whats going on. I'm not sure if its synthetic or non. I guess I could call and find out what they used. So if it's synthetic, I shouldnt be able to feel it kick in? In 3rd gear I can't tell if it is kicking in or not--sometimes I think I feel it, but definately not as pronounced as before. I will find out what type of oil was used. But do you think I should take my car back and have them drain some oil? I havent seen any oil leaking nor have I smelled any burning.

 

Do a search on MAP sensors.

Try removing your MAP sensor (it sits on top of the manifold, its blue and about the size of a match box, You can;t miss itas its got MAP written on it)

Unscrew and unclip it and then tap it sharply with the plastic handle of a large screwdriver. (Yes, I am serious )

Pop it back in and try the car.

This may of course have nothing to do with your problem, but when my Vtec disappeared, this cured the problem.

Hope you get it sorted soon

 

this may or may not have anything to do with your issue, but when you are saying you're not getting VTEC, are you hitting it WOT?? IF you're just kinda easing the revs up over 6K, the kick is barely noticable. WOT, though, and you should clearly be able to tell. I'm running Mobile 1, and I didn't notice any lag at all bewteen it and regular dyno oil and VTEC.

Hope it's just something simple like this and not a major problem.

 

keep us updated on what the problem was.

 

When I am accelerating, I am basically flooring the pedal. I mean I figure it cant be that bad since the car is still running. I wonder if its not a map sensor problem like many others have had. I did notice that my car does shut off after starting up like on a cold morning--or it'll struggle to stay on. Also, when I'm at a light, sometimes the revs will drop slightly--I never had the engine cut out though. I'll probably wait a week or so before taking it in--I'm due for my 45k checkup in about 400 miles. As long as the car is running, I'm not too concerned--I dont usually drive the car that hard to use the vtec on a regular basis. As for the oil the shop used, I am speculating they used whatever honda uses, but again I'll have to check.