Assumptions can be dangerous.

 

Got it to the dealer, but the problem goes away when the car is warm.

Dealer says they need to be able to "hook up the laptop and take some readings" when the problem is happening.

There's no CEL. Anyone know what readings they are taking and how are they taking them?

 

Using the lap top they can take and monitor the system like map pressure throttle body a/f and other things like that there may also be a pending dtc that hasn't set yet the problem is duplicating the concern so be ready to drop it off and leave it there for a day or so.

 

Hope that helps feel free to pm if you have any more questions

 

Thanks!

If anyone is still trying to throw ideas at what the problem may be, here's an update: it's rapidly getting worse and the CEL finally came on.

 

Can you get a p code for us? Local auto store that can read the code for you?

 

Slow vacuum leak?

 

So I've had it with the dealer...

They've been unable to reproduce the problem.

After the last REALLY rough start, I cleaned out the MAP. Since then it's been 90% better.

The CEL code was P2647 - VTEC oil pressure switch. The oil level is full.

What's weird is that this CEL came on while I was idling! Someone said it's possible that VTEC wasn't switching off correctly and that the rough starts were due to VTEC being on while idling... really?

I might pull off the pressure switch and poke around.

 

K, the improvement after cleaning the MAP was apparently just a coincidence. Back to square one.

 

Screw the dealer. The Helms manual has step by step instructions for dealing with P2647.

And here's the screen on my solenoid gasket, complete with some metal shavings:

How concerned should I be and what should I do?