I had the oil pan and chain cover off the car last week. It is absolutely immaculate. The pump pickup isn't blocked at all.

How would i check the pump? other than checking the pickup?

 

using the oil pressure gauge

 

I gapped the new ngk plugs to 0.043". Put them in. The car started beautifully first time. Work up the next day. Checked again and it started with no problems at all. I can't believe Denso would reccomend plugs that could cause such a problem in such a short space.

The only thing that seems odd is that my:

Short term fuel trim reads: -7% to -8%
Long term Fuel trim reads: -8.6%

Should i be getting negative (-) reading on my fuel trims?

Tickover is at 790RPM to 800RPM

Throttle position at idle reads 5.5% which seems odd. The TPS has been calibrated by me with a voltmeter.

 

nicholasbartleet Posted: Nov 14 2009, 07:02 PM
Maybe smaller bits of silicone are (still) stuck in the timing chain tensioner?
Its close to the vtec valve.
That could explain the noise in that area.
You've checked just about everything else, IMO its worth it to check that as well.
The removal prodecure is in the manual.
You can take the TCT apart on a bench and put it back together.
As long as you are very carefull removing the small pressure valve, as it has 2 punches to lock it, that small valve is small enough to be blocked by debris though.
Or replace the whole TCT.
Might be expensive.
Or swap the TCT from your old engine?

 

less fuel required since you're now burning at recommended spark gap