If they replaced the chain itself they could have messed up the overall timing, but if they just did the tensioner then I'm not sure what else it could be.

 

well, they only did the tensioner but did think the timing might be an issue, so they checked it and it was fine. now the tech wants to check the catalytic to see if it's clogged. i haven't seen any mention of that on this site, so i'm not hopeful.

 

Mate when you say the VTEC is not noticable, what do you mean? Do you mean the VTEC roar or the pull? Get them to put it under a dyno and see the gains at VTEC range. To date I think Honda's key points is that they have never had a VTEC engine fail after building millions of them.

 

i get neither the roar or the pull. yet it throws no code and they say voltage is getting to the vtec solenoid.

 

update: dealer says they found a small piece of dirt in the vtec solenoid and will replace with a new solenoid. keeping my fingers crossed.

 

what a bunch of jackasses...."vtec worked for us..." load of crap.

next time tehy say that, say this "ok if you;re so confident i'll drive, you tell me when i crossed over into vtec. and if it doesnt you do all the work free. no parts, no labor charges to me"

that'll make em piss themselves

 

The claim by Honda, is that a vtec system itself has never physically malfunctioned.

 

For a quick check of your VTEC, first unplug it. Then clip a jumper wire to the wire from the VTEC and then with the engine running at least 3000 RPMs touch the other end of the wire to the Positive (+) post of the battery. The engine should clearly sound like an over cammed hot rod (which in fact it is at that point), rough "cammy" idle and all that. If you add 12V to the VTEC solenoid at too low RPMs, there will not be enough oil pressure and your motor will simply make some awful, but basically harmless, noises.

I used to just put a micro switch under the throttle pedal that supplied 12v to the VTEC whenever I went to full throttle. Sort of like NOS, if you will. Just remember to not go WFO below about 3800RPM or it really shakes things up.

Keep the shiny side up.

Jim

 

the resolution: new vtec solenoid and problem solved. we're all still perplexed as to why no code was thrown.

 

all dealers and mechanics are always perplexed when u keep on em and prove em wrong. lol