New To the Forum...Have a technical Question

[Nillard]

Hey Guys,

Just Signed up and wanted to say Hi. I've always loved the Type R and always wanted to buy one, but the timing was never right. I always had other cars to keep me busy and couldn't part with them to get another toy. But, as of 2 months ago, I now own a 2000 Black Type-R #539 with 82,000 miles. I have had some experience with Honda motors and S2000 Engines in particular, but am not 100% familiar with the B18c. Here's my question...

I have nothing to compare it to, but it doesn't seem like Vtec is engaging. I know on my S2000 engine, the Vtec was loud and noticeable. I have a friend with a 2001 R and he rode in my car the other day. He said he couldn't hear the Vtec... but I thought it was because my car had the stock intake on it. He said when he had his stock box in, he could still hear it. His has an aftermarket CAI, so i didn't know what it would sound like with the stock box in. I decided to open the box up and drive it around the block to see if I could hear or feel the Vtec transition, but I could not. I'm worried my Vtec isn't working. Are there any common problems with Vtec on these motors? I know its hard to troubleshoot over the internet, but if you know of anything, I would appreciate the help. I already pulled the solinoid off and checked the screen filter and it looks clean.

On a side note. When the Vtec on the S2000 motor doesn't work, the car won't go to redline. It stops at 7 Grand. My Type R revs all the way to redline. Not sure if it relates or not. Also, the car seems to have a lot of power, so if it wasn't for the sound, I prob wouldn't have even worried about it. Thanks Guys!

[Bbasso]

Check the oil level.
#1 reason why no crossover into fun

The crossover is pretty strong on the C5 motors, It's clear when engages at 5700rpm.

[Doespike]

What Rob said about the oil level.

Congrats on your puRchase!! I just bought mine a couple months ago as well after dreaming for a few years.

Post some pictures when you get a chance! Welcome to ITRCA

[Nillard]

Thanks for the response... I check the oil level weekly, and just checked it right before I went for a spin around the block. It has enough oil, so im not sure. I guess I should check my oil pressure.

Is there an easy way to check to see if the solonoid is working? If I unplug the one wire plug from the Vtec Solonoid and give it 12V, will it throw the solonoid? Anyone tried that? Thanks for the help!

[Markusirealius01]

pull the solenoid and give it a good cleaning, make sure that the screen in the bottom is not clogged. That can cause Vtec not to engage.

[Nillard]

pull the solenoid and give it a good cleaning, make sure that the screen in the bottom is not clogged. That can cause Vtec not to engage.

Thanks for the advice, but as I posted earlier... the screen is not clogged.

How do you clean the solenoid?

[Trev-R]

Does it have stock cams? I've heard of people saying that some aftermarket cams they have put in made a real smooth crossover and a lower decibal crossover.

[Nillard]

Does it have stock cams? I've heard of people saying that some aftermarket cams they have put in made a real smooth crossover and a lower decibal crossover.

Thats a good question. Is there an wasy way of tellin the stock cams from aftermarket ones?

I took the car to a honda repair shop to see if they had a way of telling if Vtec was working. They plugged it into a scan tool and was able to look at it while driving. They said the driver was able to see the ECU sending the signal for Vtec and the Vtec was actually engaging. So, I guess it is working, but its acually just quiet.

Im starting to think the cams might have been replaced.

[mattsbobo]

Could it have Hondata? I know with a Hondata reflash on the new Si, the vtec crossover isn't the same as before the reflash. It's a lot more quiet, and you don't get the same audible sensation.

[Nillard]

Could it have Hondata? I know with a Hondata reflash on the new Si, the vtec crossover isn't the same as before the reflash. It's a lot more quiet, and you don't get the same audible sensation.

anyone know how I can check to see about aftermarket cams or a Hondata reflash?

[Bbasso]

take the cams out and measure them. Only 100% way to tell. but I doubt they are changed.
take the ECU out and look at it, ECU is probably stll stock.
get someone local who knows about Honda/Acura ad let them check it out.
Trying to figure it out on the www, useless.

[Nillard]

take the cams out and measure them. Only 100% way to tell. but I doubt they are changed.
take the ECU out and look at it, ECU is probably stll stock.
get someone local who knows about Honda/Acura ad let them check it out.
Trying to figure it out on the www, useless.

I agree... its almost impossible to troubleshoot over the net. I know Vtec is working now, so that was my biggest question.

I looked at the ECU and it looks stock.

Thanks for all the help guys! I really appreciate all the input!