So people keep asking me how those fast bikes with VTEC work. Thought I’d just grab my old Honda and show you firsthand. Yeah I know it’s not a new bike, but perfect for this demo.
First thing I did was roll it into my garage last Saturday morning. Coffee in hand, tools laid out on the floor like a surgical setup. Figured I’d start simple – just watch the engine running normally.
Opening Her Up
Popped off the tank cover real easy, took maybe 5 minutes. Then started unscrewing the valve cover bolts with my ratchet. Got that metal plate off and boom – staring right at the camshaft lobes and springs. Took a quick phone video while revving it slow to see the valves moving at low RPM. Looked totally normal, just up-down-up-down kinda thing.
Now came the tricky bit – getting to that VTEC solenoid buried deep near the exhaust side. Had to remove this stupid airbox pipe that kept blocking my wrench. Dropped a washer into the engine bay twice! Spent like 15 minutes fishing it out with magnet stick.
Pressure Test Fiasco
Wanted to see the oil pressure kick the VTEC in. Plugged my cheap gauge into that special testing port near the oil filter. Started revving her up slowly… 4,000 RPM… 5,000… needle barely moved. Got confused until I realized I forgot to warm up the engine first! Oil was cold like molasses. Let it idle for 10 minutes then tried again.
Suddenly at 5,800 RPM – BAM! Gauge jumped hard and I heard this loud CLICK from the solenoid. Valve movement went crazy fast in my video replay. That’s when the magic happens! Engine tone changed completely too – sounded like the bike just woke up angry.
Reassembly Woes
Putting things back sucked worse than disassembly. That damn rubber gasket for the valve cover wouldn’t sit right. Ended up tearing it when I forced the cover on crooked. Had to run to the parts store for a new one – lost an hour right there. Pro tip: lube gaskets with engine oil!
Got everything buttoned up around sunset. Took a victory lap around the block and intentionally nailed 6k RPM. Felt that familiar VTEC shove in my back – still works! Whole afternoon project but super satisfying. Moral is? Don’t fear tearing into your ride if you’re curious. Just keep spare washers handy.