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VTEC Rocker Arm Test

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special Tools Required 

  1. Start the engine, and let it run for 5 minutes, then turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0).
  2. Remove the cylinder head cover (see CAM CHAIN CASE OIL SEAL INSTALLATION  ).
  3. Set the No. 1 piston at top dead center (TDC) (see step  2 ).
  4. Push on the intake primary rocker arm (A) for the No. 1 cylinder. Make sure that the intake primary rocker arm and the intake secondary rocker arm (B) are mechanically connected by the rocker arm pistons and that the intake secondary rocker arm does not move when pushed manually.
    • If the intake secondary rocker arm does not move independently, go to step 5.
    • If the intake secondary rocker arm moves independently, remove and disassemble the rocker arm assembly, and check that the rocker arm pistons between the intake primary and secondary rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm or rocker arm piston needs replacing, replace the rocker arms for the cylinder as assembly, then retest.
      Fig 1: Pushing Intake Primary Rocker Arm For No. 1 Cylinder
      G06428850
  5. Push on the exhaust primary rocker arm (A) for the No. 1 cylinder. Make sure that the exhaust primary rocker arm and the exhaust secondary rocker arm (B) are mechanically connected by the rocker arm pistons and that the exhaust secondary rocker arm does not move when pushed manually.
    • If the exhaust secondary rocker arm does not move independently, go to step 6.
    • If the exhaust secondary rocker arm moves independently, remove and disassemble the rocker arm assembly, and check that the rocker arm pistons between the exhaust primary and secondary rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm or rocker arm piston needs replacing, replace the rocker arms for the cylinder as an assembly, then retest.
      Fig 2: Pushing Exhaust Primary Rocker Arm
      G06428851
  6. Check that the air pressure on the shop air compressor gauge indicates over 340 kPa (3.5 kgf/cm2 , 50 psi).
  7. Inspect the valve clearance after the engine is cool (see VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT  ).
  8. Install the VTEC air adapter (A) to the inspection hole, then connect the air pressure regulator (B).
    Fig 3: Installing VTEC Air Adapter To Inspection Hole
    G06428852
  9. Loosen the valve on the regulator, and apply the specified air pressure.

    Specified Air Pressure: 

    200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm 2  , 28 psi) 

  10. Move the intake secondary rocker arm (A) for the No. 1 cylinder. The intake secondary rocker arm should move independently of the intake primary rocker arm (B).
    • If the intake secondary rocker arm moves independently, go to step 11.
    • If the intake secondary rocker arm does not move independently, remove and disassemble the rocker arm assembly, and check that the rocker arm pistons between the intake primary and secondary rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm or rocker arm piston needs replacing, replace the rocker arms for the cylinder as an assembly, then retest.
      Fig 4: Moving Intake Secondary Rocker Arm For No. 1 Cylinder
      G06428853
  11. Move the exhaust secondary rocker arm (A) for the No. 1 cylinder. The exhaust secondary rocker arm should move independently of the exhaust primary rocker arm (B).
    • If the exhaust secondary rocker arm moves independently, go to step 12.
    • If the exhaust secondary rocker arm does not move independently, remove and disassemble the rocker arm assembly, and check that the rocker arm pistons between the exhaust primary and secondary rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm or rocker arm piston needs replacing, replace the rocker arms for the cylinder as an assembly, then retest.
      Fig 5: Moving Intake Secondary Rocker Arm For No. 1 Cylinder
      G06428854
  12. Tighten the valve on the air pressure regulator, then remove the VTEC air adapter.
  13. Repeat steps  4 to  12 on the remaining cylinder's rocker arms with each piston at TDC. When all the rocker arms pass the test, go to step 14.
  14. Install the cylinder head cover (see CYLINDER HEAD COVER INSTALLATION  ).