VTEC Rocker Arm Test

Special Tools Required 

• Air Pressure Regulator 07AAJ-PNAA101
• VTEC Air Adapter 07VAJ-P8A010A

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 CYLINDER HEAD COVER REMOVAL ).
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 On Intake Primary Rocker Arm

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 On Exhaust Primary Rocker Arm

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 (see VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT ).
8. Install the VTEC air adapter (A) to the inspection hole, then connect the air pressure regulator (B).
   Fig 3: Identifying VTEC Air Adapter And Air Pressure Regulator

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Loosen the valve on the air pressure 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

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 Exhaust Secondary Rocker Arm

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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 ).