Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
VTEC Rocker Arm Test: Test
- Cylinder Head Cover - Remove
- VTEC Rocker Arm - Test
1. Rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise. Make sure that the primary rocker arm (A), secondary rocker arm(B), and the mid rocker arm (C) are separated and that the secondary rocker arm and the mid rocker arm should move independently: - If the mid, primary and secondary rocker arms move together, remove the mid, primary, and secondary rocker arms as an assembly, and check that the pistons in the rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm needs replacing, replace the mid, primary, and secondary rocker arms as an assembly, then retest.
- If all the primary rocker arms and secondary rocker arms move independently, go to step 2.
2. Check that the air pressure on the shop air compressor gauge indicates over 400 kPa (4.08 kgf/cm2 , 58.0 psi).
4. Install the VTEC air adapter (A) to the inspection hole 5. Connect the air pressure regulator (B)
6. Loosen the valve on the air pressure regulator, and apply the specified air pressure.
Specified Air Pressure
290 kPa (2.96 kgf/cm 2 , 42.1 psi) 7. With the specified air pressure applied, rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise. The secondary rocker arm (A) should move together with the mid rocker arm (B) and the primary rocker arm (C): - If the mid, primary, and secondary rocker arms move independently, remove the mid, primary, and the secondary rocker arms as an assembly, and check that the pistons in the rocker arms move smoothly. If any rocker arm needs replacing, replace the mid, primary, and secondary rocker arms as an assembly, then retest.
- If the mid, primary, and secondary rocker arms move together, go to step 8.
8. Remove the air pressure regulator and the VTEC air adapter.
- All Removed Parts - Install
1. Install the parts in the reverse order of removal.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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