oemFTW

Hello everyone, I’m new here so forgive me for any “rookie “ mistakes. As the title states, my tachometer is bad, vtec won’t cross over. Both issues were present when i purchased the car. In addition, the car needed a head gasket. I know my way around an engine bay, so i replaced the head gasket myself, along with timing belt tensioner(old broke when bolt loosened) and timing belt(why not). Everything reassembled correctly, head torqued to spec, etc.
Engine runs strong, and smooth.
I have been told that vtec isn’t crossing over because of the tach, i was told to try a new distributor(did not solve problem) and I’m stumped. Getting a fully functional cluster to try today, Fingers Crossed!
the tach needle points dead 6o’clock, when you start the engine it cycles clockwise to the 0 peg, then returns to previous position.
the vtec solenoid clicks when probed with power(jumper wire)

Thanks in advance for any advice, direction, or possible solutions!

ezone

Take apart your gauge (remove the lens), lift the needle over the stop peg so it sits on zero?

No vtec action, are you sure? Got fault codes for it?
You do realize, VTEC engagement is not like all the "VTEC JUST KICKED IN, YO!" memes, there isn't any kick in the pants feeling....it's only a slight bump in power

oemFTW

oemFTW

ezone

Sooooo if you floor the gas pedal and run it to redline up to highway speed.... Does the engine drop off power at 3000 RPM, 4000 RPM, or does it pull strong all the way to redline before it shifts?

If it's got low power and/or low RPM limit but no vtec code, could the performance problem be due to exhaust restriction? (cat code)

oemFTW