Howdy boys and girls,
I'm a new Acura owner (97 CL 2.2) and I'm having a bit of a problem. When the engine winds up to about 3500 rpm it loses power. It's almost like the VTEC isn't kicking in, but in reviewing a couple other forums I think it might be a distributor problem. Somebody that knows what they're talking about HELP ME PLEASE! ! !

 

well its NOT gonna be VTEC, our VTEC doesnt engage until around 5 grand, thats all I can really tell you

 

Is the Check Engine Light on? Any recent maintenance work?

Fuel supply may be inadequate for full acceleration; fuel filter blockage or fuel pump problem. More likely fuel filter. Check fuel pressure is in specs before replacing any parts.

good luck

 

Hey guys, sorry for the type-o. 4500 rpm is where i start losing power. When i get to 5000 rpm it stops acceleration all together. It just feels like it's redlining. My original assessment was that the valve that switches the lifter to the other lobe on the cam was fubar, but i can't seem to find the part on-line. Sorry guys, i'm clueless... newbee, you know.
P.S. the only recent maintenance was time belt change. But it was done by a mechanic, so it wasn't anything that i worried about. I though about fuel system, but because it's at the same RPM in each gear i figured it was some thing mechanical.

 

even if its your 3rd rocker failing you should still get power off your regular 2 low speed cam lobes, as if the motor was cold, itll rev all the way, just no VTEC......... on this note I know of another CL that does this as well, his is a 98 2.3 that just quits at around 4 grand and just doesnt wanna go... he claims it was a knock sensor.... I dunno if hes had it fixed yet or whatever, but its strange to say the least

 

A partially blocked catalytic converter or exhaust system may cause loss of power. You can perform a intake vacuum pressure test (see batauto.com) to check for blockage, or simply release the converter inlet from the exfhaust header outlet. If dramatic improvement, you've found the problem.

good luck

 

Hopefully someone is still out there to respond to this thread. I was revving the engine the other day after changing the oil and noticed that i can rev the engine up to 6000 rmp and hold it there, but when i try to get it over 5000 rmp while driving, it loses power. My newest assumption is that it's a simple fuel delivery problem since it takes much less pedal to rev the engine to 6000, than it does to drive it at 6000. My guess is a fuel filter. Any thoughts?

 

im having a similar problem, but this happened after i worked on my valve cover. i think its a vaccuum leak or something. my leak could possibly be in the gasket, but you may have one in one of the hoses. i could be totally wrong, but from what ive experienced, thats all i could think it would be.

 

Hey, sorry to bump the thread but I think this might be important to alot of guys, since this was driving me crazy also.

I had the same problem on my 98 2.3 Manual, when I would rev the car up even in first gear, it would not launch off. nor in 2nd 3rd.. any gear. It would feel like the clutch was slipping, but after a clutch replace, it kept doing the same thing.

Then my speed sensor went out, but at this point I was about ready to get rid of the damn thing... so I took it to my cousins shop (like the typical mexican that I am, haha) and came to found out that the speed sensor had been going out for a while before it completely went out, and that was the cause for the VTEC not kicking in.

I'm not to technical with the in's and out's, but after a quick install of the speed sensor it was running like a champ, still running like a champ.

Anyways.. hope this helps.

 

Good info, glad you were able to fix the issue, another major cause for vtec not engaging is low oil or an oil leak