Anyone ever clean their VVT spool valve filter? Supposedly they can get gummed up and affect engine performance. Number 13 in parts fiche...

 

Actually after looking into it, I am intrigued to hear the feedback on it

 

That appears to be the same/similar VTC filter that I checked on my old K24A8 Accord that had about 90k miles on it, and it was perfectly clean. I don't think I've ever seen or read any information about that particular filter/strainer being a regular maintenance item, so the chances of it getting gummed up must be pretty low.

 

I'm actually seeing a leak in that area, so I'll likely end up replacing the entire assembly. I've also heard full synthetic isn't the best for our engines because of the VTEC. I'm going to switch to a blend, such as Kendall GT-1.

 

There is still some bad information about synthetic oil floating around. There is no such thing as synthetic oil being any more detrimental than conventional oil. It actually can handle more heat than conventional. Where people got into trouble with synthetic is they fall for the sales hype and using it for 10k, 15k, or even 25K miles. The synthetic should not be utilized longer than conventional.

Your leak: It's actually a common problem for a leak to start at the vtec/oil filter bracket on H/A J engines. My mechanic friend repairs two or three per year. It's not a lot but it's also not zero.

 

Would the leak cause a decrease in oil pressure and thus delay the VTEC engagement? I'm wondering if this could be the cause of my shift lag. For example, engine hits a certain RPM, ECU tells VTEC solenoid to engage, oil pressure is not as high as it should, so the VTEC doesn't engage as quickly as it should, which causes lag between gear shifts.

 

No, not even close. Your oil pressure light would be on if there wasn't enough pressure to open the VTEC valve.

 

Wishful thinking. Maybe torque converter related?

 

Also, what about gummed up transmission solenoids? There was a good amount of gunk on the drain bolt, so there could be some sludge built up in the solenoids thus slowing their engagement. Simply draining and refilling the transmission fluid made a substantial improvement in the shifting, so I'm wondering if removing and cleaning the solenoids would eliminate the shift lag.

 

Some individuals must have more time on their hands than I.

I certainly wouldn't ruin a long weekend by Removing, Cleaning & Reinstalling a "VVT spool valve filter." That would definitely cut into my toggling between Sports Center and Porn. :wink:

 

I'd much rather be under a car with a wrench in my hand than sitting in front of a television all day. TEHO.

 

Da Na-Naa; Da Na-Naa

 

That "gunk" on the drain valve is metallic (iron based) dust. It's the wear particles from the clutch packs. It's normal.
Based on internet suggestions I've taken about some spool valve assemblies on Honda transmissions.
Except for a little insignificant metallic dust they were clean.

You can change your VTEC bracket filter but I highly suspect it shall be clean. It's there to capture large chucks of debris if the oil filter is clogged and in by-pass mode.
If it's leaking you should change it anyway.

 

Laptop, not a TV. Don't take it personally, I'm too old and fat to crawl under a car anymore.

 

You know I am going to crawl under my car this spring and replace it. Just to see what it looks after 4 years of over zealous maintenance. Then I post a picture see if it gummed or brittle.
I know it by the oil filter any one got a pic of it, by chance.