How Does Honda VTEC Work?

Here's how Honda's VTEC works yo!
VTEC stands for Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control. It is responsible for varying the duration, timing and lift of the valve inside an overhead cam engine. In this video, a Honda J32 V6 engine is completely torn down to investigate how the VTEC system works.
During lower RPM's, a rocker arm follows a shallow cam profile, to allow a fixed amount of air to enter or exhaust the engine for fuel efficiency. At higher RPM's, a mechanism engages the rocker arm to follow a larger cam profile, increasing the lift, shifting the timing and increasing duration resulting in more power.
VTEC has been used on Honda and Acura products widely in the 90's, and was further refined in the 2000's when it was combined with variable valve timing, coining the term, i-VTEC. Honda has since released multiple versions of this technology, such as VTEC with multiple changeover points, on either the intake or exhaust or both, and combined it with VVT.
To learn how variable valve timing works, check out my video below:
• How Variable Valve Tim...
Find out why Honda V6 engines have been around for so long and watch a full complete tear down, check out my video here:
• Why Honda V6 Engines H...
Learn more about how engine lubrication systems work:
• How the Engine Lubrica...
Skip to section in the video:
0:00 Introduction
0:54 Top End Teardown
1:33 VTEC operation
3:10 Engine Teardown
5:45 How VTEC Works
9:58 Oil Lubrication System
11:45 Conclusion
Keep your engine well lubricated with good quality oil and filters you can purchase here:
Oil Filter:
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5W20 Oil:
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[@cperez8891]

This guy's tear down explanation of VTEC, hands down is friggin phenomenal. And the wife's toothbrush...😂 simply brilliant !! much thanks

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for the appreciation

[@johneric3886]

He is good there's no doubt about it.

[@matthewlester4851]

"so you can think that your little Honda Civic is fast" Savage.

[@speedkar99]

Haha you got it 🤣

[@applepoop10]

Normal Civics only have the economy variant of VTEC. It was designed to pick up your groceries a little more fast; now, if you have an RSX Type S, Civic Type R, and Integra GS-R they have the performance variant of VTEC which doubles the power output of the normal economy VTEC.

[@OrganicGreens]

@@applepoop10 Didn't you forget the civic si?

[@kevinm2025]

💩💩💩tec

[@danielbruno2631]

@@applepoop10 exacly, what he said is bs

[@andrewsmactips]

The engineering that goes into that pin engaging and disengaging without any wear or damage, day after day, year after year, is just mind blowing.

[@speedkar99]

Depends on how much you smash VTEC

[@metzmatu8409]

@@speedkar99 😄 3 years driving an iVTEC engine yet to hit the pass 5500 rpm🤭

[@roddydykes7053]

Metz Matu there’s also negative consequences of NOT ever using the performance capabilities of an engine

[@glasser2819]

very true!! This pin engaging is what causes the famous "startup rattle" on newer variable valve timing (phasers) engines. If your engine's over 100kMi and lacks low rpm performance simply replace the PCV that is leaking unmetered air in the intake plenum

[@metzmatu8409]

Isn't the 'startup rattling' during cold start is the lockup pin inside VVT Cam Phaser Sprocket Gear housing? (Not the sliding pin for high-speed cam)

[@like-icecream]

minute of silence for that one guy who bought Vtec-E thinking the E stood for extra

[@miguelare3]

Don’t let this distract you from the fact that Hector is going to be running three Honda civics with spoon engines, and on top of that, he just went into Harry’s and bought three t66 turbos with nos, and a motec exhaust system.

[@speedkar99]

Hector?

[@MISTER__OWL]

@@speedkar99 classic line from fast and the furious.

[@meelonhusk]

bahahahahaha

[@MrPicky400]

And still cant leave the rx7

[@ocabj]

That reference always makes me chuckle.

[@pierrec9287]

9:00 "now when VTEC kicks in yoo!" hahah love it, thanks for this good knowledge!

[@roddydykes7053]

You did this about 3x more throughly and knowledgeably than someone like Engineering Explained could ever dream to. Amazing job

[@midhun-007]

Wife's toothbrush, brother's shirt.. things are getting complicated I think😅 By the way, now I know VTEC at its best👍

[@speedkar99]

I had to use the shirt for messy situations

[@terrygagnon7483]

And a old sock :) lmao Really great channel! Using this to teach my son about timeless Honda classic! Thanks for the effort and wonderful quality videos. Keep it up plz!

[@aa.2424]

congratulations you’re the first channel that i set the bell for the only channel that made me don’t wanna miss anything you upload, great videos 👍🏻

[@dennisg.3364]

Wow someone finally explained VTEC in-depth. Thank you for the great video. Very informative.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I think it's better when you teardown and actually see what happens

[@der_conni]

Just found your cannel and watched a few videos. Just what I need: Straight forward information, easy to understand for anyone interested in cars and engines. You just earned a new subsciber. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Germany

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, short and to the point is my style!

[@davidchesley6501]

What a gift Hector has given us with this, and two other videos explaining in fantastic detail the inner workings of Vtec! I had the dreaded P2646 error on our 200K mile element, and followed his procedures through the vtec solenoid assy replacement, and cleaning of the separate screen and spool valve. Brought our Element back from the grave! No more fear about bringing the revs up past 3K. Not to mention the very succinct and detailed flow of the videos. Nicely done sir!

[@boomerguy9935]

Thanks to a KZbin video from 1A Auto, I was able to do this job on both my Honda Element and my Honda Accord with the K24 engines. The job was easy. You can easily see why keeping the scheduled oil changes is critical to this system.

[@jeremysmith9088]

Always loved hondas, always known about VTEC engines, never knew a thing about it,just that they are quicker, You explained this so well, I appreciate this video! Thank you

[@cotyluckett]

Found this channel a few weeks back. Man your explanation on cars is awesome. Coming from a young technician, you teach me a lot and I understand more and more everyday. So thank you very much.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@Mitchell527]

This has become one of my top two subscribed car channels on KZbin with the Topher, both in POV style, informative with no bullshitting.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks that's my style

[@kevinrtres]

Brilliant explanation, showing precisely how it works and what the effects are. The diagnostics are the cherry on the top. Thank you very much!

[@ccllvn]

understood everything, building my own engine now.

[@IND4GR0V3]

j series top dog

[@speedkar99]

What kinda engine you building?

[@sonyhk3824]

Yes what kind of engine?

[@colslw760]

A gallo 24 from the sound of it

[@IND4GR0V3]

@@colslw760 ctfu

[@Epitopi]

Impressed by the quality of the construction. Only negative I see is a timing belt versus a timing chain.

[@im_crusty_two]

Check out Toyota timing chain leak. Motor out in transverse V6's

[@speedkar99]

Yeah the belt needs that service

[@NicholasAndre1]

I’d rather have a belt that’s a wear item than a timing chain that’s much more difficult to replace when it goes bad at 200k. We lost a Honda to a failed timing chain.

[@outspokeninsider752]

I'll take a belt over a chain. Easier and cheaper to service if you plan to drive more than 200k. If you really want to argue about it, I perfer gear-driven cams. ;-)

[@Bartonovich52]

Yeah. You and everyone else. That’s why Toyota and GM and lots of other manufacturers went to chains. However, it turns out that chains can stretch and jump a tooth from overheating if you are dealing with oil dilution and comsumption combined with excessive oil change intervals in modern direct injection engines. And since they aren’t a scheduled maintenance item-expected to last the life of the engine-they aren’t regularly checked nor are they easy to replace. If you’re lucky you’ll get a check engine light with a code for cam position. If not, the results are even more catastrophic than a timing belt failure because you’ll likely damage all of your pulleys and a metal rather than plastic timing cover sending all kinds of metal cornflakes to the oil pan. Gear driven is good.. but would be very complex for DOHC engines.. requiring worm or beveled gears combined with drive shafts (this was used on the RR Merlin for SOHC) rather than stacks of idler gears for each cylinder bank. The last automotive engines I know with gear driven cams are the Pontiac 2.5 Iron Duke and the Ford 300 inline six. Both straight engines with overhead valves that only needed two gears. A vee engine would need an idler because the camshaft needs to rotate the same way as the crankshaft for simplicity.

[@tot8858]

The most clear and thorough expalanation of vtech engine. Salut!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@danielbarrocas62]

You are now MY FIRST STOP for auto repair knowledge!!! EXCELLENT VIDEOS!!!

[@polymetric2614]

I just want to say how much I love that you do this. I'd never be able to see inside of this stuff. No way I'm taking my K24 apart like this

[@phillm156]

I had an RSX type S, loved that vtec power band from 5-8k rpm. The 6speed shifter had the best short throws. Like a well oiled rifle bolt, smooth metallic feel.

[@joshdrexler8773]

Speedkar is kind of like a professor of mechanics. How many ordinary mechanics understand what they're working on in this way, in terms of dynamic circuits? His knowlege of engines & transmissions is convincing. Also a great showman. A KZbin gem.

[@D.BCooper1971]

Another amazing video! Im so glad i found your channel, even tho i know how vtec works, ive never seen how its works inside an engine. Thank you! Keep up the great work🤘

[@speedkar99]

Thanks. I got alot more engine teardowns coming!

[@D.BCooper1971]

@@speedkar99 Waiting to see them! Already got my sub 🤪

[@stefanr.3495]

Fantastic work, mate! One cannot diagnose and fix something properly without knowing it works! I always wondered why so torquey them lil' engines!

[@vasegan]

possibly one of the best channels on youtube. great keep it up

[@speedkar99]

I hope so!

[@EricTheGreat508]

You should be a professor of engines. You really know your stuff. Down to every bolt, valve, solenoid. It’s crazy. I love watching your videos and learning!! Thanks!!!!

[@speedkar99]

Thanks, I sure learn alot taking these apart!

[@tanertekin763]

My wife always asked me why you don’t use toothbrush anymore, now she knows 🤣🤣 By the way, you make the exceptional videos, we really enjoy and learn. Thanks for the exceptional job.

[@outspokeninsider752]

I'd have shown it off with the OG b-series implementation, but this way easier to find, makes a better coffee table, and is clear and correct. Nice job.

[@andrewsmactips]

Honda first used that engagement pin system on a domestic market motorcycle that had four valves per cylinder, but could selectively activate two of the four valves, or let them remain closed. Once it proved reliable, it evolved into VTEC, giving a phase change in timing, lift and duration instead of just valve area and swirl.

[@speedkar99]

Good to know. That's an interesting use of the technology

[@michaelwahl5669]

Amazingly good understanding and explanation of engine technology! Please keep it up!

[@lukha225]

Always enjoy your informative videos! 👍👍👏 Keep up the good work.

[@premiereautoengineering9830]

I am running this channel in the midst of many difficulties. Thank you so much for helping me and sending me forward, comrades🙏🙏

[@daviderhahon]

Great video, speedkar99 At 10:31 and 10:45, you don't see any movement because the solenoid valve is pilot-operated. This means that it takes a bit of the fluid which it is controlling and channels it towards the clicking solenoid (the pilot), which then uses this fluid to activate/operate the plunger. So without oil, you will only hear clicks but see no plunger movement. In other words, the VTEC solenoid actually needs oil to first operate itself before it can operate the camshafts.

[@daviderhahon]

And that's why you shouldn't wait for your oil to get so very dirty before replacing it. Dirt can easily block the small channels in the solenoid valve and render it useless.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks for that explaination. It makes sense

[@calabar92]

Dude you are a professor the way you explain this vtech is amazing

[@juliansdiamonds]

You are indeed a teacher ! I now know how to look out for most issues with my vtec AND to use my wife's toothbrush to help clean it !!! I currently use it on the dog's water bowl but this, THIS opened my mind to a hole new world!!!!

[@speedkar99]

Haha the toothbrush sure is handy

[@juliansdiamonds]

Right!! Its his pointer, and cleaner. Lol

[@jayk7557]

I like how he recycles his immediate family's possessions, wife's toothbrush, brothers shirt.

[@speedkar99]

Gotta use what I got !

[@keremardicli4013]

Best and most straigt forward explanation in KZbin

[@legalcriminal5730]

Amazing video, concepts clear...... Plz never stop making videos, keep it up

[@speedkar99]

Lots more to come. VCM Honda V6 next

[@legalcriminal5730]

@@speedkar99 crazy 🤭

[@mbs5328]

Your videos are terrific. I'm learning much from you.

[@kostavarn69]

Love you videos ! They are so informative and interesting and your humour is great 😂

[@speedkar99]

Thanks!!

[@joeybreezedad]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience and expertise with us!Very happy you have such a supportive family even willing to lend you their very personal items to help in your career! Lol

[@FleetTech97]

Good video. It’s a lot better to see the actual parts and how they work rather than animations

[@kast100rounds4]

Guy had me at “ Now when vtec kicks in yo “…😂

[@mansourtabaie2573]

Amazing explanation and presentation. Welldone!

[@jimc6481]

Absolutely awesome !!!.....very good job at explaining the vtec workings!....Thank You!!

[@frankleonard6570]

isint this something! finally an intelligent explanatiom of what vtech is! thank you! 👍

[@kberry3065]

Very good explanation of VTEC. Thanks for sharing.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@elixier33]

Best engine videos on KZbin by far x

[@narlycharley]

Now we need a 2zz so you can show off VVTL-I.

[@speedkar99]

Send me one!

[@stger2384]

Thanks! The drawing helped me a lot!

[@zoomzoomgt]

All you're vids are top notch!! The knowledge and very well detail on how things work! Best on youtube hands down! Howeverrrr i was wondering if you can do diagnostic, and like symptoms/noise etc When they go bad etc (im trying to go for my cofq)

[@marekboda1950]

Excellent explanation, well done!

[@monfredi]

Excellent video! Solenoid was likely working correctly just didn't have oil pressure to move the valve. It just acts as a pilot valve that ports a small amount of oil to actuate the valve.

[@suzumr2754]

1:25 I have a theory on why one bank is coated darker in oil than the other. The side that is darker is where the pcv valve is located (which would also mean that dark bank of the engine is bank #2). I think it’s darker due to the location of the pcv valve and it’s functioning causing a byproduct of its work by making the whole valvetrain darker on bank #2. This is my theory.

[@vogtjack72]

I thought it was due to VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) which shuts down 3/6 cylinders to enhance fuel economy. I know it caused quite a few issues for certain J series models.

[@ljpr360]

I was going to comment on both the possibilities of PCV & VCM but I see I wasn't the only one thinking that!

[@suzumr2754]

@@ljpr360 Yup, definitely one/combination of them for having a darker valvetrain on one bank than the other.

[@speedkar99]

This one doesn't have VCM

[@speedkar99]

Could it also be EGR?

[@NGH99999]

Excellent explanation. Now I get it. I've got VTEC-E on my 98 Civic, and it does work in reverse of normal VTEC. Great 40MPG economy, and it's easily the slowest car on the road. (But I love it)

[@speedkar99]

Yep good little cars that we're light and fuel efficient

[@playwithgarvin]

Excellent video! Excellent explanation! Thank you man!

[@speedkar99]

Welcome

[@pleasedontwatchthese9593]

I did not know about the fuel saving vtech, brings a new meaning to vtech kicking in

[@speedkar99]

You will see economy VTEC on my upcoming k24 video

[@metzmatu8409]

Hoping to have something on iVTEC vs VTEC with that next video.

[@stigslorrydrivingcousin5754]

I love these videos, can you do one on a toyota GR engine? You done v6 from all Japanese brand except for toyota GR (probably the most produced too)

[@hotchinahk]

I am a new subscriber, love your video :)

[@bobdylan6237]

Just the best channel on KZbin

[@kenneth-andrewfisher7297]

Well I'll be damned, I finally understand the secret behind the V-tec badges. Well done.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@TheoatStudio]

Amazing explanation. Thank You !

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@asaadluaibi2111]

Great work. Thanx man

[@pacosoundaruba]

Very good explanation!!!

[@reekz1568]

Love your videos

[@Reapwhatsown]

Very cool. He speaks very well. Good teacher, rare.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@MetaView7]

THis is a very good explanation. Thank you.

[@tyroniousyrownshoolacez2347]

Great video , Thanks! Learned Learned Learned. Subscribed. 👊👉👍

[@curtislesann2948]

You’re awesome my dude.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks!

[@isalazar21]

Great videos!!! Like always 🤙🏽. Still waiting on the 10th gen civic review lol. Also where do you get your engines?

[@Youngandgrey-wx8ss]

Bro do a video on start stop technology based engine. How they work. Love your content bro🔥

[@speedkar99]

I'd love to get my hands on one of those!

[@Androssity]

So eloquently explained!

[@AngelGarcia_420]

Thank you sir. Straight forward . No bs

[@bikemaurice1953]

Thanx for breaking the engine down and explaining the components o_o ^_^

[@matinirudolph8420]

Just wow!!! That was perfect!!! 👍

[@speedkar99]

Thanks!

[@turdferguson1021]

I learn alot from these videos.

[@speedkar99]

Glad you do, I learn alot tearing down these engines

[@djsmithe]

Excellent video.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@arbackhaus]

Great video. You did a great job explaining how the VTEC works. Thanks buddy. I was just wondering, can you tell why this engine failed in the first place? You made it sound like the engine was in pretty ok shape. Thanks.

[@7DeuceCutty212]

Soo cool very clever design.

[@chonglers1513]

NICE thanks for the vid bro!

[@speedkar99]

You are welcome

[@IND4GR0V3]

one of the better youtube channels

[@speedkar99]

Getting there...

[@1uch1n11]

the vtec just kicked in yo!!!

[@waltraudbowen8028]

That trademark final toothbrush toss is more compelling than any mic drop.

[@speedkar99]

Haha. I did it twice there

[@ceedee9186]

I still don't understand why this channel is so underrated.

[@colbybarbour9990]

yeah like 270k subscribers is underrated

[@michaelmcfeely6588]

It is good that Honda routed the valve timing oil in the block. On my Camry V6, there is a tube outside of the engine that carries the valve timing oil. This created a problem (LSC-90K).

[@kclefthanded427]

Changing it with clean oil at a timely matter is a no brainer in order to keep it working for a long time

[@speedkar99]

Agreed! Oil is blood

[@saiganesh127]

Engine looks so good

[@speedkar99]

Yeah inside looked fine to me

[@omegacouchpotatoe5998]

I love your videos

[@i_just_dont_have_name7147]

Thanks for information

[@tayaria7280]

My first car was an Acura CL type S I was addicted right away. Now I want a Civic SI with a k24 😁

[@billscott1601]

Best automotive videos on you KZbin.

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@ZMO999]

Haaaaaay 🥳 you’re back for saying vetch yo! 😁

[@speedkar99]

Yeah yo

[@kristijanpet1]

As a developer love your videos!!!

[@speedkar99]

Developer for what? Software

[@olspanner]

Very interesting, thank you.

[@BillyRamirez]

Damn. I actually understand it now. I have a good friend with an S2000 who has tried explaining it to me before.

[@Skillzpatchi]

I will say it again you sir are a hero

[@speedkar99]

Thanks

[@Poopeepooo123]

you yelled out, vtek kicked in yo. that is how it works.

[@IamGroot786]

Honda.... They know how to build engines man. Awesome video!

[@inno365]

That oil pressure has to be high, for vtech to work this efficiently!!! ...if it wasn’t I’d expect pin chipping rockers or vice verser ....well explained👍...