davcivic

Ok here's the problem. After we swapped in a JDM SOHC Vtec ZC to my 88 dx hatch my friend and I apparently forgot to connect the plug to the Oil Pressure Sensor on the back of the block. The car was running great, but it was running with no Vtec, did not have a way to connected. Later I bought a Tach w/shiftlight and hatd wired the light to the Vtec Solenoid and setit to 5200rpm. After this the car ran even better great no problems so far. Last week I was checking the sensor because I was trying to picture exaclty how I was going to run my oil lines for the turbo and that when I saw that the wire to the sensor was unplugged, So I plugged it in and ever since that now the car hesitates when Vtec engages. Did I messed something up by not having it plugged in? or maybe I just fried the Vtec Solenoid and it is just a coinsidence it happened at the same time.
Any help

88crxSi

when u wired in the shift light to activate the vtec did u remove all capabilities of the ECU do engage it aswell ?? now that u plugged in the oil sensor the ecu will engage it fine.

davcivic

I should have given more details. I'm using a 90 Si IM, DIzzy and ECU, so the ECU will not control Vtec. Do I even need to have that switch connected. I'm thinking that when Vtec engages the sensor is sending maybe a too high pressure signal to the ECU, thinking it is a d16a6. Will it be safe to just run the car without the sensor plugged in? What exaclty does it do? I'm thinking it just tell the ECU the oil pressure so the ECU can correct any problems it might read, but it will not affect the engine if it is not plugged in. Am I right?

88crxSi

ok...you're sure its the stock oil psi sending unit wire? cuz the only thing that controls is the dummy oil light on the gauge cluster and shouldn't affect the ecu at all.

davcivic

Ok, I'm going to try to run the car without it plugged in see, how it performs, if it still does the same then I might have messed up the Vtec Solenoid, or maybe my cable is loose somewhere not powering it good all the time. If it doesn't affect performance or the engine I will just leave it unplugged.
Thanks

davcivic

I might just get a mechanical oil pressure gauge to watch the oil pressure then, and not worry about the stupid light.

88crxSi

i'd suggest an electric gauge unless u want an oil line running into your drivers compartment.

davcivic

Yes, your right, that's what I need. So there will be no damage to the engine whatsoever, it just controls or lights up the oil light on my instrument panel. By the way after I unplugged the line the car runs great again.
Thanks