B16B LMAs

[WhiteSlipsWithStickers]

Nope not yet but that's a first port of call! ah right okay, yeah I believe checking the LMAs isn't too difficult right (?) after watching a few videos. Just remove the cover and check all 8 by pressing the centre rocker with your thumb to see if it springs back smoothly, or if it sticks a bit.

I only checked a couple of mine and it was fairly easy to see that they had very little resistance and came up in a choppy manner instead of smoothly.

Funny thing- I just went through this on my own B18C. Its always had a bit of a "tick", but LMA's can be kinda noisy, so I turned the other cheek.
That was until last week I started my car cold, and for the first 3 seconds, it made a super loud ticking sound. Much like the sound of a loose valve. Once my oil pressure light went off it was half as loud but still way too noisy for me to be ok with. Betting that it was the LMA's. I replaced them this weekend with the new updated part number and the abnormal noise is no longer present. The new LMA's are so much quieter, that I can real enjoy the harmonics of the valve train. I highly recommend this upgrade if not already done.
When checking the LMA's out of the engine, none of them "really felt bad"- a couple had a little sticky point, or catch (very minor) is pressed to the side and over loaded it. But I never did find one that was the obvious smoking gun.
If VTEC crossover happens with out issue, you have no check engine lights on, or codes stored, the car drives well and normal- I would bet its your LMA's. Good luck on getting to the bottom of it.

PS- if you buy them from Honda, you'll never have to buy them again, and your know the R+D is in there- Just my 2 cents.

x2, depends on the deal you can get etc but OEM seem to be only slightly more expensive than aftermarket ones.

That's good to hear. I'm almost certain mine has to be LMAs, just really don't feel like tearing the head down, re-installing the timing belt, etc. etc. etc., but I know it needs to be done. The OEM spring LMAs are $320.00-$350.00. I can get Science of Speed LMAs with billet caps for $120.00. They specialize in all Hondas that rev high. NSX, S2000, B16B, B18C etc. and I'm sure they make a great product. A friend of mine runs their LMAs in his 91 NSX and they are super quiet and haven't given him any issues. I agree OEM are probably better, but I can't justify the cost difference.

 

[MotorMo]

Its your build my friend. Build it to your spec. Either way, you'll love it when she runs quiet and smooth. Glad you figured out the culprit.

 

[Klasse]

Fair enough - that is a big price gap! Somehow I got LMAs from Honda NZ with a bit of discount for NZ$150. No doubt the SOS ones will be just as good