Question....just got a 94 SE Auto VTC ticking...I have the DOHC its tapping loud when you start it up. I know that replacing is costing but I need best advice before this 94 I have only had 5 speed's and 4th gen's. But this 94 SE is fully loaded with sunroof, leather power seats, very very minty. But miles are at 183K. The idle is like jumpy with and without A/C. Almost sounds like it is going to shut off. What clean up is needed was thinking of MAF cleaning and intake cleaning. Where should I start it has been maintained filters and oil changes but I need the tricks and overlooked items to fine tune and deal with that tapping. Calling on org members with 3rd gen experience.

Thanks jl.

 

if the idle is jumpy, check the plugs.
VTC clack = ground or rebuild/replace.

 

Which plugs are recommended and should I do full wires, distr. What brand is the best and link to best price would be helpful.

thks.

 

Could also be a bubble in the cooling system, or a bad coolant temp sensor.

The VE is like your VQ in that it doesnt have a distributor, its coil over plug. So just make sure the coils dont have any cracks in them. And for plugs NGK coppers are the best bet.

~Alex

 

The VTC ticking is the one terrible part of owning a VE. You can live with it, ground them or rebuild/replace. Replacing them is a labor intensive job, meaning it's expensive at a shop or takes a while to do yourself, if you have the skills.

If you ground them, you will lose power and in some cases, they still clack. Sometimes grounding them also causes idle problems. A nice grounding solution is to put them on a switch. That way you can ground them when it annoys you. MrGone did this in his car and worked very well.

There have been several member that had the VTCs "explode" and destroy the engines. Not a lot, but that potential is there.

As for your idle, I would recommend cleaning out our IACV and TB. Make sure to buy the gaskets (have them in your hand) before taking them apart. Most dealers don't carry VE IACV gaskets and it might take a week to get them. Any VE related part, you need to be VERY SPECIFIC about the engine because 90 percent of the time, they try to give you VG Maxima parts, especially at places like Shucks, AutoZone and NAPA.

Check for codes. 3rd gens rarely display a CEL and actually, they don't always put out codes, but it's worth a check. Mine threw a code for the bad coolant temp sensor.

Really check over the coil packs for cracks and test them for resistance. These are most likely the problem, but they are expensive ($60+ each) to replace.

The best plugs for the VE is the factory recommended NGK plugs. You can use coppers in the same range (just have to be replaced more often than platinums), but don't use Bosch, Autolite, etc.

 

Thanks everyone for the advice im going to get the NGK's. Also Cliff Clavin where can I get the white plastic covers for the fog lights I have exact same as your signature. But they look a little bigger they are stock fog's on 94.

thks jl