well, i did not clean the wrong thing. i had a honda techician do it for me from the start. u mentioned if i had a bad solenoid id get a DTC? not sure what that is. but yea, im switching out both at the same time, cuz there 2gther on 1 part, a guy on v6p.net said it requires 3 bolts to change out this part that has both parts, and then ur done, pretty simple. i dont want to go BACK again to my installer and get charged to do a 2nd install, so i want to fix both things to guarantee i fix the problem, cars been running like shi* for years for different reasons. just want it to operate normal again.

http://www.v6performance.net/forums/...902#post785902

"If it does, than you got VTEC assembly; VTEC solenoid valve and oil pressure switch.
it bolted to cylinder head with three bolts and you'll need 12mm wrench to undo them, I’m not sure how accessible those bolt are, but don't think it's going to be hard and your body is more than capable to do it."