Honda enigma

Doubtful. If the VTEC solenoid fails, all that means is that the engine will stay in the low cam profile even at high RPM where it’s supposed to switch over to the high profile. It shouldn’t make the engine fail to start.

The VTEC system is a variable valve timing system which uses a phaser to “degree” the camshaft on the fly, to give the horsepower and torque benefits of both advancing and retarding the cam timing. It enables a no-compromise setup for degreeing the camshaft since it can degree itself while the engine is running. Even if the VTEC system were disabled, there would be a power loss and, worst case scenario, possibly some backfiring, but not a total loss of compression. Most variable valve timing systems allow no more than 15 degrees of timing influence on the camshaft, total.

I agree. I don’t see this as a possible cause.

Thanks, yeah, this thing is a real stumper. zero compression on all four. everything from the timing belt through to the distributor is turning as it should and the rotor is turning and lining up on time. what the heck is up?

Until you rip it apart and get a look inside (after, of course, verifying that the compression gauge was not broken) there’s no way to know.