how do u know when ur vtec solenoid goes bad?

had a cylinder misfire, changed headgasket and distributor...vtec wont kick in and my d16z6 drives like a fuckin d15y8 slow and loud...wtf any ideas id appreciate it greatly.
Forum for the Honda Civic EG 1992-1995
http://www.civic-eg.com/forum/
flyinryan122 wrote:Once again, Sounds like timing is off