There is no seal, just a close tolerance bore/piston (reminiscent of model airplane engines) that must wear over time.

 

Well, the spring goes first. Perhaps the rest goes over time? Or perhaps it is an initial amount of wear that contributes to the spring failing? Probably most people replace it while it's still a just start-up issue.

Anyway, IMO the TCT should have nothing to do with a noise that is only heard at 3-4000 RPMs while decelerating.

 

Oh I see, that makes sense.

 

Could still be some portion of the heat shield, either the devider or on the header. There is several small bolts that get lose/ stipped and crack from vibration. I have had this happen a few times. I just finally took my heat shield off. Found a crack around one of the bolts on the manifold sheild last week, though it isn't making any noise.

 

sigh those innocent days of yore... white s2000, silver s2000, two tensioner rattles... aside from that stupendously reliable... except for the 3-4 gear crunch remember ray? your voodoo tranny oil mix? that kinda worked out iirc.

 

The noise for me now seems to be getting worse. Its starting making it in 3rd gear about 3k RPMs. It also does it in reverse now too. Once I shift into neutral it quits. But I think I am going to take it in since it is driving me crazy.

 

She's going to blow!!

 

I happen to have a spare AP1 transmission in my garage. Keep me in mind the next few weeks.