Macks2k

Hey guys i bought a 2005 with 130k about a month ago. Drove it 300 miles back home no problems. I got a comp test done and it showed 220 160 170 220. I also burn oil. Not super fast or even a fair amount but it is worth noting. Then my car started overheating. Took it straight to a great local shop and they said it 100% needs a new head. The procedure i gonna be bringing it to a machine shop and having them repair it, then replace spark plugs, thermostat, oil filter, serpentine belt, radiator cap, and the water pump. They charged around 2500$ but im wondering
will this most likely fix compression?
will it stop the oil burn at least a little bit? How big is this repair compared to a full engine rebuild?
thanks guys glad to be a part of this community.

Chuck S

From what I've read here if you machine the cylinder head you'll jumble the valve timing and trash the engine. But I may misunderstand this.

-- Chuck

Macks2k

But they are also doing a valve job does adjusting the valves. Does it still mean the engine will get trashed?

Chuck S

Hopefully it's not as bad as my recollections. Here's a taste of notes on this:

0.004" is roughly the thickness of a post-it note.

-- Chuck

outeiroj

for starters
1) they are quoting you an aftermarket head gasket set, one you can buy on amazon for $95 for $233 bucks... headbolts for $211 which sell for $46... By apex, the only aftermarket id consider would be felpro and I still wouldn't even consider it seriously. There are many many many documented issues with aftermarket head gaskets on these engines, I fully understand a shop has to make money... but hell no
2) its odd that cylinders 2 & 3 are the low ones. I would have the compression test redone elsewhere for a second opinion
3) its just as likely that a valve adjustment can be the cause of low compression. Its odd that a 28% compression variance from one cylinder to the next wouldn't trigger at least a p0300 random cylinder misfire.
4) I would look for a shop that specializes in s2000, specifically for #2 to be redone
5) did they also do a leak down test? If not I would not condem the headgasket
6) I would post about this in underhood repairs. You'll likely find more interaction with forum members as it is a more popular forum and this specific topic fits there

RogueMotorsports

Pmd

Charper732

I've had heads milled well over .010" will no ill effects and I know of others that have gone MUCH more than that. .010" with a new chain still lined up better than a non-milled head with a worn chain.

All that "mill the head and its trash" are the same people that have zero hands on experience.

Since you need a new headgasket regardless, ask them to throw a bore gauge on the cylinders when the head is off so you can get an idea of how out-of-round they are. That will give you a decent Idea on the condition, on the top end anyway.

treimche

@Macks2k have you got anything done with your head situation yet? I had a similar issue with my 2005 S2000 and my local machine shop was able to fix it all up very nicely. I did not have any overheating issues, but I'm pretty sure my head gasket was leaking a little bit. If you want to read all about my situation, here's the thread: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...sults-1188367/ It turned out that the exhaust valve seats in the head were damaged which caused odd compression numbers. You'll have to remove the cylinder head and have it tested/checked/disassembled in order to figure out what the actual problem is, but there's a good chance that you can fix what you have.