I recently purchased a 2003 S2000 with 89,000 miles. When starting the car it sounds like the valves are making noise but then stop after a few seconds of idling. I was wondering what causes that noise and how it can be fixed. I have recently just got an oil change and thought it would solve the problem but it hasn't.

I figured if the valves had to be adjusted that it would make noise all the time. I also thought that maybe its the fuel pump that when the car is sitting the oil settles then when started its not forcing enough oil through which is causing the noise. If anyone has any information please let me know thanks.

 

Timing Chain Tensioner is probably bad. Its a pretty common issue. You can pick up a new one from hardtopguy.com for a little over 100 bucks.

 

I have the same problem. I did the valves, but that didn't solve the problem. I'll try to the do timing chain tensioner as well.

 

Does anybody have step by step directions on how to replace the cam chain auto tensioner and is it a do it yourself job?

 

See the "Under The Hood" forum for questions like this. And buy a service manual. http://www.helminc.com/

Whether you can DIY depends on your skill and your tools, but it's not too tough of a job.

 

I don't know the exact sound you are hearing, but it sounds like a Honda to me. Having 89k miles you have on your car it might not be a bad Idea to have a valve lash done.

Tensioner's make a different noise, and it does not sound like valves tapping.