If this is in the wrong forum, sorry not really sure where to put it.

A friend of mine told me that the s2000s a rattling problem with their clutch. I dont own a s2000 but my rsx-s has the same problem and I was wondering how you went about fixing this. It usually only happens when it is cold out or after a slight rain. I posted it in rsxworld.com but no one seemed to reply. Thanks for any help in advance.

Mike

 

The rattling clutch in the S2000 is more correctly referred to as the clutch "buzz". Upon deceleration in gear from about 4000 rpm down to about 2000 rpm, the clutch springs reach a perfect resonance point where they vibrate causing the buzzing or rattling sound. It is only a noise and does not affect the mechanical working of the clutch and will not harm anything if left alone. I've had this noise since day one.
However, Honda has a TSB (technical service bulletin) in place to "fix" this buzz by replacing the clutch disc and a couple other associated pieces. One some cars, this fixes the problem for good but on most cars, the buzzing eventually comes back to some degree or another.
Can't say if your car does this for the same reason but if it is just clutch buzz and you don't mind the noise, just leave it. If you don't know what it is, you should get it looked at.

 

What are the signs that you need a new clutch? I have to pay more attention when launching now since it doesn't grab as much as it did before

 

Depending on how you "launch", your clutch could feel like it doesn't grab as much. This, in no way, means that your clutch is wearing out. It only means that it's being released to and past the friction point in a manner that is conducive to a bit of slippage. I know I'm a bit vague in this explanation. This is only because the parameters that would cause this slippage is so variable and thus, is difficult to put down in print exactly what they could be.
To answer your question, I'll give you the "standard" response. When you are out driving on a dry road sometime, put the tranny into the next gear (or two) higher than what you are cruising at and then "punch" it. eg. You are going @40 kph in 3rd. Stay at 40, shift to 4th, "briskly" (not too suddenly) press your gas peddle to the floor. If your speedo rises gradually and in consort with the engine speed, then your clutch is fine. If your engine speed goes up quickly and "disproportionately" relative to your speedo (or road speed), then your clutch is going or gone. ie. quick increase in rpm without a corresponding increase in road speed.

 

wouldn't I bog the engine, at 40km/h going into 4th and WOT?

 

Just don't floor it suddenly and make sure everything's warmed up properly. When you revs get up to about 4000 rpm, then give it full juice.