I think I have the most logical explanation to #4 engine failure ( given the fact that MOST s2000 owners would definitely use the highest quality gas and engine oil ). Being that cylinder #4 is the forward-most cylinder, I think lack of baffling in the oil pan is the culprit; acceleration causing the bulk of oil to negate proper lubricity by way of manual oil pickup I should say. I will admit, after reading about all these problems is compromising my enthusiasm on purchasing an S2000. What do you think guys?

 

No chance. We are probably not going to guess around and find the problem.. which is likely a manufacturing change / issue since the design is well tested with thousands of

 

I think you need to take a ride in one of our babies.

 

I thought the #4 was the back cylinder?!!?!??!

 

According to the shop manual, #4 is the back cylinder.

 

This person raised this topic on another thread and I mentioned that I thought #4 was aft most...

Thanks for the verification...

 

By convention the front cylinder (or the one closest to the crank pully and furthest from the clutch in an transverse engine) is cylinder no.1 and it's top dead centre (prior to intake stroke) alines with the timing mark on the crank.

Then again, Honda isn't one to follow conventions. This is their first engine that turns clockwise. Don't try and showhorn an Accord V6 in or you'll be going very fast backwards (both literally and figuratively).

 

No matter the no.4 cylinder is at the front or the real it doesn't really matter because there is only one oil pick up point in the engine.
All the oil it suck up would be sent to all 4 cylinders for lube. If the oil pickup point cannot pick up enough engine oil for lube for any reasons(e.g. low oil,extreme corning force, blocked pickup ,etc.) all 4 cylinder will be lack of engine oil. Not just the no.4.

So it may be a design problem in other area in the engine than the oil pick up point near the oil pan.

 

I recall that Jason Saini's pictures of his failed engine showed the damage to the back cylinder, which his shop identified as #4.

 

Correct. Mine too. I saw it with my own eyes.

Barry