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Servicing 20 year old S2K

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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 05:48 AM
  #11  
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Again, like Chuck said. Tire, tires, tires. Just make sure they are not the original factory tires. If you want to see what happens to a 20 year old tire on a 3 hour drive back to my house. Here you go. Look down at post #5

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/introduc...s2000-1220302/
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Old Mar 6, 2025 | 06:03 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by The King
Always used Honda fluids in my car and they were the proper ones because as the owner of the dealership I made certain they were. ... I expect Amsoil have fine products, but I question if they are necessarily worth the added cost....
Agree. Honda fluids fine. Amsoil expensive and not required.

But I wouldn't trust Honda dealer to sell me correct fluids, if I wasn't able to verify them myself bc of knowledge I've gained here and from servoce manual.

Not uncommon for dealer to put wrong diff fluid in, for instance. Diff soon destroyed. That means parts guy and tech both failed to catch it. That has happened to more than a few people.

That's the problem that Amsoil lookup solves. Reason I suggested it is if someone doesn't have the knowledge to verify fluids for this platform, they could use Amsoil lookup and be confident.

Or they could buy from Honda and post pic asking this forum if its the correct stuff before they use it.
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 07:47 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Car Analogy
Cabin filter, bit of a pain to change. They get dirty quickly. Faster than other cars it seems.

YouTube

Engine air filter, don't bother. Even if a bit visually dirty, at your miles its still fine.

I would avoid Honda branded fluids. Not especially high quality, and bc buying from dealer, they're likely to sell you wrong stuff. One way to always get correct stuff, buy online Amsoil. Use their fluid lookup selector, which will tell you what fluids you need for any car model.

The oil filter, be sure to torque it down per specs written on filter. This cannot be done by hand. No one that could fit in the car posses that strength. Perhaps none on earth do.

Only the Honda filter has the gasket that allows torquing it, and only the one made specifically for S2000. It'll have numbers 1-8 written on base of filter, and instructions how to use those numbers to torque it (7/8 of a turn after initial gasket contact).

You should either use this filter, or use a filter safety wire kit. Failure to do either risks filter spinning loose, engine fire that destroys car. Many cars have had this fate.

9k rpm requires high oil pressure. VTEC steals a lot of oil flow. So pump has way more pressure and flow than most anything. Combined w vibes at 9k, its prone to forcing filter to spin off. Hence Honda designed special filter.

Be sure dealer sells you correct one. Standard Honda filter fits. Official Honda position is either filter is ok. Not for my S it isn't.

You'll need a filter socket to install, and remove filter.
Yup good info.... you can get the proper filter (15400-PCX-306) even on Amazon. more info on the wrench and filter: https://www.lhtperformance.com/produ...il-filter-tool
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 01:50 PM
  #14  
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I wouldn't trust Amazon if you want authentic parts.

Just shop at a Honda dealer for the filter.

The only Honda fluid I tend to use is the MTF. Everything else is available elsewhere.

Honda brake fluid is fine. Whatever.

A Honda automobile dealer is probably not going to carry the correct weight of differential fluid, however.

And you can find 10W30 engine oil anywhere.
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Old Mar 7, 2025 | 05:12 PM
  #15  
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I did find some authentic bulk Honda filters on Amazon but any other parts can be suspect unless an actual Honda parts dealer is the seller. I have seen that as well as eBay.

Use the Billman method for changing brake fluid. Easy, one person, and nothing over the top. Just don't let the reservoir go dry or you will have to sell the car for scrap.

You will find a big difference in transmission feel from just warning up the fluid.

You may want to go for 5W30 or what I use, 0W30 for start up lubrication properties. We can start a discussion on the best engine oil right now.
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Old Mar 8, 2025 | 04:55 AM
  #16  
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Thanks to all for all the good information! one more question does anyone know of a mechanic familiar with the S2K in NE Georgia? I can go comfortably to Greenville SC, Franklin NC, Gainsville GA. Chester
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Old Mar 8, 2025 | 12:03 PM
  #17  
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Best to post that q in subforum for your local area.
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Old Mar 9, 2025 | 03:57 AM
  #18  
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Congrats on your purchase. If the previous owner was as meticulous as you say I would bet you dont have much to worry about on a car with 21k. If you want to do fluids it wont hurt anything as long as you dont strip or over torque any fill or drain plugs. Your favorite synthetic oil and correct Honda filter (15400-PCX-306) is a cheap way to familiarize yourself with the main maintenance of the car and will probably make you feel better. (dont forget the crush washer 94109-14000) Coolant is probably a good idea if its never been done. It can lose some of its effectiveness with age. Use Honda coolant Type 2 prediluted. It should be blue in color, if another color than blue (like green, red, pink, or orange) comes out of your radiator during draining I would change it multiple times with some run time in between until the improper coolant has been effectively removed from your system. For trans fluid I still use the Honda MTF pretty religiously in my own and customer cars. The Honda formula was updated some time ago and new green label quarts have been out for years at this point. You'll need some new washers for fill and drain as well if you decide to do this. For rear diff feel free to pick a lube that makes you happy. I tend to throw Amsoil in mine but customers who dont use Amsoil tend to go Mobile or Valvoline. Once again two washers needed as well as 23mm box wrench and a 24mm socket. Those sizes are a little odd to have for most DIYers. Brake and clutch fluid absolutely change it. learn how to do and get good at it. take some kind of sick enjoyment out of it.. the s2000 for some reason loves to freeze up calipers. best prevention is new fluid annually. Choose a good dot 4 fluid (ATE typ 200 and Motul Rbf600 are some favorites)(you can use dot3 dot4 and dot5.1 never dot5). I tell most people to buy the small bottles. once you open it you have to use it. brake fluid can not sit on the shelf once opened for use next time. Air filter is probably still pretty new at 21k. Cabin filter is a pain but I tell people to give them a change after pollen season annually if they drive the car often. Drive belt is probably also in great shape. only worry is if the car had any type of moisture on the pullies, that sometimes causes rust. most noticeable on the idler. Here is my big one for you that I dont believe you mentioned in your main post. Check your tire dates!! If the tires are older than 5 years old consider changing them. If they say Bridgestone RE-050 or RE-11 its time to change em those tires have been out of production for too long. Hope this helps.
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Old Mar 9, 2025 | 03:59 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by cbaum
Thanks to all for all the good information! one more question does anyone know of a mechanic familiar with the S2K in NE Georgia? I can go comfortably to Greenville SC, Franklin NC, Gainsville GA. Chester
I'm not local but may be in the Ashville/Greenville area soonish if you want eyes on something.
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Old Mar 9, 2025 | 07:00 AM
  #20  
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JBamin thanks for the detailed information. I have an appointment with a mechanic I trust in Greenville SC. We will work together on a Saturday when the shop is closed. I will share all the information with him. When I purchase d the car the previous owner had new tires and battery in stalled. I can not find a thing wrong with the car the only reason I ‘m considering doing all this is the 20 years it has only been driven 21K. Thanks again Chester
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