I don't think it is necessarily major failure yet.. 4 bars comes on with coolant temps about 210F and 5 bars at about 220F. Obviously this is not a good trend and can lead to serious problems but it really is just coolant that is hotter than normal. I would suggest that continued driving with over 4 bars (with a '00 - '03) is not a good idea.

 

No they are not. The 04's are much smaller gradients than the earlier cars, so don't worry about 5 bars on an 04.

 

It is different for the 2004. 7-8 bars is normal. I get 6-7 with my Mugen thermostat and fan.

Back on topic:
If the coolant level is good, and the mileage on your car high, I would look at the water pump, especially if any coolant other than Honda's has been used.

It would really help if people asking questions included more background info on their cars (might see my post on "how to ask a question").

 

I had exact same problem as you (in a different car, but my description may help you anyway). 1997 M3, recently performed cooling system service, replaced thermostat/thermostat housing/water pump/radiator hoses/coolant... everything except the radiator 3 days later, car was overheating and I pulled over and found steam everywhere under the hood. When I had re-tightened my hose clamps on the radiator the plastic end tanks had fatigued enough to crack. This did no long term damage but it put the car out of commission while I had to wait for a radiator.

Can you verify if the steam is coming from the radiator cap, or from another location? You may have a leak.

 

I hade overheated engine in my Mazda 626 severaql years 5 or 6 years ago. I got stuck on a highway with a girl I saw forst time in my life, 84 km from civilization, waiting for repeair car to drive us home

No more driving if I even sence overheating!

 

Was she that bad?

 

Yeah, but that's a known weahness in the E36 M3. Never heard of it happening in an S2000.

I agree with the others -- check the fluid level ASAP. If it's OK, then start thinking about the water pump or the thermostat. Oh, and is the fan running? Check the fan fuse, too.

 

Thanks for all the replies,

I took it to the dealer, and they replaced my coolant by pass hose I believe. It was leaking, and was only a $4 part. Too bad they charged me $85 for the diagnostic fee. Oh well no more overheating, and back to normal, so I guess it was worth it. I don't think that I would have ever found that hose myself.

Ryan

 

^ How many Bars did you have to stop at to get home?

 

The car sat all day at work, and I added some water to my coolant because it was really low, the car made it to the dealer with 3 bars the whole way.