alex102

Hello Guys,

I wanted to buy a 60.000 miles 2006 S2000 (European Version) yesterday.
Went to the dealership for a test. The spark plugs had some oil rings around, but I understand that's natural (from what i read here). The mechanic said he never saw anything like it, but then again, he only worked on 2 S2000 (even though it was a Honda dealership.

The super bad thing is the compression test:
Piston 1: 17 bar (using a calculator on google 246 psi) - i read that top is 240, how can this be possible?
Piston 2: 11.5 bar (using a calculator on google 166 psi)
Piston 3: 15.5 bar (using a calculator on google 224 psi)
Piston 4: 15 bar (using a calculator on google 217 psi)

The mechanic also said the inside of the engine looks great, so he doesn't think there is a problem with the engine. But the numbers say something different.
And the guy did all the service himself from 40.000 miles, probably only changing oil every year.

What do you guys think?

windhund116

Did the mechanic adjust the valve clearances, before doing the compression test?

alex102

I can ask, but I don't think he did.
I don't think that he knew what he was doing at all.
I believe the red cap was never off the engine.

Also, as the guy said he was servicing it himself, I don't know if he has a valve adjustment in the last 20.000 miles or more.

Should he have done that?
What does that mean?

Thank you,

windhund116

I'd check and adjust the valves, then redo the compression test. Hope that fixes the problem with Cylinder #2.

Good luck!

alex102

So is it a good idea to buy the car at a lower price and take a chance?
Or this could turn into a huge investment?

noodels

Run away

alex102

There's no way this can be an easy-fix problem?

windhund116

If Cylinder #2 stays at low compression, you either need a valve job or rings. Or both.

It's why compression tests are so nice, for pre-purchase inspections.

jyeung528

you don't take chances on low compression...because you already know there is something wrong.

what mechanic tells you the engine is okay with low compression? have them fix the compression, tell you what was causing the low compression, then you can consider purchasing the car.