We've all heard about cylinder 4 failures but I am not sure my problem is the same. For around 9 months (and 8,000 miles now) now my S2k has had a tick at idle. The noise gets progressively louder up until around 1500 rpm at which point it either disappears or becomes obscured by other louder mechanical sounds from the engine.

The sound does not appear to be getting any worse and I do not seem to be suffering any performance issues - my car has been on the track 4 times since the noise first appeared and it well and truly gets pushed hard - all to no detriment or increase in ticking noise.

If I had to take a stab I would suggest I either have a misadjusted valve or I am getting some slap from a loose timing chain. Initially I thought it may be the bearings in an idler pulley but I am sure it would have seized solid by now if that was the case.

I am concerned though, that the noise will eventually get worse and ultimately end in some sort of major mechanical failure. My S2000 is now over 3 years old but I have purchased the extended (5 year) Honda warranty so I am confident I should be still covered.

My dealer keeps telling me there isn't anything wrong but that of course is no guarantee.

Any thoughts or similar experiences guys??

 

The last time I was at the track I noticed a tick at idle as well. My first thought was that it might be the beginning of the #4 cylinder problem. There was someone there who had the #4 cylinder problem and he said no mine wasn't the same. Then I went and checked out some other S2K's and found that many, if not all, of them had the same noise. I just hadn't noticed it. So I've come to the conclusion that it's normal for the engine to have a slight ticking at idle.

 

I have the same noise. The tech at the dealer said it's normal. #4 engine failure is suppose to be louder and doesn't go away.

 

it's just valve noise. it's bothered me too, but then the paranoia subsided and I decided it's nothing to worry about.

 

Good to hear you guys have had similar experiences and no failures. I guess what worried me was that the tick started to appear around the 20,000 mile mark but hadn't existed before.

My experience with dual cam quad valve motorcycle engines is pretty similar - it seems that once the motor gains a certain amount of wear, and looseness, then the valves will start becoming noisy. It's a pity, because it is a dead giveaway that the car ain't new no more.

 

Anyone who has owned DOHC VTEC can vouch for noisy valves. The best way to keep them quiet is regular valve adjstments. I have used 15K mile intervals for my 1993 GSR and will do the same for my S2000.

Jimbo

 

If you still have a slight ticking noise from the valve area after a proper valve adjustment, you may have a problem with the timing chain and or the timing chain tensioner. Make sure your mechanic checks it because after research on this I would not be surprised to see a recall on the timing chain tensioners. If they tell you the ticking is normal, get it in writing on an invoice so that when the timing is thrown off and you blow the engine you wont be liable. S2K for everyday