Hi Guys, I have a 2000 S2000 with about 50k miles.

The car sounds as if it is a diesel engine. Like marbles in a tin can...it also idles rough at times and at other times is idles very smoothly...weird. I just had the plugs replaced too but no help.

My car also shuts off when I start it in the morning...I need to keep the gas pressed for a few seconds or it will cut out.
Thanks

 

This would be my first guess. Seems no one can do a simple job like this and do it right. Have it double checked. Be sure the gaps are correct, and the torque.

The morning stall may actually be normal, but we have limited info here.

 

Stop everything and get a tech to evaluate your situation. The description is not good enough but it does not leave me with a good impression honostly.

 

Is your MIL on? How long has this been happening?

edit.....wow 2 posts in the time it took me to write the above.

 

My old DSM sounded like a diesel once.. It was not pretty when i ripped the head off. I hope its gonna be alright for you.

 

Thanks guys,

OMG...I haven't even had the car 3 days. I took it to Honda and they didn't mention anything...just updated all the recalls.

I'm in a panic...the engine still has great power but I haven't took it past 4000 rpm because the engine sounds awful.

No MIL on, rough idle though, coming from engine bay. Could it be a loose heat shield?

 

It could be your heatshield. Try taking that off. My enigne vibrated and sounded tough, i took the exhaust manifold heatshield off and it sounds alot better. However, like billman said, make sure your plugs are torqued right. NGK plugs usually come pregapped so i doubt that is the problem.

 

at 50K you might want to have a general tuneup done, check the fuel filter, air filters, rule out everything one by one it could also be a clogged IAC valve.

 

Hey Guys...I took my mechanic for a ride and he said the engine was not the issue but rather the transmission.

His opinion is the the Input Bearings in the transmission could be worn/loose causing the rattle diesel sound in the cockpit. The sound get quicker and louder with throttle.

Has anyone experienced this?? Does anyone know if I can just replace the worn bearings without doing a whole tranny rebuilt $$$$?

Thanks guys...I'm a new owner, love and respect the car but this isn't a good start.

 

You can't blame the car if you bought an example that was trashed by a previous owner.