"Helm" actually refers to a distributor of oem service manuals. The service manual distributed by Helm is made by Honda. So far, that manual, which can be ordered at Honda dealerships as well, is the only one I know of for the S2000 at this time.

 

johev - I too am curious as to how many miles you have on the car, please tell.

I won't bother to ask how hard you run the engine, I'll just assume you spend a lot of time in VTEC!

 

I would love to learn how to adjust my valves myself. Can you please list the tools needed? Also, is there anyway someone can scan the pages from the helm manual? Thanks!

 

all you need is a feeler gauge. about $6 from any autoparts store or Sears, a 10mm open end wrench and 10mm socket wrench and a little time.

100 for a valve adjustment is a pretty good rate if they did a decent job

I have about 60k on the car.

any other questions? I used the min spec numbers when I adjusted mine.

Gregg - scott at King says he knows you well

 

I have considered doing mine since they seem a little noisy to me. The only thing that has held me up is timing.. I think you need to check them with the engine cold. What was your reason for using the minimum clearance, was it recommended or do you just figure they will increase going forward?

 

that is correct. engine block needs to be cool

I used the min assuming that they will increase going forward, that is correct

 

Anyone willing to take the step and do their own valve adjustment (yeah, it's not a big deal, but it's not an oil change), should really own the Helm's manual for their car. If you can afford a $35,000 car, the $68 you spend on the manual is chump change, and well worth it.

http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2.asp?S...L942AB5PJG47PN8

Cheers,
Ben

 

johev - Did you replace the valve cover gasket? That's one more item that you should change if you're going to the trouble of a valve adjustment.

Also, I'm interested in the rationale behind adjusting valves to the lower end of specification. My simplistic understanding of valve adjustment is that tighter (less clearance) allows the valves to open further. Does this really allow greater performance? If you adjust looser (larger clearance) the valves will stay cooler since they are in contact with the valve seat longer, but performance may suffer. So what is the "best" setting in the F20C?

 

I've always adjusted my previous Hondas and Acuras to the tightest clearance thinking this will give the maximun lift. Since we're talking about the thickness of a hair, it probably doesn't make any difference!! Makes me feel better though

 

From my experience (not S2000), valve clearances tend to get tighter over time instead of the intuitive loosening that you might expect as cam and lifter surfaces (rollers) wear. I think it's because the valves get pounded deeper into their seats at a faster rate than the wearing of parts on the other end. I don't know