RE: 2004 S2000 w/ 95K mi

Over the past couple of weeks, my VTEC has been having intermittent issues. It has been engaging, then disengaging going well into the RPM range under full throttle conditions with the car running at proper operating temperature. Yesterday while driving, a ticking noise began to develop just above 3K and I figured the it was related to the VTEC issue getting worse, possibly an issue with the solenoid. I babied the car home with no issue of overheating or check engine light or other warning lights on display. Once at home I started the car with the hood open to try to assess the issue. I was idling with a intermittent ticking noise. Then it died and I have been unable to restart. I decided to start with some basic checking about and began with the oil dipstick. To my dismay, the oil level was barely on the bottom of the dipstick and well below the "Low" oil mark. I had checked the oil several weeks ago and topped it off. This is a 2nd car and doesn't get driven much, maybe 5K mi per year. When I attempt to start, the engine does crank, but slower and there clearly seems to be some kind of resistance working against the starter. My car has never had an issue starting and the battery was replaced in the last 6 months. I also jumped it to my other car to make sure there was full cranking potential. It pains me to have overlooked something so simple as oil level and what might be a very expensive issue that could have easily been avoided. I've owned my S2000 for over a year and never before have I neglected it.

My question to this forum is what issue may have developed? It is plausible I caused catastrophic engine damage? I'm hoping that's not the case as the engine temp gauge never went above normal. Would a timing chain issue prevent the car from starting? Possible VTEC issue? I'm going to get the car to a Honda tech for diagnosis, fearing the worst, but hoping for something less severe. If I "toasted" the motor, I then have to decide on options to fix or sell as is. I have an idea of what a good condition, running AP2 would sell for, but not one that isn't running. If anyone knows of a reputable tech in or near Sacramento, please share.

 

Your first clue here was dropping out of VTEC, it means you probably were dropping oil pressure.
The ticking is a spun crank or rod bearing, your car is turning over slowly because of this resistance.
You can verify this by draining the oil through a kitchen strainer or just into a bucket and shining a flashlight into it. Chances are you're going to see a night sky. New motor time.

Sorry, man.

 

You screwed the pooch. And he bit back.

 

The F20C needs to be monitored for oil consumption, does not sound good but good luck.

 

The newer BMWs I've owned aren't as thirsty on oil and actually give you warning when things go south. Honda should have embroidered "check oil level" on the steering wheel and the dash. I'm debating on fixing vs letting it go. I'm thinking a rebuild may not guarantee OEM reliability and performance, not to mention cost prohibited. Suggestions? Short block or used engine? I bought the car below market and the values only seem to be holding or rising. I figure the old motor has to be worth something and I'm confident the head is in good working order.

 

I'd toss a used motor in it.

 

F22C1 engine in the USDM 2004 and later cars has less documented oil use issues but ya still gotta check it. Takes 15 seconds.

-- Chuck

 

You need to do your due diligence with your current motor before you start thinking swap.

 

How far up is the oil on the stick in MM?

 

I'm looking into a K swap now. Used F22C1 motors are quite pricey and I can't seem to source a short block / re manufactured. This is an obvious disadvantage of having a older, lower production car.