Danwolski

Hey guys, i'm looking to pick up a S2000 with misfire in cylinders 2 and 4. CEL is on for ignition coils but swapping them around didnt help.
I'm thinking this is likely to be a bad or loose ground. Is there anything else I should consider or look for when i'm taking a look at it?

Hfreak

Cracked valves or retainer issues would also cause this, worst case the head could be damaged. Leakdown test will help with diagnosis.

Danwolski

How would valve or compression issues end up throwing a code for ignition coils?

afzan

There is no code for bad ignition coils.

There's a code for misfire on each cylinder and a code for multiple cylinder misfire. It can be caused by bad valve adjustment, bad valves/retainers/etc, bad coils, bad plugs, bad alternator, bad primary o2

Worst case you buy the car and need a new head. Best case you just need a valve adjustment

Hfreak

I was going by your thread title "misfire" because these things can cause misfire issues, here is a thread that has found such issues. Forgot to mention injectors and valve lash adjustment in my initial post. Good luck.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/southern...1124237/page4/

Downgear

I would not buy a car with a misfire code unless the price was low enough to factor in potential head repairs and labour. Many threads on this and it could turn into be a big headache for you. Don't let the seller tell you "its just coils or plugs" because if it was indeed so simple and easy, he would most likely fix them.

Finding a car you like is exciting and it's easy to get caught up in the "I'm sure it's nothing" mindset but just make sure the price you pay reflects worst case scenarios.

windhund116

I double this thought. Unless you've worked on these cars or know someone really good at turning wrenches... this could be a terrible Honda S2000 experience. One that may taint your view of this great car, forever.

Maybe, good luck on the next find.

rpg51

I'd say you are taking a very big risk buying an s2k with a misfire code that is not dealt with before you buy. In my opinion it is not worth the risk. The car could be fine with a simple fix, or you could be looking at major repairs. No way to know unless it is diagnosed and repaired.