Hello,

I am new to this forum and hopefully soon new to s2000 community.

I have been searching for a s2000 for awhile now and finally found one I like, but there are a few issues with the car. After talking with the previous owner, before I purchase it, he is indicating that the VTEC does not work on the car and that it needs a tune up. After getting more details, I have found out that the system does not activate at all and blogs or stumbles in the VTEC activation area. Also it appears that the car might idle rough. In addition to this there is a misfire code (could not get the details of which code), but nothing for the VTEC system.

After searching and looking through this site, I could not find anything with both issues. I read a lot about VTEC solenoid and oil pressure for the VTEC system and the parts swapping and changing for the misfire. My question is if these could be related at all?

My concern is that there could be an issue with the valves or rockers that could cause both problems. I do not have the ability to compression test the engine before I buy it and the previous own has no desire to either. Is there anything else that you would recommend to check when I go look at it or should I just walk away due to to many problems?

I have a del sol and a civic si both with VTEC, but have never experienced VTEC related issues with either of them. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I really like this car and would like to get it if there is no major issues with this fix.

If you have any questions or need more information from the owner or when I go look at it please let me know. Thank for all of the help in advance!

 

Find out what the cel is first then go from there.

 

More specifically pull the code, you can go to the auto parts store and they can pull it for free. Post the number here or search for it, that makes the diagnosis easier. If you're getting a misfire due to a valve(s) you're looking at least $500 to fix it. Also just my opinion but if the person selling doesn't care for or maintain the car, I would just walk away. Just be patient, the right car will come along, don't make my mistake and rush into the 1st s you can find. After I rushed to buy mine a prestine fully stock Ap2 became available for less than I bought my Ap1, with less miles to boot.

 

Thanks for the help! I talked with the seller again and he think it was for misfire on cylinders 1 and 3.

Also, what would need to be replaced if it is misfire from the valves?

Thanks, slowcrash, I understand what you are saying and agree if it is a rebuilt top end.

 

Keep saving your money.

 

There's a couple things that can cause a misfire; injectors(or fuel pump), bad valves(ie bent or burned valves from bad valve lash adjustment), spark plugs, coil packs, ecu, alternator issues, and in extreme cases timing chain stretch. If the valves are toast, you have to pull the head to replace them, and also do some head work, that's if nothing else is wrong. Something like that would be an automatic deal breaker for me, unless I was getting that car for under $5k

 

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/1107017-/

Sounds very familiar. Take a lesson from this guy's experience and leave that car alone.