My 02 with 72k on it is having a very intermittent over heating problem. Itll sit at 3 bars and then all of a sudden it will spike up to 5 and I will shut it off and coast until it cools. Having a hard time figuring out what it is. The car seems to have a easier time at higher rpms and doesnt do it if I drive it harder. But if I baby it happens much more frequent. The shop seems to think it is the water pump which does make sense, but from what I have read online s2000's never really have water pump issues. I naturally do not want to replace the water pump if that is not the problem.

I have found a post where the guy notices similar behavior with his ended up being a loose intake manifold and air was getting into the coolant from what I under stand. (link below) Others commented on it saying to flush the system, and replace the thermostat.
sporadically recurring 'overheating' inquiry - S2000 Forums

The shop is saying one thing and the internet is saying another, and really want to get it fixed seeing as I need to drive back home for the holidays. Any help would be great!

 

Bleed the system.
Does your heater blow hot air???

 

It doesn't blow hot air when the car is close to over heating. But does blow hot air normally when the temp is normal

 

I agree with bleeding the system first and ruling out air in the system.

 

^^^X3, not a simple job though.

 

You're right probably should start with that. Thanks for the help

 

Check the coolant level in the radiator when cold.

I have never seen a bad thermostat in an S2000.

I have only seen one bad water pump, even that was a slight drip from the weep hole.

Be sure interior the interior heat in the car is good and hot before driving, or the head gasket will be next.

 

You likely have air in the cooling system, how it happened is to be determined. A couple bleed procedures should help. Is the fluid level in the coolant tank good ?, if it runs low then the cooling system will suck air.

 

Had it flushed and bled this morning and it seems to be back to normal thankfully. Only have driven it for about 45 minutes so could be too soon to tell. But as for now thanks for the help!

 

Thanks for checking back in and glad it was a simple fix