So I installed a new factory head gasket on my s2000. Everything went smoothly but when I started the car there was a rattling resembling valves needing adjusting. Adjusted valves to factory specs, checked them 3 times they are correct. Led me to believe it might be the timing chain auto tensioner; replaced. Still rattling. It has oil pressure, etc etc... My only concern is that the middle rocker arm is moving freely and I believe it was not able to when I took the rocker arm assembly off. I could be wrong, alldata states it should move freely of the other two without load...idk any ideas guys, gals?

 

valve timing is off? Do a leakdown test. If you dissasembled the head, go back and reassemble it once more

 

Well I found the rattle...After looking back over everything, I found out my VTEC solenoid is not getting power to it. Used a power probe and fed power to the solenoid (so I know it works) and when it opened, it fed the oil to the rocker arms making them a lot quieter. I just have to figure out why the wire or connector is not supplying power. I can however feel somewhat accomplished after adjusting my valves 5 times I can rip a valve cover off an S in about 3 minutes haha. Will keep you posted.