S2000 Under The Hood S2000 Technical and Mechanical discussions.

TCT noise?

Old Mar 20, 2026 | 04:40 AM
  #11  
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There is no typical chain noise there, but its hard to say if there is other chain noise going on.

This is not a TIMING issue. This is a chain tension issue. The tensioner corrects the chain tension.
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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 04:48 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by Billman250
There is no typical chain noise there, but its hard to say if there is other chain noise going on.

This is not a TIMING issue. This is a chain tension issue. The tensioner corrects the chain tension.
it’s a very tough sound to narrow down I’ve had two mechanics look at it. They’re older gentlemen, who really don’t know these cars, and one of them said, exhaust manifold gasket and the other one said it “ something very bad but I don’t know” lol

I just wanted to confirm TCT before I ordered one thank you so much for your help, more importantly, thank you so much for what you do for this community

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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 05:27 AM
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@MaintenanceObsessed said it all a couple days ago. Just do it!

The OEM TCT is a known wear part guaranteed to fail sooner or later, often sooner. I didn't wait for failure and installed Bill's TCT as preventive maintenance before the car reached 40,000 miles and for over 10 years have never given timing chain tension another thought other than when others bring it up . Assuming you have basic hand tools, and a paper towel, replacement is a 10 minute job. Follow the instructions. The bolts included with the TCT are mandatory.

-- Chuck
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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 06:10 AM
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Mine was replaced 52kmiles ago im at 63k now.Still debating on replacing the retainers for assurance
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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 07:38 AM
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What generation S2000? 2004+ cars ("AP2") rarely have retainer issues.

-- Chuck
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Old Mar 23, 2026 | 03:55 PM
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brother... give that interior a wipe down... goodness...
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Old Mar 23, 2026 | 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by JBamin
brother... give that interior a wipe down... goodness...
those are some older photos from right after I finished all the bodywork here are some current photos. I was lucky enough to be the only Honda S 2000 being displayed at the Detroit International auto show





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Old Mar 23, 2026 | 05:45 PM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by Chuck S
What generation S2000? 2004+ cars ("AP2") rarely have retainer issues.

-- Chuck
its a year 2000. i believe the valves were already adjusted by Billman.. i just bought the car.
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Old Mar 24, 2026 | 05:58 AM
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Needless replacing undamaged retainers won't hurt if you're in there anyway but the don't seen to wear out rather get damaged from over-revving. For lurkers an excellent way to crack the AP1 retainers is Fast-n-Furious mis-shifts from, say, 5th to 4th and hitting 2d which can push the engine past 11,000 rpm if done right or lightening fast up shift at WOT from 3d to 4th and hitting 2d. Less likely as you get used to the tight shift pattern.

-- Chuck



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Old Mar 24, 2026 | 08:36 AM
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Gotchu! Thanks for the advice and clarification.
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