2 years ago I bought my s2000 and replaced the timing chain tensioner with one of Billman's. The noise went completely away. However recently when I start the car, I'm hearing a really loud timing chain noise while oil pressure builds up (lasts maybe 2 seconds tops) then everything's okay. This just makes me wary that perhaps my oil pump may not be at 100% anymore? The oil can light stays lit for about 2 seconds after startup before it goes out, and is correlated with the TCT noise. Before when I would start the car, there would be zero TCT noise and the pressure light would instantly go off.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid... hopefully. Let me know! Thanks!

2002 s2000 with 130000 miles.

 

The oil light not for a few seconds after start up is normal. Billman has updated his TCT a few times. Maybe yours is an older model that is prone to fail eventually. Your TCT has a life time warranty

 

Oh I'll have to shoot him a PM on it then. I was at the low end of the oil dipstick today and added a quart and haven't heard anything since - maybe it's only doing it when my oil gets down there. It comes and goes... Thanks for the info.

 

Well the TCT does operate off of oil pressure, soo being low can make a difference

 

Being a quart low or even 2 quarts low will not have an effect on oil pressure, especially to the TCT. The only time oil pressure would be affected is if you were SO low that the pickup for the oil pump was not fully submerged.

If you are experiencing TCT noise at startup only, then I would suspect a failing oil pump. Essentially the pump is experiencing blow-by and is taking longer to get you up to operating pressure, even if for just a second. Another theory is have you checked/replaced your VTEC solenoid filter/screen between the solenoid valve assembly and the head? Oil flows through there before it reaches your TCT feed passage, so if it's partially blocked/dirty, that could cause a delay in pressurization of the TCT. I highly doubt Billman's tensioner is failing.

I'm suspecting a failing pump though simply due to the fact you state your light stays on longer than usual. Are you 100% sure the noise you are experiencing is the TCT? Just want to make sure all the bases are covered.

 

^this. I'll add one more. Your oil filter. If its letting oil drain back into the pan at rest, the oil has to be pumped back into all the passages before you build pressure, hence a delay.

Might want to see if issue goes away after next oil & filter change.

 

What oil filter do you run?

TCT noise is a product of the engine it is in, not the TCT itself.

If you took two cars, one with bad TCT noise and one quiet, and switched the TCT from car to car, the noise would stay with the original car.

I have your guide depth measurement on file, and if it IS TCT noise, I have an exchange for you in my sig.

 

Quick question, I need a 5mm bolt to retract the piston but I can't find it for the life of me, is the bolt head 5mm or the actual bolt? If its the threads that are 5mm how big is the head?

 

Fail

 

Bolt head is irrelevant.

The bolt size and pitch is 5mm x.80. (5mm diameter of threads, .80 threads per MM)

At least 1.5 inches long will work.