Had a look at a car (silver) today and noticed this noise. The mileage was around 88k and had a pretty good history including recent oil service. As the revs increased the noise went but came back once the fan had stopped. The owner said it had not been driven for some time so it’s probably the oil circulating around. He said he had a similar noise on a different car and his dad just said use a thicker oil. Is this tappet noise normal for a car that seems to have been looked after according to the history or is there an underlying issue?

 

try TCT replacement 150-200£

 

Also saved for classic sound of the issue

 

It's 100% the timing chain tensioner.. thicker oil, dear me. What is the owner thinking !!!
I took one off my 02 plate in 2011 and refurbished it, easy enough but you HAVE to know what you're doing and take your time. There's a very good guide on the USA part of this site, use the search function if you're handy with the spanners.
As said , circa 200 quid for a honda replacement or a heavy duty one from USA can be bought (no need to really).
If it fails (and it will) and you continue to drive, boom! Goodbye engine... But some have risked it in the past for months for some reason. It's like engine bingo, only for the brave.
Walk away... Me? I wouldn't be put off, as I'd replace it no problem. But it's a serious fault that can / will end in a snapped chain (the noise is the slack chain clicking off the Guides from a failing worm gear/ piston not fully retracting). My only worry - it could potentially be a stretched chain - which is around 1k to replace at a decent Jap tuner. Maybe a little less. It's probably the reason it's for sale in fairness

 

Thanks for this. I’ve watched a couple of videos on this and it’s quite easy. I’ve done Vanos seal refurbishments on my BMW’s so the timing chain tensioner seems pretty straightforward. I’ll keep looking but this is one of those cars that’s had all the suspension work done. Another car I looked at hadn't had the suspension work done but the engine sounded good. Both around the same price under 11K. I’m still looking around but one of these 2 with a little work and I may be ok.

 

If it was me - avoid 02/03. For some reason years ago, these were the models that appeared to have a smattering of timing chain tensioner failures, i.e they threw the towel in at say 60k miles. That said, most will have been sorted, unlike the car you've viewed. Probably on average a 10 year shelf life part? I know one thing, it's scary when you replace the tct yourself and press start button for the first time, expecting a bomb to go off
Go 04/05/06 (pre May 06 to avoid the tax spike) - better equipped and they just look less dated. I'd argue to the hilt they handle better with stronger diff too. Check for oil leaks too, loads have it around the VTEC solenoid area as I've previously mentioned. Budget increase pays dividends as there are ALOT of ratty old examples. My 06 sold yesterday (I'm crying inside) and only because of its massive history and probably one of the cleanest engine bays you'll see. It does take work to present and preserve. You'll find one mate
Edit : very nice 04 plate on 94k miles in Mold near to you. Worth every penny that at 11k

 

I’ve put a non-refundable deposit down on an MY03. There was a little tappet noise but nothing major like the one above. My only issue now is whether to buy it and risk driving the 200 miles back home or whether it’s better to put it on a low loader and check it over properly when I get home.
I’ve bought cars before that have been very very cheap and driven them 200 miles home without a problem including a Z3 I ended up keeping for 6 years. However, this is a different experience because I don’t normally spend this much on a private car when paying by cash.

NB. Reading that back to myself I think I’ve answered my own question.

 

Might need the clearances doing, they tighten up after a while and need re-gapping.
Mine was done 5 years ago and was bizarrely the quietest F20c I've ever heard. Mine stood running quietly next to a 25k mile 02 plate that was clattering away only back in Autumn, they need fine adjustment every few years depending on driving style. If it's the beginning of a failing TCT then driving back would likely be fine but avoid VTEC. You'll be a 4k revs at 70, or thereabouts in 6th.

 

The engine in the S2000 is noisy - it's not a Jaguar V12. I have a 2002, I bought it new. I had the TCT changed in about 2004 and valve adjustments a year later. I have not bothered since. 91,000 miles. I do check oil levels often but mine does not seem to consume oil, could be because I very rarely VTEC.

 

yes I mentioned that the pulley was slightly wobbly but apparently the belt’s had been done. In all honesty had I not put a deposit down on another car I’d have probably taken this one. Suspension work had been done and unless I’m just inexperienced on these cars, it handled brilliantly. Just felt tight and responsive but not too heavy.