Hi,

I've just got a year 2000 S2000 with 26,000 miles on it and it has got a constant 'tappet' sound, not unlike a Talbot Samba. The noise is constant and can be heard all the time, especially when near high walls, although it is reasonably quiet at idle. I've checked the oil and that is all fine.

I understand that it may be just that the valves need adjusting but has anyone got any other ideas? Also, has anyone got a rough idea of how much a dealer will charge to adjust the valves?

The car idles and revs fine but the tappet noise is driving me mad.

Matt

 

Could be cam chain too, although I don't know if the cams on the S are chain driven. A loose cam chain can make a very similar noise to tappets. As can a small hole in the exhaust...

 

I think i read somewhere on here they are chain driven!

 

They are chain driven.

The S has quite noisy injectors too, I can hear mine at idle, and also when driving slowly ish past high walls or fences where the noise bounces back.

Try and find another similar aged car locally that you can compare it to.

 

Sounds like it may be the tappets, see my thread of a few weeks ago.
I had mine checked for a similar sound, adjusted the tappets and it now runs 10 times better and much much quieter.

 

I drove an 04GT yesterday witha similar sound, it had done 22K miles. Sounds like there might be a case for valve/tappet checks on both

 

Get your valve clearances checked - although sounds like alow mileage for that.

It does make a tappetty noise when in built up areas, (like walled roads)

Does it sound rattley on warm startup? That is timing chain (I know!!)

 

thanks guys, will get it sorted. It is pretty quiet at idle, although the tappet-like sound is still there. Has anyone got an idea of how much a Honda dealer will charge to sort it out assuming it is valve-clearances?