Shopman

Billman thread:-

Car #12 (I think), Broken retainers

I checked mine a couple of months ago just so I know it is OK.
A down change causing a mechanical over rev - the limiter can't stop that one, can cause a cracked valve retainer which later in the engine's life can let go.
This causes a collision between valve and piston and a 7K bill for a new engine, so worth checking if you don't know the history of the engine or know that you have changed down to second at 75mph!

There are instructions by Billman on the US site on how to do it. Took me about 90mins.

From his findings there are quite a few cars out there with about 40k+ miles that have some probs so are effectively a time bomb waiting to go off.

He mentions in this post that the most likely retainer to be damaged so far is the 2nd intake one from the back of the engine.

eSeM

Also worth noting that Honda changed the design of the retainers a few years back.

The newer ones are slightly thicker than the older ones IIRC.

MB

I read this the other day.

I wouldnt panic too much as unless you have had any over rev issues.

Of course, if you haven't had your car from new then you wont know.

The post doesn't make it too clear that this is the issue. It left me wondering whether he meant there was an inherent fault, which im sure there isnt.

Shopman

He does mention that his car that has done a lot of miles has never had any issues and he checks them every time he changes the oil IIRC.

I think the point that he is making is that a percentage of cars that have covered 40K+ with an unknown history and the odd over rev along the way could end up with some damaged retainers so worth a check.

Crotch Rocket

Is there a supplier of uprated retainers to help protect the engine or do you have to go all the way to uprated and balanced valve train to get an extra margin?

MB

AP2 retainers seem to be the choice.

I wouldn't over react here though.

Id sooner be securing my oil filter in place!

Shopman

Billman quote "AP2 2.2L retainers are a good fix, but I would not recommend everyone go out and get them done. In my book, replace them only if they are broken."

So it sounds like the ones fitted to the 2.2 litre engine are tougher.
I am pretty sure I have seen these on Hardtop Guys site as set.

eSeM

I have these in my engine.

Si2k

F22 retainers can get away with being stronger/heavier as the engine doesn't rev as high, minimal valvetrain mass isn't as important as on the F20C.

eSeM

I think you will find that these retainers were used in *all* S2000 engines from around 04 onwards.