KB2003

Hope you can help! My 2003 with 95k miles has a very noticeable ticking sound, seems to be coming from valve cover. Louder at cold start, but still there when idling hot. I just installed Billman TCT and replaced tensioner pulley thinking it was one of those. Could this be valve work needed? I doubt this car has had a valve job. Also, anybody have a good mechanic north of Boston?

Chuck S

Valve adjustment is a simple albeit tedious DIY job. I'm betting you have time to spare for this for a while.

$30 worth of tools and the same gasket set you'll need no matter who does the job. Photo essays abound. Engine needs to be cold (under 100°F) so driving to a "mechanic" means it has to sit for hours do cool down. Just pulling into the garage will cause the cylinder head temperature to exceed 100.

-- Chuck

engifineer

You dont automatically need any gaskets to do a valve adjustment unless the gaskets are bad already. I have had mine for 5 years and have done 2 valve adjustments and had the valve cover off 2 other times and have never replaced a gasket. No leaks.

You will want a set of offset/bent gauges to set the valve gap and the tool to loosen, set and tighten the valve adjustors to make it easier, but those are cheap. You do need to pay attention to the process and do it right though. I dont know your experience working on your own stuff, but if you do it much you probably will be ok with it. Look it up and if you are nervous then have someone else do it. Not something you want to do wrong, but not rocket science either.

But, that may not be your issue at all. These engines make noise. Post up a good video or sound clip so we can hear what you are talking about.

Also ... but this is after the fact and does not help now... but in case others see this, the tensioner pully bearing is $10, is the same as the belt idler pulley bearing, and easy to replace. No need to buy the assembly.

KB2003

So it sounds like the sound is a bearing noise from the two replies and thanks. Not sure if I would attempt his myself, but I will watch some videos. If anybody can Recomends an S2000 focused garage in boston area, I would appreciate it.

Chuck S

Check the idler pulley. (Actually check them all.) Remove the belt and see of the pulley wobbles. Spin it. Should be silent. If in doubt run the car for a minute with the belt off and listen.

-- Chuck

engifineer

As Chuck mentioned, remove belt ad start the car briefly (1 min or less) and see if the noise goes away. If it does focus on the pulleys and bearings. If the noise is still there, then it is not a pulley or pulley bearing.

EOE

Grab a really long screw driver and carefully place it on each pulley's bolt while the engine is running, put your ear against the handle. Listen. You'll know when one of them is no good.

For the valve adjustment I highly recommend making a trip to see Billman. It was a 5+hr ride for me. Was well worth it since I didn't feel like doing it myself and buying the tools.

DutchyFutch

You really don't have to drive to billman to get a valve adjustment done.

I recommend RACETEK in New hampshire RACETEK Automotive Inc

give them a call. They work with S2000's all the time and assembled my head and my inlinepro shortblock into a long block.
They know their stuff.

Rick is the person you want to talk to, tell him Patrick Modesto sent you.

KB2003

Hi Patrick

just picked up my car last week from Racetek in Newton NH where a Rick did a great job with all new AP2 retainers, valve seals and adjustment. I put in the Billman TCT prior and The car runs like brand new, With 95k on it! Thanks for the recommendation, Rick is definitely my S2000 guy.

Cant stop driving it!!

rpg51

I live in Vermont and my enthusiasm for home maintenance is waning as I age. I may head down to Newton too.