Hey guys have had the s2000 since 2016 had great times but its been stored since 2019 living abroad - covid...etc.. till now.
Im curious what should I do in terms of maintenance wise so that I can thoroughly enjoy the car for the summer.

Here's what Im thinking.
- New tires
- Change all the fluids
- New Battery (just installed)

Anything else I should do?

And also Im in the heights.
What shops would you guys recommend to take the car to to get all the fluids done. And finally would you guys start the car up knowing its been sitting around the last 4yrs or is it safe to drive it to a shop?

Thanks.

 

Even if the gas tank had Stabil in it prior to storing, the gas is almost definitely bad/diluted, etc... I would drain the fuel tank before starting to risk anything else coming through the lines prior to a first startup.

Brake/clutch fluid is a must due to its hygroscopic nature. Oil, too, for obvious reasons.

But fuel and oil would be my biggest concern if it literally hasn't moved in four years.

 

Maybe pull fuel pump relay or fuse and turn over until you have oil pressure. Gas would have to be rank after 4 years, especially with today's ethanol in there. It is hydroscopic also.

 

Tires have probably not aged out (yet) but if they were sitting flat on the rims for years...

I'd siphon as much fuel out as possible and then pump the rest out and replace it all with fresh 93 octane.

Brake rotors all rusty? Just as cheap to fit new discs and pads.

You know the rest of the drill: replace all the fluids (antifreeze, brakes, clutch, engine, gearbox, differential).

Just about everything can be DIY. Recommend a shop that knows the S2000 and that excludes most Honda dealers.

Not sure which "heights" you're looking at -- seems half the Cleveland suburbs have a Heights-suffix. I'm guessing Cleveland Heights 'cuz nobody in Broadview Hts would say "the heights."

Welcome back!

-- Chuck

 

Get in the car and side step the clutch @ 9000

 

I would not start it till doing the following:

1. Drain and replace the fuel
2. Drain the oil. Don’t use synthetic (more later). Use the best filter you can find, OEM is great.
3. Drain and refill the diff fluid. OEM or equivalent, nothing fancy
4. Replace brake fluid. DO NOT just open up and drain everything. Do not introduce air into the ABS system. It a PITA to get it out. Use a high grade fluid for replacement. Have extra on hand, don’t risk introducing air.
5. Drain and replace the trans fluid, OEM or equivalent

Then drive the car, not super hard but work up to some full rpm use. Put 500 miles on it, then

1. Change the oil and filter, use some excellent synthetic
2. Replace the diff fluid with Motul or Redline
3. Replace the trans fluid, OEM is fine here

My reasoning is this. With the car sitting for so long there’s junk built up in the moving parts areas. You don’t want to run the old fluid to get that stuff dislodged. However, that junk needs to be removed. Then go back to good stuff, and keep up the regular schedule after that

 

If a fuel stabilizer was in the gas it will be fine. Pull the fuel pump fuse so you can crank it without starting to prime the oil. Most fluids will be fine. Then air up the tires, check the oil and brake fluid levels and start her up. No need to change the trans or diff fluids unless you just want to and the tires will smooth out. Once you drive it around some then do the maintenance you want. Brake fluid should be changed based on time. The bigger issue will be if the injectors are gummed up but you won't know until you start it and they will clean out. The modern car can sit for years without issue if stored properly. You have a bigger issue with rodent damage and having a nest in the air filter box. I have started cars that have sat for much longer with no issues.