So I had my oil changed today at the dealer and noticed there was a leak between the upper and lower [insert technical term for engine block parts.] The leak is in the center of both of the pictures.

The car is obviously still under warranty, and I purchased the extended warranty on it as well. So, I assume I will be in the clear.

Some pictures are below. Any suggestions on what it could be?

 

Looks like a slight head gasket leak - not too serious IMO. Clean it off and see how long it takes to get back like that again. But if you have warranty, see if they'll cover it.

 

That is between the head and the block (head gasket). How does your coolant look? Losing any? Gunk? Any white smoke at start up?

 

Thanks for the replies.

The coolant looks as green as ever, and the radiator is filled up to the top with it. The small reservior to the right is at the "minimum" line.

No smoke on startup.

 

I have the same thing, to a lesser degree (2003-10,500 miles).


From the S2000 I have peeked at during auto-x events, this is fairly common. It cropped up on mine at about 6k and has not progressed. Unfortunately it is very difficult to clean. I seem to remember some mention of block porosity but cannot remember if it was a BS phenomenon (I suspect xviper might know). This is the outside of the timing-chain housing and not the immediate block which causes me (perhaps naively) less concern. Keep an eye on it and take some comfort in knowing you are not alone.

 

I've got the same thing going on, and looks just like the pic posted by apex.

 

Interesting... I just picked up my car from the dealer. Their diagnosis: "No problem; the engine is bulletproof." I was not convinced by their cander, and I will be shopping around for another Honda dealer to take the car to in the future. They said they cleaned it off, ran the car for a while, and it didn't come back. So, I'm going to keep my eye on it.

 

My MY00 has that, my gf's MY03 has that, and it's pretty common to a lot of S2000 engines I look at. I don't know what the cause is, but I'm 99% convinced it's not an issue.

 

My last S had this MY04, several of the used ones I've looked at recently also have it.

Some do, some don't and none of the dealer are interested in sorting it under warranty.

One said "it would do more harm than good, disturbing the head and engine just to cure that sir"

 

This is normal. Almost every S has this that I have seen. this is the timing chain cover and it is sealed with that gasket maker stuff. Just clean it off every 5 to 10k miles. My head has been off and this reappeared in 4k miles. I have seen an 06 with this already.