rspenc

After inspecting the valve spring retainers on my 01 S2000. I found one that looks suspect. I may be paranoid but I feel it's time to replace the lot. I have moderate mechanical skills and have worked on other cars in the past. But have never attempted anything such as this. Tools are no problem I have or will purchase anything needed.

I have a few questions to ask those who have accomplished this task.

1) What are the pitfalls? I have read the write ups on the web. It doesn't sound to difficult.

2) Should I replace the valve guide seals since the springs are off?

3) Are the AP2 retainers and cotters 100% compatible with the valves in this engine?
The only reason I ask is the AP1 retainers are still for sale. It seems if this problem exists with the old AP1 style retainers, only newer style AP2 retainers should be sold.

4) If you've changed retainers would you do it again or pay to have it done?

5) If you would pay to have it done and you live in Tampa, FL. Who would you take you car to? I don't have a mechanic I would trust this work to.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Talk me into it or talk me out of it. Please

S2kRally

its relatively easy, ive never done it myself but ive been over the procedure and for my personal mechanical ability it isnt bad at all, i cant speak for your abilities, but it isnt really a DIY job if you have never done valvetrain work or timing belt work before as it involves both loosely. my suggestion is if your not already 100% confident in your ability to do it as you sit now, take it somewhere and avoid the headaches.

jimbosr1

was you car running bad? if it isnt broken i would not mess with it.i have 140k on my 01 and other then regular service i havent had a bit of problems....

dammitjim

Post a pic of the suspect retainer/keeper.

rspenc

No the car runs great. I want to get to 140K also. I bought the car used with 45k on the clock. Looks well cared for. Since I didn't know the whole history of the car I pulled the valve cover to inspect the retainers. One intake retainer looks a couple thousands depressed compare to the others. I have the Honda shop manual and have read the write ups posted on this forum describing the replacement procedure. Just trying to get up the Balls to take the plunge.

rspenc

I wish i had taken a picture. The cover is back on and everything is hooked up. The suspect retainer is only slightly lower that the rest. The inner wall of the retainer is not visible. Better looking than what I've seen posted on this forum as broken. But if it's cracked it won't get better.

RedY2KS2k

Like they say, "Just do it."

Billman250

Whatever you do, DO NOT take the head off the car to do this job.

It can, and should be done with the head in place on the engine.

I've done 17 retainer replacements on the s2k, all of them have AP2 retainers and keepers on the intake side only.

jimbosr1

i thing you might be opening a can of worms.if it aint broke dont fix it,what ever you decide good luck..

Billman250

I actually agree alot with this.

I have 100k on my original AP1 retainers, and they will stay stock unless they crack.