eckler_11

I could really use someone's help who has adjusted their valves before. My car has 37000 miles and has never had a valve adjustment. I do all the work on my car myself but am afraid to mess around with the valves seeing how I have never done a valve adjustment before. I live in Northern NJ. I was wondering if someone in the Tri-state area has any time to help show me how to adjust the valves. I would compensate anyone who would show me how. I really just want to learn how to do this. Thank you in advance!

CoralDoc

You are wise to ask for help doing this adjustment for the first time. C'mon, anyone in NJ want to help this guy out?

If you're interested in getting involved in S2000 maintenance, I recommend that you purchase the Helm (official Honda) service manual. It's around $70 but will likely pay for itself the 1st time (certainly by the 2nd time) you fix something without paying a mechanic.

smyroad

try a search, there's a group valve adjust in VA sometime soon.

Gernby

The Helm's manual does a really good job explaining the process. I have been adjusting my own valves for years, but I still pull out the manual every time, just to make sure I do them in the right order, to the right specs, etc.

eckler_11

Thanks for the suggestions. I do have a helms manual and it does explain it good enough but I rather someone experienced be there to help me. VA is a little far to travel but I'll keep it in mind. Anyone out there who could help? Am I off-base for being so concerned? I am under the impression that if I over-tightnen or some how mess up I am risking damage to the engine. Is this correct or is a near fool proof process. I am fairly handy so I think i could handle it unless there is a chance I could permanetly damage my engine. Thanks in advance.

CoralDoc

It's great that you have the manual - I've referenced mine many times since buying it. It is not a difficult job to adjust valves, but there is a "feel" involved in getting them set right. You want just the right amount of drag when the feeler guage slides between the rocker arm tappet and the valve stem. If you lived around here, I'd be happy to help. Is there a local S2000 enthusiast group that you could associate with?

It is easier to adjust S2000 valves with 45 degree angled feeler guages - available for under $10 a set at most any auto parts store. I got mine at Sears. As far as damage is concerned, if you are good at following directions, and take your time you shouldn't create any problems from a valve adjustment. Just make sure to double-check the clearance after tightening the the lock nuts and that they are secure but not over-torqued.

Here are a couple of helpful threads.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...?threadid=71176
On the the 2nd and 3rd pages of the following one are about torque and don't directly relate to valves.
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...alve+adjustment

E30M3

There is a bit of a feel thing to valve adjustment. After awhile, it's easy-peasey. Damage wise the thing to avoid is low exhaust valve clearance. Else you can burn valves.

Stan

eckler_11

Wow thanks a lot CoralDoc and E30M3. I guess I am just going to try to pull this off on my own. I will definitely watch the exhaust side. The closest s2000 enthusiast group is the NYC Metro group, but I live over 1.5 hours from them to. I live in the middle of no-where which is boring except for the crazy twisties I have all over here. I will try to contact one of them anyway. Thank you!