DIY Guide: Adjusting the Valves on a Honda S2000
If you're the proud owner of a Honda S2000, you know the importance of keeping your high-revving engine in peak condition. One critical maintenance task is adjusting the valve clearance. It's a procedure that can sound daunting to many enthusiasts but with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this guide, you can tackle this task over a weekend. Let's dive into how to adjust the valves on your Honda S2000.
TIP: DBW (drive by wire) S2000 are known for valve lash tightening. Tight valves lead to burnt valves = misfires. It is highly advised to check your valve clearance before the suggested milage interval.
Tools and Materials Needed:
Jam nut valve adjustment tool (huge time saver!)
Feeler gauges
Wrench set (the wratcheting 19mm works great for rotating the crankshaft!)
Socket set (including a 10mm and 12mm socket)
Screwdriver set
Torque wrench (this 3/8 wrench works great!)
Fender cover (great to have and these are currently on sale)
Coil pack electric connectors (these are becoming brittle now days and will likely break on removal)
Valve cover gasket kit (recommended to replace when you remove the valve cover)
Spark plug tube seals and grommets (if necessary)
A piece of cardboard to keep track of bolts
Magnetic tray
Clean rags
Engine cleaner (optional)
High-temperature RTV silicone (for the valve cover gasket, Hondabond recommended)
Spark plugs
Preparation:
Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your car is parked on a flat, stable surface and that the engine is cold. Adjusting valves on a warm engine can lead to inaccurate adjustments.
Remove Necessary Components: Begin by removing the air intake and any other components that obstruct access to the valve cover. This might include the strut tower brace if you have one.
TIP: This 19MM swivel ratchet wrench eliminates the need to remove the stock air intake/box.
Prepare for Cleanliness: Clean any dirt and debris around the valve cover area to prevent contamination when the cover is removed.
Steps:
Removing the Valve Cover
Disconnect the Battery: Safety first. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Remove the coil cover (4 hex bolts).
Remove each ignition coilpack.
Remove the Valve Cover: Loosen and remove the bolts securing the valve cover. Keep track of all bolts by placing them in order on a piece of cardboard. Be careful to not lose the rubber gromet/metal cap-especially on the rear most bolt. Gently lift the valve cover off the head. If it's stuck, lightly tap it with a rubber mallet.
Replace the Valve Cover Gasket: It's good practice to replace the valve cover gasket, spark plug tube seals, and grommets to prevent oil leaks after reassembly.
Adjusting the Valves
Find TDC (Top Dead Center): Rotate the crankshaft pulley clockwise (when facing the engine) until the TDC mark on the pulley aligns with the timing mark on the timing cover. This positions cylinder 1 at TDC. You'll adjust the valves in a specific firing order sequence. 1-3-4-2.
Adjust Intake and Exhaust Valves for Cylinder 1: Use your feeler gauges to check the gap between the cam lobe and the valve lifter on both the intake and exhaust valves. Valve clearance specs are:
Intake: 0.21-0.25 mm .008-.010in
Exhaust: 0.25-0.29 mm .010-.011in
Loosen the locknut on the adjuster slightly with a wrench, and use a screwdriver to turn the adjuster until the feeler gauge slides between the cam lobe and lifter with slight resistance. Hold the adjuster in place and tighten the locknut. Recheck the clearance after tightening.
Repeat for Remaining Cylinders: Follow the engine's firing order, rotate the crankshaft to position each cylinder at TDC, and repeat the adjustment process.
LOCK NUT TORQUE SPEC IS 14 lb-ft
SPARK PLUG TORQUE SPEC IS 18 lb-ft
VALVE COVER TORQUE SPEC IS 8.7 lb-ft
COIL COVER TORQUE SPEC IS 8.7 lb-ft
COIL PACK BOLT IS 8.7 lb-ft
Reassembly
Replace the Valve Cover: Carefully place the valve cover back onto the cylinder head. Ensure the new gasket is properly seated.
Bolt Down the Valve Cover: Replace the bolts, starting from the center and working your way out in a criss-cross pattern. Torque them to the manufacturer's specification to ensure an even seal.
Reassemble Remaining Components.
Start the Engine: Once everything is reassembled, start the engine. It may run rough for a few seconds as it builds oil pressure. Listen for any unusual noises that could indicate incorrect valve clearance or other issues.
Conclusion
Adjusting the valves on your Honda S2000 is a rewarding DIY project that keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently. It requires precision and patience but doing it yourself can save money and provide a great sense of accomplishment. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions and torque specifications related to your model year. Remember, if at any point you feel uncomfortable with this process, seek assistance from a professional mechanic. Happy wrenching!
