LITTLEELVISDAN - New Owner Question

[WebGod]

LITTLEELVISDAN

New owner question
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I just bought a 2002 s2000 with 24k miles on it. Before the warranty runs out are there any issues I need to look out for or have repaired? It sounds like people are having gear problems. Is this from heavy racing or is this happening using it as a daily driver? As a new owner a list of things to look for or things not to do would be greatly appreciated.

[S2k Dude]

Welcome to the club LITTLEELVISDAN. There aren't many problems with the '02. I would check and see if the spark plug recall was done though. Other than that keep an eye on your oil level, tire pressure, tire wear, and change the fluids at the recommended intervals. Have fun with your new car!

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

Does anyone know which is best for this car?

[Grainger49]

Does anyone know which is best for this car? L'll E,

Everyone has an opinion. There was a thread about that a while back. It may be in the members only area, maybe not.

But the best thing is to change the oil often. My manual (2000) says something like 3500 miles (I think). I change at 3000 because it is easier.

Don't overlook the differential oil change at 30k.

Welcome,

[Mike]

Does anyone know which is best for this car?
For everything you ever wanted to know about oil (and likely more), refer to the boldface "The Oil Journals" post at the top of the "Under the Hood" forum on www.s2ki.com (http://www.s2ki.com). There is a regular poster there by the name of "RoadRage".....the guy is a wealth of knowledge.

Dino vs. synthetic oil? In my opinion, it is really a question of your oil change interval. Short interval like 3000 miles? Use dino oil....it won't break down in that amount of time. Longer interval like 7.5K miles? Use a synthetic like Mobil 1.

Read up on the differential fluid. Most there recommend changing the original diff fluid sooner than the 30K interval in the owner's manual. Also, be sure to get the CORRECT differential fluid.....apparently, many have received the wrong fluid from Honda Dealers. If you do it yourself, Mobil 1 75/90 is good. RoadRage swears by LE 607 90W (available from www.hardtopguy.com (http://www.hardtopguy.com)). That is what is going in my differential at the next change.

Many also recommend changing the transmission oil sooner than the recommended interval to get really smoothe shifting and get rid of "notchiness".

Check the clutch fluid....tends to get dark pretty quickly. You can change it entirely requiring bleeding, but a quick and dirty fix is to extract some from reservoir using a syringe and topping off with fresh brake fluid.

All of this is pretty easy (and much cheaper) to do at home. There are many threads on www.s2ki.com (http://www.s2ki.com) in that "Under the Hood" forum with "do it yourself" instructions.

[Grainger49]

Like Mike said, the Diff. fluid is a much talked about subject.

There was a thread about that too, but couldn't find it. A recent recommendation was for Lubrication Engineers Inc.

http://www.le-inc.com/products/Products.html

IIRC, it was Sebringer who was up on that.

[Mike]

A recent recommendation was for Lubrication Engineers Inc.

http://www.le-inc.com/products/Products.html
The LE 607 90W I mentioned IS the Lubrication Engineers oil (LE=Lubrication Engineers). You can purchase it by the quart from www.hardtopguy.com (http://www.hardtopguy.com/) (one quart is all that is needed for the differential). I believe you have to purchase it by the case directly from LE.

[S2k Dude]

FYI, Alan Cox carries the LE fluids and they will do the diff. fluid change in about 15 min. for you. IMO, easier than doing it yourself.

[Mike]

Good to know that Alan Cox has the LE fluid. Do they also carry the LE engine oil?

Diff fluid change is quite easy as long as you have a jack, or are skinny with long arms. It's just stinky....must be lots of sulphur in diff fluid.

What does Alan Cox charge for a diff service using LE?

:goodjob: to Alan Cox....they took good care of me last year.

[S2k Dude]

I'm pretty sure they do carry the LE engine oil, cost for the diff. service was around $25 or so if I remember correctly.

[s2kjones]

Yep, I am running LE in the engine, and trans. I can't run it in the rear diff because of the stupid LSD that's in the car :(

[Mike]

Yep, I am running LE in the engine, and trans. I can't run it in the rear diff because of the stupid LSD that's in the car :(
There are many S2000 owners from s2ki who are running LE in the differential with no problems. In fact, they insist it is the bomb diggity. What leads you to the conclusion that you can not run LE 607 90W in the differential?
:confused:

[s2kjones]

There are many S2000 owners from s2ki who are running LE in the differential with no problems. In fact, they insist it is the bomb diggity. What leads you to the conclusion that you can not run LE 607 90W in the differential?
:confused:
I am running a KAAZ limited slip in my car. It's a clutch type lsd instead of the gear type that the car comes with. If I run the LE, it will build up on the clutch discs and make it very loud when turning. The fluid also needs to have a friction modifier in the fluid. KAAZ sells their own fluid for their lsd's. It's just easier to buy thier over-priced crap

[Mike]

I am running a KAAZ limited slip in my car. It's a clutch type lsd instead of the gear type that the car comes with. If I run the LE, it will build up on the clutch discs and make it very loud when turning. The fluid also needs to have a friction modifier in the fluid. KAAZ sells their own fluid for their lsd's. It's just easier to buy thier over-priced crap
OK...I got it. I didn't realize you were running an after-market diff.

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

Thanks to all for the tips. It has really helped. Since I have 26,000 on mine I guess I need to schedule some down time. Anybody have the contact information for Alan Cox? I am assuming I need to make an appointment? Do I tell them s2kAtlanta referred me?

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

I found the 303 protectant at West Marine up 85 in north Gwinnet. $16.00 a large bottle. I bought 2 bottles and found it only takes about a 1/3 of a bottle to treat the top the first time. Good thing is that there is no smell inside the car after application. Takes 24 hours to dry so make sure its going to be a sunny 2 days. Its a bear to get off the paint, windows and trim so be carefull when applying.

[Grainger49]

Anybody have the contact information for Alan Cox? I am assuming I need to make an appointment? Do I tell them s2kAtlanta referred me?
Sherry posts here as Scarlet (O'Hara?) Yes tell them you are an S2K member.

This is her signature:

Sherry Richardson
Alan Cox Automotive
770-427-1745

[WebGod]

Sherry posts here as Scarlet (O'Hara?) Yes tell them you are an S2K member.

This is her signature:

Sherry Richardson
Alan Cox Automotive
770-427-1745
If you become an S2000 Atlanta member ($35) you get a 10% discount on all parts and labor.

Now might be the best time to join... :goodjob:

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

Yes, you are right! registering now

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

Done

[WebGod]

Done
Sweet, welcome to the club, officially! :D

[tmelch]

Hey, he even kinda looks like Elvis!! Could it be???????

[LITTLEELVISDAN]

:goodjob: I think its because of the hair!!

[S2k Dude]

Wow, a new member that actually filled out their online profile. Amazing.