Fixing A Common Honda S2000 Problem - Timing Chain Tensioner

Replacing the timing chain tensioner in my Honda S2000.
Ballade Sport TCT - goo.gl/W2bEKc
Motor Oil Used - amzn.to/2cYy93G
The timing chain tensioner is also referred to as the cam chain auto-tensioner. The S2000 uses a singular gear called the Idler Gear to sync the camshafts and crankshaft timing via timing chain. Please see photo:
www.balladesports.com/wp-conte...
The type of chain, made by Borg Warner, is called a silent chain. It is extremely durable and very tough. Hardly do you ever see this timing chain break from natural wear and tear. The highest mileage S2000 Ballade Sports has encountered had about 340,000 original miles. Upon inspection of the timing chain they found all the links to be fully in tact. It is well known the F20c/F22c timing chains are so durable it has become a forgotten maintenance to ever replace the timing chain and its plastic timing guides. The timing chain is not meant to last forever, just like any timing chain it must be serviced/replaced due to chain stretch. Over time and use, the timing chain will stretch from its original length reducing timing synchronization of the camshaft and crankshaft. This retards the timing.
This leads up to the reason for Hondas timing chain tensioners failure. The noise that the OEM TCT produces is the result of the internals rattling due to the lack of spring tension. As the timing chain stretches and the plastic guides wear down, the TCT has to keep tension on the chain and guides to secure the engine from skipping timing. The TCT has an internal piston which is spring loaded and oil pressure driven. The springs push the piston forward and the threaded worm gear inside the piston keep it one directional. As the piston pushes forward on the timing chain guide it cannot retract, go backwards, due to the internally threaded worm gear. This is a ingenious design by Honda but does make an annoying noise once the piston has reached a certain point of extension. This is where we saw a need to have a stronger TCT.
The Ballade TCT is a billet aluminum body similar to the OEM cast aluminum design. Ballade Sports omitted some of the oil galleys in their design versus the Honda design to increase oil pressure. They also increased the spring rate on the internal piston to compensate for the stretched timing chain and guides.
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[@EngineeringExplained]

Hello all, first off thanks for watching! If there's anyone watching this to do the repair on their own, know that the full repair starts at 6:17, and prior to this explains some of the design and theory behind the TCT and how it may fail, and what the aftermarket offers. Product links are in the video description! Finally, I did this repair a couple weeks ago, and have not heard any rattling of the timing chain in any condition (warm, cold idle, etc). Driving review coming soon, have a great day folks!

[@djkim23]

Engineering Explained hi Jason, just curious- did ballade provide the TCT? Or you had to buy it?

[@EngineeringExplained]

I shot them an e-mail asking if they'd be willing to send the part. They did! I bought the OEM version for comparison.

[@larriice]

Thanks for this! I didn't realize how easy this was to do, I think I'm going to go ahead and replace it on my 2003 soon.

[@beachboardfan9544]

Like that you time-out your own videos in the comments for viewers, shows you really know how youtube works

[@katanamast279]

Whats the downside to the aftermarket part? If any

[@minilogoguy18]

Honda master tech here, the chain is meant to last the life of the vehicle, I've seen 300k+ miles with the original chain. The only time I've seen chain stretch in all the years I've worked at the dealer is a car that was poorly maintained so it leaked from every gasket it had (2003-2007 Accord I4) so the oil starvation caused chain stretch. The S2000 does have a bit of a problem with the tensioner but I've never seen one come in with a stretched or damaged chain. Change the oil regularly and the chain will never need replacement. Also, always follow the service manual procedure on removing the tension by removing the backing plate and using a bolt to pull the plunger in. I've seen someone just try to unbolt it without doing this and the tension of the plunger pushing out caused the threads in the cylinder head to be damaged due to the stress put on them.

[@ACEDshooter]

would you still recommend the aftermarket tensioner over the oem?

[@nose733]

ACEDshooter I came here to say that this TCT that ballade sports sell and it is a no go, there are forums out there saying it’s probably a bad option out there, (I also have ballade sports tct and only lasted 3k miles before it went bad) so I’d just stick to OEM man. My S2k has 56k miles.

[@S2k_GRsti]

I put 70k miles on my ballade sports tct

[@sergiu239]

What about the Honda motorcycles, I have a Cbr600f3 that rattles a bit?

[@sanchez831tech]

if your stock yeah turbo or sc more tension is better ​@ACEDshooter

[@ArthurSperotto]

Words cannot explain how happy I am that you got this car. It will help me so much with maintenance on mine! :-D

[@CB-xf6jc]

word!

[@hobbeezy]

Tip #1, don't use Mobil 1 and check your oil level frequently if you love the VTEC (more so on an AP1 but AP2s aren't invincible).

[@woohunter1]

hobbeezy what's wrong with Mobil 1?

[@sdlausen1]

The S2000 ap1 tends to burn oil specially with Mobil 1. I've found that the best oil for my ap1 is Castrol Syntec 10w40. My ap1 now burns little to no oil and stopped the piston slap noise I used to have with Mobil 1.

[@hobbeezy]

Also possible premature tct failure. My 00 AP1 was drinking Mobil 1, used by previous owner, I switched to Royal Purple and oil consumption dropped significantly. I'm now adding about a quart to two quarts every 5k miles depending on how VTEC happy I get. The nasty exhaust mess on my bumper stopped after dropping Mobil 1.

[@honestycounts9352]

Probably the MOST IMPORTANT bit of information he gave in this video was at 9:30 where he advised to use a torque wrench to make sure the bolts are not over-tightened in any aluminum blocks. This should always be done whenever installing ANYTHING on engines as most engines are now made with aluminum. You would not believe how many times people mess up their engines by using simple wrenches, and then stripping the threads out. That's one of the biggest mistakes most people make when working on their engines.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thumbs up because proper torque is important!

[@alexmoore5970]

So this is what happens when an Engineer plays mechanic! Look at the precision, finesse and care.

[@jiurriza]

Love these how-to videos! Please keep posting s2000 videos. I can't get enough of them. Thanks!

[@lefrogqc8534]

The way you edited this how to video is simply superb. The content, the explanation and sketch's are spot on.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks!

[@1spaghetti32]

Just searched through your videos looking for what equipment or software you use for video production. Care to share? LeFrogQc is absolutely right about the quality of you vids.

[@JustKyzuuh]

Very solid structure to this video! Glad to see this type of content from you with the same quality as always!

[@zachheath3825]

Glad to see you went with the Ballade Sports TCT. Happy VTEC'ing!

[@robertbriant5423]

Literally best how to video on car installations Ive ever watched....the time lapses help when your putting everything back together for my impatience... informative and quick thank you

[@apolloandratti7922]

A big shout out to Billman, s2000 tech in NY, USA and on s2ki. Engineering Explained, it would be great if you do a collaboration video on the s2000 with Billman

[@Trelander]

I just finished replacing my TCT with the Ballade one. Perfect video, Jason. I'm really pleased with how you mentioned the torques and the little hints at how to make it a little easier. Thank you Jason!

[@frankth3frizz]

I watched BadasS2000 get built with all the cool mods, but this video is so different, the amount of detail on what a part does is crazy! Awesome video! haha

[@Jaylom]

Nice and simple install, yet important in maintaining the life of the S. I got the same exact brand and color in my S as well. Looking forward to what the S will bloom into!

[@roadworthy6901]

Its awesome to see you working on your s2k, and making some informative videos for us! Keep it up.

[@Acehan]

Your passion is highly contagious. Keep it up it's awesome! This is definitely my next car.

[@BboyDaquack]

haha what a coincidence! I just drove my cousins AP1 s2000 over the weekend and he was telling me about this problem. love the car btw, the most fun i've ever had even having been in 700+ hp cars. that thing is like a street legal go kart! I am going to get this car! I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE!

[@EngineeringExplained]

It's good fun! I'm excited about sharing the driving video, I had a great time filming.

[@Bandomemphis]

I know this is 3 years old but I just got my s2000 and this vid helped a lot. Thanks for doing this!

[@SeeonX]

Howdy! Thanks again for posting this! Just got off work on my Friday and it was really awesome to sit down and relax watching this. Keep up the good work!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Happy to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@DanielTateNZ]

Dude nice videos... I've never been interested in cars or engineering but these videos are really hard to stop watching. Great work keep it up!

[@76horsepower]

Wow. Kudos to Honda for making this an easily-replaceable part! I changed a chain tensioner on a Toyota 22RE engine a number of years ago and, like many engines, the tensioner was fully located inside the engine, which required removing the oil pan and front cover (among many other things) for access. I've been a fan of Honda for many years, but this makes me even more so. Thanks for the video!

[@Josh-to7it]

I wish EE could do install videos on everything. Most people half-ass their installs but you've got them down to each individual bolt's torque spec. That's research and thoroughness.

[@stevenkern8545]

Nice job getting mentioned in a road and track article. Great video.

[@playback1926]

YES! Was waiting for you to do those mods vid! Really cool keep it up mate :)

[@kylenoray2823]

I absolutely love your channel and this new car, aside from your amazing educational videos, you can now apply it practically, love this! can't wait to see the progress of the s2

[@EngineeringExplained]

Thanks for watching Kyle!

[@billyandhisbikes8875]

The cam/timing chain tensioner on my bike (Triumph Daytona) is already going and it's only just over a year old and 12,000km. One of the most common things to go wrong on newer bikes. I'm going to replace it with a manual tensioner My old Honda has gear driven cams. Pretty much last the life of the bike and sound awesome. Keep up the good work! Love your videos.

[@johnbagnato3896]

glad you got it repaired! can't wait to see some more videos on it. Would like to see a review on a 2015 Civic Si as it is my DD and I love everything about it besides its torque steer + lack of breaks. Thanks, keep up the great vids!!

[@18megohm]

I replaced the TCT on my '08 S2000 today. I got it with 59K miles in 2013. It's my daily driver and it now has 133K. I noticed the TCT making a ticking noise about 25K miles ago. I saw this video when Jason first published it and he made it look easy. I bought the Ballade Sport TCT about 2 months ago and finally got around to changing it today. The only thing I did differently than the video is to remove the cover and the shoulder bolt from the old TCT and install a 5mm bolt, washer, and wing nut similar to the way the Ballad one comes. I was paranoid about the plunger and springs falling into the motor when removing the old TCT. It also gave me something to grab on to when removing the old one. Everything worked fine and now I don't have that ticking noise.Great video, thanks!

[@spenceryoung693]

I love your videos. They are very informative and fun to watch!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Happy to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@mrmagnetsarecool]

Love the Dexter style gloves...they're killer

[@user-mv7jf5xy6y]

I love your S2000. I loved this video. Looking forward to new S2000 videos !

[@mikeycc11]

Im really excited you got an S2000 man. Hopefully you do a bit more DIY videos !

[@HateCrewReaper]

keep makin those videos man theyre fun and interesting to watch !

[@Namanjohri]

Great video! Probably one of the best repair type video. Really explained thoroughly!

[@Shonderdos]

This is amazing! Thanks a lot for making this one. I would love to see more of this detailed DIY video's.

[@THECAMERAGUY]

congratszz for your 500th video....

[@GTarditi]

Love the channel, love the videos, keep it all up. With that out of the way: fiberglass fastback S2000 panels when?

[@sungod1976]

Amazingly educational video! Would love to see you do a valve adjustment next. It is time for this mileage. That would be such help!

[@eternalblue2119]

Nice video, will store this in my brain for later use, thanks!!!

[@sdlausen1]

Do a video on upgrading the ap1 retainers to the stronger ap2 retainers. That'd be great!

[@Bish_OP]

Top quality instructional video; I hope you do more of these.

[@GTiR23]

I can do a wicked impression of you brother, uncanny, love your vids.

[@vopall]

Great job editing. Hope to see more soon :)

[@aaronbryan5095]

Great video as always. I wish Honda still make cars like the S2000

[@ohhailkingbobby1073]

Uve explained it in the most simple matter I will be doing this soon in my s2k as well Thanks for the video!!!

[@rowdyyy82]

Like your videos, wanna see more about your's S2000, since i got my 03 in the garage waiting for upgrades an learn a couple new things to maintain it.

[@tamagokun]

Great video, sir! I really enjoy your work.

[@7Nickster7]

Thanks for the video. I just pulled out a billman tct with a worn worm gear and replaced with ballade. I know billman has lifetime warranty but It came with the car when I bought it. Make sure to consistently check oil with this car

[@wallyinparadise6519]

Very Good! It got me interested even though I do not have an S2000. Clear Pics too!

[@tubo85able]

Just finished installing mine. It was not too bad. You do not need a C clamp...just wiggle it left right left gently....pretty much walk it out. Thank you for the video. No more rattling noise.That noise was driving me crazy.

[@mikevang1102]

excellent how to video. nice to see and know that this is all plug and play.

[@Yathuprem]

The best DIY video !! Thanks Engineering connecting.. Hoping to see more of your S2000 in this manner !! xD

[@ricky5176]

EE I love the electric blue on aftermarket TCT. Great video amigo! thanks for sharing...

[@adrenalize1610]

Get an OEM oil filter in there plz

[@schwannman4202]

Great video! Looking forward to more tutorials from you.

[@Holdeenio]

I'm really looking forward to more videos like this on the S2000 😄 I hope you do turbocharge it at a later point 😏

[@justingutierrez4660]

Hey! Use the PCX OEM oil filter! It's the best (the Wix is popular as well). They are constructed for the high revving, high oil pressure situations that the S2000 creates. 👍.

[@martymartinez9256]

Awesome timing! I'm actually changing mine today. This is gonna help a lot!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Awesome! Good luck! :)

[@martymartinez9256]

My s2000 is all fixed and no rattle and I had the exact same unit as you too! Thanks for all you do man!

[@FastestCores]

I like these hands on video compared to the whiteboard videos.

[@SantanKGhey1234]

Thank you Jason, I just replaced mine with a Ballade Sports today... quick and easy.... reminder people to make sure you install the cover the right way or you will have oil drips... I did :)

[@the_original_Bilb_Ono]

im glad youre a happy Honda owner like me.

[@halleffect1]

my God, what an easy job. i just did a complete timing chain/gears/guides/tensioners on a 4.6 Mustang, what a nightmare. no wonder Honda is so popular

[@matmuffin1]

No you can't you need 16 10mm sockets cuz you will loose 15 of em

[@EngineeringExplained]

^^ Matt's wrenched on a Honda before. When my car was stolen I actually found another 10 mm wrench in the car. I was pumped! Who knows where it is now.

[@uazhar2013]

they are like legos

[@uazhar2013]

yes you can! especially a honda civic! ive done it before

[@Zaakro]

The S2000 is probably the easiest car to work on that I've owned. There is so much room in the engine bay. It only takes 5 mins to do an oil change because you don't need to raise the car.

[@andrecoquim]

I just got one s2k from 2000 and my dealer just told me that he needs to replace something that was rattling now i know what it was thanks a lot

[@AndrewFRC135]

Good to know that this part is serviceable on some imports. I have been spoiled so far by only needing to fix OHV motors. No need for a chain tensioner if the sprockets are 6" apart. Pushrods generally don't wearout :)

[@twots22]

Very nice. I will be needing to change my 02 AP1 soon. Thanks. Also for comments on burning Mobil 1 I use it & will have to change oil.

[@brianmjmario]

I want to thank you for this video! I have the same issue and I was about to sell it because I didn’t want to deal with it lol jk I already ordered the part so will see! Again thank you so much for showing us how to fix it!

[@pwoodson21]

Sooooo are you gonna post a burnout video anytime soon? haha almost 1 million subs!! you've come a long way man, I'm glad to see your channel grow to what i has today. congrats

[@davepledger3865]

i liked your video. well done. only thing i would add - my tensioner came with the piston extended. There are notches on the piston that will allow you to turn it with a crescent wrench and 'wind' it back down into a retracted position. It is not possible to fit the tensioner unless this is done

[@MH-pe8wj]

love this kind of video shows how to do it and has the engineering explained 😐

[@nazar6218]

Very good video, makes doing this very simple, thank's

[@totszwai]

Best video, i almost never see people putting the torque spec in the video!!! lol

[@SGM260190]

Nice to see you getting your hands dirty!

[@lawlerzwtf]

he had gloves

[@DORMlN]

+lawlerzwtf 06:08

[@Dynamitar681]

Great video! At least now I know why the TCT wears.

[@marcelprinsen5741]

Very nice and clear How to DIY! Thanks.

[@bundysgarage]

Nice repair video. Did it fix the noise at idle when the engine was hot?

[@CodySnell_87]

nice choice thats the same one i put in my ap1. please do a valve adjustment video on this car thatscone thing alot of people dont do to theese very often. the ballade sports quality is really nice stuff

[@parisbishop7545]

Thank you so much. I mean that. I love this car and want to keep it until they put me in a home. Trouble is they are getting up there in age and dealers are expensive, so having some sort of idea about the process helps. Again....I appreciate it a lot.

[@brianw4brian]

good explanation on how to... Anyway its a fun car to drive but I'm 6'2" so it cramped for me. have fun driving it.

[@therealraymagat]

Great video! I have gone through 3 TCT with only 66k on the chassis. I have never heard of the Ballede product. Depending on how your experience with the Ballede TCT, I may pull the trigger on it and get it sooner than later since I am on boost now.

[@HotboiEngineering]

The VTEC is going to kick in even harder now thanks to the tighter chain... you better be ready for it.

[@truantray]

Whoa...did ya feel the VTEC kick in?!

[@South4153]

glenn villegas that makes absolutely zero sense.

[@Tekmatic]

it only matters in first, gear, unless you dump the clutch at 5500+ RPM. On the track, you can easily keep the car in vtec all day.

[@siqsteen]

Great walkthrough

[@vroomvroom1490]

Hey EE! Amazing video! I just wanted to ask if you're gonna do a video installing the gear that comes with the Ballade TCT, I see they have two options on their website one with the gear and one without! they also claim a 6-10hp gain! can you address that? Thank you very much you made this install look easy inspired me to do it on my 02!

[@jesseestrada260]

keep these s2000 videos comming :)

[@weecharles_]

i bought my first s2000 4 days ago after a 5 year wait, was over the moon ! i drove 80 miles in it of which i was aware the tct was going to need changed so i had the part ordered for the next day. because the car had been sitting still since December i can only imagine the tct had almost ceased and got much worse very very quickly ...long story short the head of my engine is being rebuilt. if anyone hears the slightest tick from their engine change the tct immediately!!!

[@xiamyou]

such a great quality video

[@nickamarit]

Great tutorial!!!

[@zeddyorg]

Good to see metric along side freedom units.

[@ruinunes8251]

Nice video. Greetings from UK

[@jackdaniel1848]

This is a common thing on bikes, too. I got a very good deal on an F4i because the cam chain was noisy and the owner thought the engine was bad. On old bike I immediately replace the stock CCT for a manual one.

[@calebdubridge2446]

hi engineering explained, love your vids, just a few pointers ive learned over 2 years of owning an s2000: 1. replace the grommet on the bolt that is actually holding the timing chain, directly under the valve cover on the side closest to the intake, i can see in your video yours is leaking oil. im not sure if this is on your to do list as it doesnt cause any problems but makes the engine look dirty 2. i highly recommend getting an Ingalls brand(or similar) torque dampener on these cars, this would make a fun video and is very easy to install but the difference is immediate and surprising once you do. also, clean out your engine bay. this is fun to do because its very easy to do and makes it look waaaay better good luck with your new s2000 have fun with it!

[@EngineeringExplained]

1. Bought the o-ring for it, just haven't replaced it yet. 2. What exactly is the benefit? If your engine mounts are solid you shouldn't really need a damper.

[@zachheath3825]

Yeah I've read mixed things on the damper...if anything, I'd replace my motor mounts entirely I think vs getting the damper. This car needs nothing. TCT was a good move. Do whatever else the car needs and then just rip it around town, maintenance-free.

[@calebdubridge2446]

well ive researched around some on s2ki and found that the engine mounts seem to go bad pretty quickly on these cars just due to the power made, really its just a peace of mind thing for me because a dampener takes roughly 15 minutes to install vs engine mounts which take hours, but as far as functionality goes it definitely does help to keep the car more "controlled" at high rpm and in vTEC it provides that added reinforcement to the car and keeps it straight and steady. of course do your own research as well before purchasing but i definitely dont think the dampener was worthless. if youre ever around Myrtle Beach you can see for yourself! :)

[@Ryan-719]

eBay turbo kit for your crosstrek should be the next video

[@cheesyriceo4]

With some engines if the manual TCTs are too tight, you'll end up wearing the chain guides out prematurely-- or worst case, breaking them. Too loose, and the chain can jump. It might be important to bring this up when it comes to installing and adjusting it.

[@rafaelramalho5320]

Interesting that the aftermarket design is like that. On sportbikes the stock tensioner acts like the OEM one here, but the aftermarket ones are manual, meaning you have a bolt and a nut sticking out of the back, by turning this bolt you move the piston and set the chain tension, then you lock in in place with the nut.

[@mikeyzedify]

Nice video, very informative

[@zducer]

Well explained. Thank you.

[@mickeyhartsell6096]

THANKYOU for this video, I have a 02 S2000 AP1 and found this video super helpful, Subscribe to ur channel for future helpful tips..thanks budd.

[@russl7085]

Hello Jason, Would you consider making a video on lubricants, and what lubricants would be the best for different contact points on the car. White Lithium grease, Oil, ball joint grease, WD40, ATF, antiseize. What lube can be used on bushings to make them last, what lubes can be put on frame bolts to prevent rust. I'm sure with a little thought there would be enough material to make a good video. Thanks! One specific question, What is the final answer on lubricating brake bleeders, or brake line fittings. is it okay to spray any fluid on the threads to prevent rust or seize? Many people say don't ever put a lubricant on brake fittings, yet some do. Thanks again. - Russ

[@geraldhinson]

Probably needed for it to get warm to know if the fix really worked. A lot of times the issue doesn't manifest until after the engine is warm (I assume because the oil things out when hot so less pressure).

[@Badgertronix]

Looks like a good solution

[@JDMTurboful]

I liek how you tighthen your bolt to nM, I mean, it's good to see someone's using torq wrench when doing anything on car.