F20C valve spring retainers can crack after a mechanical over-rev
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What causes "F20C valve spring retainers can crack after a mechanical over-rev" on the Honda S2000 (AP1, 2000-2003), and how is it fixed?
Per forum threads, a mechanical over-rev (such as a missed downshift) can microcrack the 2000-03 retainers. Fix: Inspect the retainers after any known over-rev; owners fit the 2004-09 retainers on the intake side only (F-ap1-03).
Symptoms
Usually none at first; owners say retainer cracks from an over-rev grow slowly and can fail tens of thousands of miles later.
Cause
Per forum threads, a mechanical over-rev (such as a missed downshift) can microcrack the 2000-03 retainers. The same threads say the 2004-09 engines have a later retainer design.
Fix (summary)
Inspect the retainers after any known over-rev; owners fit the 2004-09 retainers on the intake side only (F-ap1-03). Forum sources only.
Related parts
Related build entries
Other AP1 problems
- Recall 00V-016: seat belts may not retract with the top down (2000)
- Recall 00V-316: seat belt retractor can deform and lock (2000)
- Recall 04V-257: tail lamp side marker lens made with the wrong dye (2000)
- Rear axle (spindle) nut torque: creak or pop and hub bearing wear
- 2000-01 plastic rear window clouds, scratches and tears
- AP1 snap oversteer on lift-off
More for this car
- All Honda S2000 (AP1, 2000-2003) fitment answers · AP1 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Sources
- AP1 or AP2 valve spring retainers - which ones on my engine? — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)AP1 retainers microcrack in an over-rev; cracks grow over tens of thousands of miles.
- Ap1 Retainer swap — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Summaries are in our own words. Not repair instructions; consult the factory service manual.
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