Today at Atelier Kaz - ex-Honda R&D, F1, Indy/CART engineer

While working on lots of electronics components, started servicing another NSX.
The service menu is the Cooling system refresh including Koyo Racing radiator, Health Check, Crank Pulley, etc.


When the owner arrived at my place, he had to reverse a little and stalled the engine.
At that time, I didn’t pay much attention to it as I was more curious on the brake disc temperature.

After short interview to understand how the owner drives his NSX, wanted to put his NSX inside the garage as the rain was forecasted.
Just before starting the engine, I found out that the CL pedal was really heavy and also not smooth at all when releasing it.

The pedal felt as if using high power capacity aftermarket CL basket (probably using the OEM but it felt that heavy) and also
when you press and release the pedal slowly, you can feel something dragging through your foot.
Almost like CL release bearing is sticking to the release bearing guide.

Anyway, started the engine and tried to put the car on the lift and like the owner, I also stalled the engine.
In fact, a few times before I was happy with the position of the car at the lift.

This could be related to the heavy and dragging CL pedal feeling but also it could be caused by the dirty TH body,
aftermarket super light flywheel (not sure what is being used but probably OEM), Cam shaft timing, etc.

The idle rpm was not steady especially when A/C compressor had engaged.
It looked as if someone touched the idle air adjust screw long time ago so while draining the coolant,
I think I’m going to remove the TH body and clean it thoroughly.
Depending on the result, I may ask the owner to let me take Eng compression.

Also, for the reason described later, I couldn’t take the car out for the test driving session before start of the service so
not sure what it’s like while driving but during warming up cycle, the engine felt as if slightly misfiring or hesitating and
the exhaust smelt really rich.....



The Eng sound is very tappetty possibly from the sticky LMA.
Can’t do much without opening the Eng so hope the owner will consider my Eng Refresh program at the next TB/WP service.




Before carrying out the test driving session, I always check several things including the state of the crank pulley, brake, etc.
During this process, I noticed that one of the big coolant hose under the header tank looked bit strange so squashed it with my finger.

There was no resistance and just too soft so I knew the hose was about to burst. I’m so glad the owner brought his NSX to me this time and even more so for the fact that he managed to get to my place before the hose busted.

If it happened on the motorway, the owner may not have noticed it until over heating the engine. I know this happened to several owners in Japan.



So, there is no way I can test drive this NSX before replacing all of the coolant hoses.
It’s also taking long time warming up the engine in this hot summer weather so glad we are going to replace the thermostat as well.



Bit blinded from the point of Health Check without test driving as I won’t be able to tell the engine response, brake feeling, alignment, steering/suspension feedback, etc but need to play safe.


So, just started with the Health Check.




For some reason, this head light frame mounting bolt was loose causing vibration and already rusted the area.
Tightened it for now but needs adjusting the entire alignment.

Speaking of the alignment, the bonnet is too high against other panels such as the wing and bumper. Yet, the rearward section of the bonnet alignment was not too bad so I need to be bit careful if I’m going to change the stricker position.




The windshield looked to be replaced in the past but the upper molding/fastener were not.
Poor installation and in fact, the fastener is missing….. There should be two parts used here.




If you can tell what’s wrong in this photo, you have very good eyes.
The silver disc covering the bearing of A/C Idle pulley is installed in the wrong orientation.
I’m going to replace the crank pulley later so need to loosen this adjuster any way so will remove it and assemble it correctly.

There was lots and lots of powder like material around this area. Possibly from the A/C belt.




Not sure where these mould like strange stain/debris came from.
Coolant??? but doesn’t smell like that. It’s covering fair extent of the Eng bay area.
Small fire??? but then surely the fuel hose will be replaced afterwards..... INJ looked the original with the paint marking so don't think the INJ o-ring/sealing related.