Ken Abrahamsen wrote:
>
> I have a 1987 Manual Transmission Accord DX with 220,000 miles on the
> original clutch (bought the car new). Although the book value of the car's
> not too much, I'm trying to see if it's reasonable to put a clutch in and
> have it last about another 3 years, until I can afford to replace the car.
> The engine's fine, and has started for me almost without fail over the
> last 17 years - a *very* reliable car.
>
> So, is there a easy, reliable way to test the transmission/gears to see if
> replacing the clutch would be a waste due to a so-to-be-failing
> transmission/gears?
>
> Sometimes it's hard to shift, but I've noticed that *sometimes* if I pump
> the clutch, it will go into gear (if it's one of those times it's being
> stubborn about not wanting to go into gear). Sometimes it will partially
> go into gear and then if I keep the pressure on the stick shift, it will
> slide in the rest of the way. I don't mind spending about $1000 on the
> car if I'll give me another 3 years or so of reliable operation.
> $333/year isn't much over a 3 year period - and sure beats a new car
> payment at this point in my life. Other than the clutch, the front
> suspension could also stand some work (ride's a little 'bouncy' - replace
> *original* front struts?).
> Thanks for you hints and tips!
> Ken

The symptom you've described, hard shifting into gear, can be caused by a
worn clutch and does not necessarily indicate a problem with the
transmission.

One way to evaluate the transmission is to depress and release the clutch
pedal with the engine running and the transmission in neutral. If you hear
any change in the sound coming from the engine compartment, then it could be
associated with the transmission. For example, if a noise goes away when
you depress the clutch pedal, then the transmission might have noisy
bearings. Or if a noise becomes audible when the clutch pedal is depressed,
then it might be the clutch release bearing (something which is replaced
with the clutch so it's not a big deal).

Other problems that can occur are with the clutch release cable. Sometimes
the wire cable saws through the metal housing at the transmission end. This
can cause the cable to hang up and might prevent the clutch from fully
engaging thereby accelerating wear on the clutch. Another problem, which is
more common on Civics, is that sometimes the spot welds in the pedal cluster
come apart. This allows the pedal cluster to flex which then doesn't allow
the clutch to be fully disengaged while shifting.

Also make sure that the clutch is adjusted correctly. There should be about
3-5 mm of free play at the end of the clutch release arm. If there isn't,
then you'll need to back of the adjusting knob on the cable a little bit.
However, too much freeplay can cause the transmission to be hard to get into
gear especially with a worn clutch.

Lastly, manual transmission fluid should be replaced about every 30K mi. If
you change the oil, be sure to check it's condition. Make sure that you
don't see any sparkling metal flakes in it which would indicate failing
internal components.

Eric