The stubborn "going in to gear" is probably a clutch problem which should go
away when replaced. If you hear no whining from the transmission when
driving, if it doesn't pop out of gear while driving and you get no grinding
when changing gears your transmission is likely still in decent shape. Do
use the Honda Manual Transmission fluid, it will extend the life of your
synchronizers in your trans.
If it were mine I'd replace the clutch.
"$333/year isn't much" How does $27.75 per month sound? Still better than a
new car payment. Good luck!
Howard
"Ken Abrahamsen" <kabrahamsen@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:_E_ed.418856$mD.274472@attbi_s02...
> 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. c- 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
>
>