On Fri, 30 Jan 2004, George Macdonald wrote:

> On Fri, 30 Jan 2004 08:45:35 -0500, "M. Ersin Deger" <degerm@purdue.edu>
> wrote:
>
> >Hi folks,
> >
> >I got a 98 Accord LX 4-door with 83K miles. I bought the car last summer
> >with 77K on it. I recently have been noticing manual tranny problems..
> >indeed for some time, even before it got cold here in Indiana.
> >
> >The problem is not tranny slipping, since there has never been a case with
> >RPMs going up and the speed remaining the same at the same time.
> >
> >I may describe the problem as a "bony gearbox", somewhat hard shifting
> >or gears somewhat grinding.. This is particularly experienced when
> >upshifting from 1 to 2 *the most* and also from 2 to 3.. I have noticed
> >the problem MOST when upshifting, for it definitely does NOT have any
> >problem when you DOWNSHIFT from 3 to 2. Downshifting from 2 to 1 has been a
> >problem as well even though at speeds of about 10 MPH.
>
> Quit trying to shift from 2 to 1 at 10mph - the box is not made for it and
> frankly I see no need for it. The synchro on 1 is really only there to
> provide smooth shifts into 1 when the car is stationary or almost. If you
> really insist on 2-1 while still moving, learn to double clutch.
>
> Does it shift 1-2 and 2-3 smoother if you pause briefly in neutral between
> the two? How is the clutch and its fluid? You might want to change the
> clutch fluid and make sure it's bled properly of any air - Honda has no
> scheduled change for this but IMO it *is* important.

This is exactly what happens.. It shifts smoother if you hold the clutch a
while and then engage in the upper gear.

Would you think then MTF and clutch fluid replacement is the best thing to
do? Looks like you hit the bull's eye! you knew it..

Thank you, --ersin