On Fri, 30 Jan 2004 18:29:44 -0500, "M. Ersin Deger" <degerm@purdue.edu>
wrote:

>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.

In most cars I've driven, 1-2 is often a hit or miss affair - sometimes
it's smooth and other times I feel a slight graunch... magnified when cold
of course. The 2K Accord we have does not feel as "positive" as the
Integra, I assume because the Civic/Integra is more direct with a shaft
which goes straight from the gear lever into the gearbox; the Accord's
cable system is better than some other similar designs but when I drive my
wife's Accord I do get the feeling it doesn't like to be rushed. It's not
bad but it's just not as "slick" as the Integra.

>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..

The MTF change schedule is 90Kmiles(30K severe) so it's near time anyway
but DIY or make a point to insist on the genuine Honda MTF - it makes a big
difference and even dealers have been known to just fill from the bulk
engine oil tank. Take a look at the clutch fluid in the reservoir - it's
probably dark and slimey and if not changed you'll be replacing the master
and slave cylinders soon.

I'd also check the cable linkage under the hood - it's easy to see and get
at. Just brush off any dirt and put a little grease on the cable end
bearings - I smear just a little moly-grease and then wash it in with a
penetrating grease spray, like SuperLube.

BTW, if you see Tom Morin, say Hi to him from me.:-)

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??