I have a manual 97 Integra and I've been noticing notchy shifting lately. I have 169,000 miles on the car as of right now. I don't drive the car hard or anything, 99% of the time I drive like a grandma. When I first got it, the shifts were really smooth. I'm not sure if the tranny fluid has been changed out yet but I will be doing this ASAP. Even when the car is off, the shifting is still pretty rough. For example, when I shift from 1st to 2nd it seems as if it stops in the middle then goes into 2nd. I had 2 bad experiences when stopped at a red light. I clutched in all the way to go into 1st but it wouldn't budge, I tried 2nd and it didn't go all the way in and it grinded. I had to put it in neutral, pump the clutch and put it back in 1st. Any ideas?

 

How many miles were on it when you bought it?
Changing the transmission fluid is a good start. Flushing the clutch fluid wouldn't be a bad idea either.

 

how old is the clutch? it may not be fully engaging causing the gear changes to be a bit harsh. i recommend pennzoil syncromesh for trans fluid

 

154,000 I believe. Yeah 2 years owning this car and I only put 15,000 miles on it lol. I'm sure the previous owner didn't change any fluids at all. I'll more into this.

Not sure how old the clutch it. It feels pretty light compared to all my other friend's cars. I heard really good things about Pennzoil, MTF, Redline, and GM. Not sure which one is superior though.

Another thing I noticed is that when I filled up on 87 Chevron gas, the shifting is quite smoother. It only lasts for a couple of days however.

 

Honda mtf should do the trick.Sound's like you might just need a tranny fluid change if you still have the prob after i would look into the clutch.How come you do not use 91 it is way better for the car.

 

If it's a stock LS, there's no need for 91 octane. Dirty/old tranny fluid wouldn't explain why after pumping the clutch pedal a few times the OP can get the tranny into gear. It sounds more like a faulty hydraulic system.

 

OOO because i thought tranny fluid helped it go into gear.Sorry op i was wrong.

 

I agree the first thing to change is the clutch hydro fluid, [flush and replace] if that makes no diff. then I would replace the transmission fluid, if no improvement then replace the clutch, 169,000 miles on a stock clutch is a lot, [if it's still stock/OEM].

Start with the easiest/cheapest, [clutch hydro fluid] then the next cheapest, tranny fluid/oil] then the more expensive clutch replacement.

It can't hurt to do the hydro fluid and tranny fluid/oil anyway. 94

 

My oem clutch ended up lasting around 175,000mi before it needed to be changed. Although it did come out in peices. Lol. If you end up changing your transmission fluid see if you can find friction modified gm synchromesh. The gm dealership in my area still had quite a few dozen cases in stock according to the parts guy, even though it was discontinued a while back.

 

GM Synchromesh Friction Modified is superior to the Pennzoil stuff (which is NOT friction modified). If you can't find the GM stuff, I recommend the newer formulation of Honda MTF.

 

I was looking at Team Integra's DIY on how to change the tranny fluid and he used Redline. IDK where I can buy that stuff, but if anything I'll get MTF or GM. If I can find it. Lets just hope its just the tranny fluid if anything. I'm no expert when it comes to mechanic work, but I sure wish I was.. Thanks for the advice guys.

 

Just run down to your local gm dealership. They will have regular synchromesh in stock. If you are lucky they will have some friction modified synchromesh. If nothing else you cen get it from ebay. It is worth it.

 

Just try changing the fluid, and even adjust the clutch pedal. This can work wonders.

 

Idk if it's just me but the new honda mtf fluid once warmed up brings on the notchy shifting.

 

i find that most notchy shifts are due to "lazy" shifts. its all about timing...but fluid helps tons too.

i run amsoil syncromesh in my car.
this fluid made the shifts precise and gives it a positive firm feeling

pennzoil syncromesh
mushy feeling but smooth

honda mtf
firm and kind of notchy.

amsoil is my choice!

I agree with a poster above with flushing the clutch line first. If you can, use the vacuum tool...i believe its much more effective than the standard pump the clutch method. higher chance to let air in with pumping the clutch pedal.

 

I can't comment on if it's any easier or better using a vac pump to bleed the clutch line, but it's impossible to let air into the clutch line as long as you keep the reservoir from running dry, and you keep the tube on the bleeder screw submerged in fluid. You're really no more or less likely to let air into the line with either method if you keep fluid in the reservoir. If you let it run dry you'll introduce air no matter which method you use.

 

What fluid did you use for the clutch MC after flushing it?

 

Honda MTF did miracles for me back when I had my Integra. It was like shifting a butter knife through a tub of butter after the flush.

 

Been using Valvoline DOT III Synthetic brake fluid for years for brakes and clutch.

 

Amsoil syncromesh. It made my 3rd gear stop grinding. With honda mtf it would grind.