I mentioned this in another related post, but wasnt sure if it would get addressed, so......1989 Honda Accord Lxi, 5spd manual. 5th gear is shot as it was ran low on oil before I got it. I have been considering replacing the gear set myself (if anyone has done this before, please pm me)

I started the car up last night after changing the oil and adding tranny oil to it, I havent used the car since I've had it, about 6 months, didnt need the car so it was parked.

Anyways, I hear a rattling upon start up. Jack up the car to get a better idea of where the noise is coming from. It sounds like its right inside the side cover of the tranny. Its not a grinding sound at all, its like a rattle, but you can definatly here it.

But when I push the clutch in, the noise goes away. Let the clutch out and the noise is back.

Any ideas?

 

When the clutch is engaged you are turning the main shaft in the trans, the gears coming apart might have ruined the end case bearing, or you are hearing whats left of the gear rattling.
Those gears you want to replace are just inside that end cap.
The bottom line is that you need to get in there and do the job

 

Take the trans mount loose to let it drop down a little and it's real easy to get to. End cover, a couple nuts, might need a screwdriver to pry the gears off. (maybe not) Then put the new ones on. Dont forget to fix your oil leak so it doesn't happen again.