I have a 1st gen B16 with the S1 trans and when I have driven for a while and things
are hot, it starts to get hard to get into gear.... no grind, but an initial clunk ...

Any ideas? This is from a dead stop, or when moving.....and then when its cold,
it works just like new again......

AAARRRRGH!!

 

What fluid are you using?

 

Honda MTF and 1/4 syncromesh

 

It was worse before, when I was just using HMTF....5th was grinding bad.....but now 5th is fine but it is HARD to get it into gear after driving for a while....

 

Change fluid to Supertech 10w-30 dino or Torco MTF.

 

Isn't honda mtf not that great for cable trannies? I don't see why it would differ though since the internals are almost completely the same besides the shift forks, the top bearing etc.

 

Honda MTF isn't good for anything other than daily drivers that never get beat on.

 

Maybe for these Front-drive transmissions
I know in the S2000 world if you use anything other than Honda MTF (the new formulation) or Redline MTF most people will get a nasty grind going 1-2 or 4-5

As the local gear guru, what do you think the difference in performance between using the 10w30 and the MTF in these transaxles comes down to? Perhaps just the older design that was meant to work with motor oil in the first place?

 

MTF is too thin, heat makes it thinner.....might as well run water.



"Well Water!"

 

Bone answered for me.

 

I recently went through these exact issues. I first changed out the honda mtf and replaced it with torco mtf. No change. I then pulled the tranmission to check the pressure plate and clutch disc, found nothing wrong, replaced to an upgraded unit anyways, no change. I then replaced my clutch cable with a new oem and problem went away. Apparently after driving for a while the cable would slowly start to stretch and make it very dificult to shift.

If your clutch cable is the original, it's very possible that this is your issue. Also what clutch are you running? Are you running a stock full face clutch with an oem pressure plate or a 6 puck with a heavier pressure plate? If the clutch is an oem type then it should have about a 1/4inch of freeplay in the cable at the tranmission adjuster, but i have found that with a heavier pressure plate adjusting the cable fully tight works best.