I have a prelude, 2001, SH. My stick does not like going into either first or reverse worth a damn. Pumping the clutch helps it to go into gear, so I'm thinking it's a hydraulic issue. Am I wrong? The pedal is stiff but not too stiff, as near as I can tell the pedal doesn't grab too close to the floor, my slave cylinder is not leaking and I bled my clutch yesterday and there was not a bubble of air in it. And before someone says it, yes there is and has always been enough fluid, and no it is not leaking fluid. Just motor oil, but that's another issue.

Can anyone give me any clues as to why my clutch is such a pain in my ***?

 

....anyone?

 

check to see if your shift fork is moving back and forth each time you press and release the clutch pedal. if it does, then your clutch is probably just worn out... how old is the clutch?

 

How do I see the shift fork moving? I'm so far clueless as to how transmissions operate. And the seller said the clutch plate was near brand new, but I can't tell if that's the truth or not. It also could be new and he could have abused it, I don't know.

My mechanic says this problem is the m/c.
The builder says it's the s/c.
My roommate mentioned teeth could be broken.
My mechanic also threw out the possibility of broken clutch plate springs.

Do any of these sound probable?

 

well its definitely not the m/c. from what you've said and tested i'm lead to believe that your s/c is also fine. broken clutch springs or worn fingers on the pressure plate are a possibility. as was already mentioned i would have someone press the clutch pedal down while you check and see if the shift fork is moving. its located here, circled in red.

 

So if I press in the clutch and see that move at all, then it's worn out?