I just picked up a stock 1990 Civic Si and found a couple of issues that I would like resolve. The car has the original D16A6 in it. 3 out of 5 times, I have to force it into 2nd gear from 1st. The clutch is all the way depressed, but it doesnt seem to want to go in. The previous owner stated it was bad bushings, but could that really be the issue?

Also, when I accelerate in 2nd and 3rd gear, will jerk a few times then smooth out. Any thoughts on this as well?

Thank You.

 

Sounds like a synchro my man.

 

Is the issue only with 2nd gear? and do any of the gears ever slip out?

 

yeah thats what im thinking. I had a 4 speed that did the same thing and just got worse from there.

 

i have to switch 1st to 2nd slowly and gently or else it grinds...i heard the 1 - 2 shift is a common problem

 

have you tried adjusting the clutch?

 

The car will grind into 2nd or 3rd occasionally. Its not all the time. Im thinking it might also be a clutch issue. My clutch engages fairly high.

Any advice on how to adjust the clutch?

 

fairly high? like as in right as you press the clutch in it disengages? or does it engage right as you come off the floor from being fully depressed? if its real close to the floor, then it could be clutch related. just tighten the adjustment nut on the cable at the tranny. if you mean what i assume you mean by grabbing high, then the clutch is definitely fully disengaging and not likely the cause of your problem. however, you should loosen that adjustment so that the engagement is more in the middle of the pedals travel.

 

The clutch is engages at a pretty high level, meaning my knee is almost in my face.

Today was in Sunny in the mid 50's to low 60's. It was smooth shifting until I drove the car for a few miles. When the temp guage was at normal operation temperature, resistance started to build up when shifting from 1st to 2nd from a dead stop.

Maybe transmission fluid change? I dont know when the last time it was done.