I posted this problem in another forum:

This is the advice I got from the other forum:

To add additional info about the problem, it doesn't just happen with 1st but thats the most irritating. This may or may not be related to the issue, but I've also noticed alot of noise coming from the transmission during gear changes and something I can only describe as a "slap" when letting off the clutch.

I took my car to the Honda dealer and had both of these cylinders replaced but the problem remains. Could the clutch itself be causing this problem? Its got a 131,000 miles on it and its the original clutch. Both cylinders cost me $577 to replace, so obviously I don't want to sink another grand into the transmission without something more concrete.

 

$577?! Yikes! While I have had a failed clutch master cyl, the majority of the time I've had problems getting in to gear (especially 1st gear because you're sitting still), it's because of a worn clutch that doesn't fully disengage. A worn clutch doesn't always go out by means of slipping. The clutch disc fibers being worn/frayed, clutch disc being slightly warped, a worn pressure plate, or worn throw out bearing can all prevent the clutch from completely disengaging, making it difficult for the transmission to sync up when changing gears.

 

Yeah, $577 has set me back a bit . Its going too be at least 6 months before I can get a new clutch which will cost me an additional $780 from a reputable mechanic that specializes in Hondas. The Dealer wants $1400 for a clutch!!! I've had some pretty bad experiences with non-dealership shops in the past, so I'm apprehensive about not letting the dealer do it, but $1400 is more than I can handle. Hopefully it'll hold out that long.

 

I agree with AFAccord.
If you want, you can go aftermarket/buy a good condition used clutch, get a Helms manual and do it yourself. Minimal downtime and you gain experience.

 

If I fix it, it'll never work again....

It's my only car, so as much as I would like to learn a bit about auto mechanics, I simply can't afford my mistakes. I don't have a work area or the tools which doesn't help much either.

 

Ah... I see. It may be cheaper if you go aftermarket/used. Where are you located? See if anyone on here knows a good shop around you. Not all non-dealers are terrible shops. A long time ago, when my dad had his BMW 318is, we asked around my city and found a retired BMW tech who had awesome hookups on parts and charged minimal labor.

 

I've had the same problems you are experiencing for a while. AFAccord is correct in his diagnosis. I've just been too cheap and lazy to go in an look at all I need to replace

Wow, you really need to see if you can find a new mechanic. Those prices are WAY up there! Well, of course the dealers will always be... it is rare to find ones that aren't (our local Honda dealer has started to lower its prices, but I still won't go there).

Again, agreed on finding a new mechanic. A clutch shouldn't run you more than 500 installed. That's actually higher than I've been quoted by a few mechanics I use, but obviously cost-of-living expenses and stuff are different in other areas. So prices vary.

And I'll just throw this out there, if you have a Midas in your area, don't bother (unless you know someone there who is competent and won't try to take your first born).

 

If it makes the price sound better, the $780 also included all Honda factory parts. Alot of people have advised me against using aftermarket parts.

 

Get an Exedy OEM clutch kit for $100. The kit includes all items that need to be replaced (there's only three of them). Any mechanic (including the dealership) is not paying more than $100 for all parts (to include new MTF), so that $780 is still $680 in labor which is WAAAYYY too much for 3-4 hours work.

Search around. You can do better...

 

Good info, thanks!