Greetings all,

Not sure if this is the right forum area, but I could not find a area for the 1990 Civics...but anyways.

I have a 1990 Honda Civic DX (2 door hatchback) that is having some transmission/clutch issues. The car has approx 188,000 miles on it and I do not know if the clutch has ever been replaced. The car burns oil, but other than this new issue, it runs and drives great...and still cant beat the gas mileage!

The problem is that when I shift from 1st to 2nd gear, it does not act like the clutch is fully engaged...I still am moving, but the engine revs as if I am in neutral, but if I let up on the gas and then re-accelerate, it seems to then work fine... All other gears 1, 3, 4, 5, dont seem to have this issue. The issue aslo seems more apparent when going up a hill if that makes any difference.

I have looked into getting the clutch replaced but its not too cheap ~ $600 (including a rear seal replacement). I would do it myself but it seems one has to little take the whole engine apart to do... I have also read that it might not be the clutch as its only doing it in one gear...

Any suggestions / advice? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I would point more towards an internal issue if it is gear specific. Does it feel more like its popping out of gear? If so you could have an input bearing shaft issue or worn gear engagement parts for 2nd gear ie. fork, sleeve, gear, synchro. Also check your engine mounts as the engine and trans rocking back and forth can be an issue.

As for the clutch install....$600?? That is pricey. The clutches are fairly easy to install on a 90 civic. Basic mechanic can perform this job. Stock clutch should be no more than $200 and labor I would say about the same.