I have a base model 1990 Civic Hatchback...When going into 3rd gear from 2nd ...gear grinds slightly...doesn't do it when descending from 4th....I just bought the car and know a mechanic who can fix for cheap....My question is should I replace the clutch or the transmission and if so the transmission.....should I go with 5-speed instead of OEM 4speed ?


Also, the clutch is also very touchy to engage...I have to ride it out in 1st and 2nd or the car will sputter as if not giving it enough gas.

 

It's most likely just a worn synchronizer. Not a huge deal as long as the car still shifts easily enough for you. If you insist on replacing the transmission, yes. I would replace it with a five speed cable transmission.

 

You may try just draining all the old fluid out of the transmission and refilling with a high quality fluid like Red Line MTL. On more than one occasion, I've had this completely eliminate scratching synchros.

 

Thanks

That's whats my buddy was saying worn sync rows and if I wanted to eliminate this problem long term go with carbon sync rows when I replace the trans, clutch, etc. ? Definitely going to replace the trans and clutch this weekend if I can find a 5-speed

 

Yes if you rebuild a transmission, it's worth it to go with some synchrotech carbon lined synchros or similar, but I wouldn't dump that money into a 4 speed.

 

just an observation here,not saying this is your issue. Every transmission i have ever taken apart for my civic or crx has not had a syncro problem but rather a broken shift fork issue, they break at the ends of the forks so you dont get a straight engagement as the fork is only holding half the sleeve instead of the 3/4s that it is supposed too. Thus it grinds into usually 3rd. it took me 3 transmissions to get one full set of unbroken forks. either way you got to go in there to fix it so ya just rebuild it all... but the 5 speed would be a no brainier if your gonna take it out.

 

This, but I'll add that if you put in half a bottle of Redline Lightweight Shockproof , it will eliminate that grind positively. I've used this stuff on numerous Subarus, Hondas, and my Celica AllTrac. It had a NASTY grind going into 3rd from 4th. I changed the trans fluid and added the Shockproof, no grind at all now.



I would try the Shockproof, but if you wind up having to pull the trans out for any reason just swap a 5 speed into it.

 

good info

 

I had a 3rd gear grind on my b16 cable tranny. I decided to blame it on synchros so i bought synchrotech 3/4 carbon synchros with the hardened sleeve.

Turns out the synchros looked good but the sleeve teeth were worn out. I replaced the synchros and sleeve, and bam that tranny shifts smoothly as hell.

 

No longer a problem, appreciate all the hope folks, but my EF 1990 Civic Hatch Base was TOTALED 5-25-14. Driver failed to yield on a left hand turn....I was headed west bound and he was going east bound turning left headed north...apparently didn't see me. I went through the intersection and out of no where car turns right in front of me...BAM!!! Radiator was leaking...hood was bent up in the form of a triangle...no injuries....on to a new daily driver.

I am now going to look at and almost positively purchase 2002 Acura RSX base model 5-speed!!!