Hi Guys, decided to post this forum as you guys likely have answers related to my MT. Posted a thread few weeks earlier about my "recent" purchase of 98 Accord.

https://honda-tech.com/honda-accord-...ex-mt-3254543/

Trying to understand how the MT gears got damaged at 4th and 5th gears. Prior to first drive, i flushed the MT fluid, found dark colored but was only probably 3/4 quart worth. Added two fresh Honda MTF quarts to fill it up. After finding out that both 4th and 5th gears wouldn't engage. My mechanic friend took the MT out and tried to open up the housing to take a look at gears, but it's stuck yet was able to peek at gears. He said the gears were damaged and warped "somewhat melt". Is it due to low fluid that the previous owner likely didn't do tranny service at all or for so long? Anyhow, just ordered a Synchrotech tranny for this.

 

Lack of fluid will do it everytime.

I have the exact same thing on a friends stock Integra he bought. Went to drain the fluid, only about 2 cups came out... Everything else in the trans looked in exceptional condition (after cleaning). Both 4th and 5th gear sets were completely destroyed.

 

Jesus, that's just bad.

For OP it's vital to always be on the lookout for any leaks under the tranny. It's important to swap out the fluid atleast every 45k or so but fluid leaking past old output shaft seals will cause more immediate damage.

 

This was the second Ls trans matted to a stock B20 that I've seen destroyed gears... Never seen or heard of it happening otherwise lol. The first trans it was just 5th gear. Two totally different, unrelated cars BTW