1984 CRX with manual transmission.
Will not go into gear when the engine is running, but will when it is off.
If I put it into gear and try to start car with the clutch pedal down, it stays engaged and it lurches forward.

 

Have you checked the play at the clutch arm on the transmission? You can adjust the play at the transmission by threading in/out the adjustment nut. It sounds as though yours may be out of spec.

Grab the end of the arm and wiggle it up and down, you should feel some play, yours may have more play than Honda recommends (4-5mm). If you thread the nut down you can reduce your freeplay to Honda spec.

Give this a shot first, it may be a quick fix.

 

Thanks, what kind of oil in the transaxle, 10-40?

 

Hi,

I had the same problem with a '91. Eventually I just put into 1st, started it and just gunned it. And then rocked it a bit. I think corrosion just froze the tranny a bit.

 

No luck still unable to shift when running.

 

So you've checked the clutch cable as I suggested above? The cable has some freeplay at the transmission arm?

 

I adjusted the release shaft are but there is too much play in the clutch pedal.

 

Should I be able to move the release lever more than a 1/4 inch with the engine off?

 

Engine on or off doesn't matter. I would suggest having it off for obvious reason.

This is what we've been talking about here. This is exactly what you need to do... adjust the nut until there is 4-5mm of movement in the arm.