My tranny pops out of 3rd gear. It will stay in for a couple of seconds then pop out. But if I hold the gearshift in 3rd it will stay until I let go. Since my tranny was already out of the car for my motor build up I figured I would pull the case off and see if there was any obvious problems. Anyone see any obvious problems or have ideas of what to check?


Picture of 3rd gear and syncro


3rd gear syncro

2nd Gear is also grinds at high rpms.

 

just a good visual check. Look for cracks and chips in the gears themselves. Check the teeth on the blocker ring and synchro.

 

The gears look good no chips or cracks that I can see.
Looking at the pictures above is it possible to tell if the syncro is shot bad enough to where it would cause the gear to disengage. This is the first tranny I've cracked open and I am not sure exactly what normal wear on a syncro should look like.
Also about how much is a new set of syncros for 1st+2nd and 3rd+4th for a gsr tranny? And how hard are they to install if I have access to a hydraulic press?

 

You defenetely need a helms for that, take your time, check all the tolerances.make sure you torque the bolts to spec, specially the casing bolts.
look how the parts in the synchro sleeve set go when you take them out.
Do a search about the retaining clip:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=613931
You can get your synchros here:
http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/

 

I have a helms, that how come I was able to get the case open.

On http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org the prices aren’t really clear because the 3rd+4th syncros are only listed with 3rd gear for like $245 and in an old thread people said it should be right around $100. If subtract the price of 3rd gear from that price it comes to $108 which is reasonable but they don’t list it alone. And for 1st+2nd they list for $308 which seems really high.

 

Your gears look fine..

However any worn down teeth need to be replaced. I can definetely see some in there on the third gear set... so I would personally advise to replace that set.

If you can get to a press and follow instructions in a manual, you can do the job...

 

You need a rebuild see in the fourth pic how the collar and gear teeth are worn off center. One to the left and one to the right. They have been grinding against each other when you were shifting. Check your detent springs and ***** they hold the gear in.