The tranny on my B18C acts strangely. 3rd gear is a touch notchy when upshifting, but always engages fine. However, 8 times out of 10 when I am downshifting into 3rd it refuses to go in. Happens even if I go to neutral, then clutch back in and try to grab 3rd, and it only happens on downshifts. It doesn't seem to be speed dependent either, as it'll happen if I'm going 40 or 80. Otherwise it doesn't grind any gears or act up whatsoever.

FWIW, the swap's been in my 92 Si for about 500 miles and I'm using Honda MTF. Also using HASport rear and driver's upper mounts, all others are brand new Honda OEM -- again, about 500 miles old. Lastly, I am using a 2000 Si shift linkage (which I was told was the same... visual comparison between it and GS-R lead me to believe that as well).

Any ideas why this would present itself only on downshifts and what the remedy might be? Thanks.

 

How does your clutch feel? Is it totaly bled? Are you sure your hitting it right?

Many times you have to get the feel for exactly where 3rd is, let's say you're in 5th, you want to go into 3rd, with clutch in go to 4th, then down to 3rd, then release clutch. It might seem a little farther left then you thought from 5th. Just don't get in 1st.

 

If you rev match on the downshift you shouldn't have any problem getting into third.

 

if you have the engine running, put the car in neutral, and let the clutch out, then put the clutch in and try to put it in 1st, is it hard to get in? does it grind when you try to put it in reverse? if so, your clutch may be hanging up or damaged (popped out one of the small springs). also could be a worn throw out bearing. or as simple as air in the clutch line...

good luck
Todd

 

...unless the gate isn't letting him in

 

The clutch feels good. I used a new disc but kept everything else (bearings, pressure plate) from the swap as it was all in good working order when we inspected it.

I'm pretty sure it's not just me not being able to find 3rd as I had a GS-R for 3 years before this and never had a problem. A friend of mine has the exact same problem when he drives it as well. Regardless, I'll be extra careful just to rule out operator error Also, it doesn't matter if I rev match or not... it simply won't go in at times.

I don't ever have any difficulty putting the car in first. I park with it in neutral and when I jump in it to drive away it always slides right into first without a problem. Reverse doesn't act up any more than it does in any Honda I've driven... I always go to 4th then reverse and it pops right in.

I will try bleeding the line per your suggestion, but I merely reused the slave from my Civic and I didn't have any trouble with that tranny, but who knows... it may just do the trick.

I sincerely appreciate all of your suggestions.