My 3rd and 5th gears grind when I go fast. Someone told me the synchros might be toast. But when I drive granny style it doesnt grind. What could be the problem? If the syncros are bad, how do I fix it?

 

Tony96EX,
Shifting quickly puts a load on the synchros. The condition you describe sure sounds like they are fried to me. The only real way to fix this is to pull the tranny and replace the synchros...not a nice easy job. What you might want to try is some RedLine MTL. I can't guarantee this will fix it, but to spend $16 in an attempt to fix it is better than pulling the tranny IMO. If it doesn't help, you're only out $16. If it does, hey, bingo.
Bogatyr

 

I've never pulled a tranny before. Never opened one up either. Do I need any special tools? I have the a torque wrench, socket set.. the common tools for basic maintenance. and how much are those synchros?

 

Tony96EX,
Hmm, I have no idea about synchro prices.
I assume once you have the tranny out, you would need some sort of gear puller. And a cherry picker to lift the puppy out of the engine bay. Other than that, your regular hand tools should be plenty. Zoinks, you'll have to pull the axles and all as well...
I've never been in a Honda tranny before either. I'd suggest trying the oil first though.
Bogatyr

 

in some cases, the labor it costs (unless youre doing it yourself) plus the amount of the synchros actually comes out to being more than finding a tranny and putting it in. Call the dealer and ask them how much the synchros are, sometimes they are cheap on certain cars, sometimes they are 150-200 a pop so if you are going to put 2 synchros, plus paying someone to do the labor it will cost more than finding a tranny and putting it in. However, the problem with finding a tranny and putting it in is that you will have no guarantee it doesnt have the same prob with the synchros and you could end up even worse than you started out.....

 

Whats this Redline MTL? email it to me please mpcase@charter.net just say exactly what it is please, thanks!

 

Manual Transmission Lubricant, made by Redline. It replaces your tranny fluid.

 

It's actually easier to get at the tranny from underneath the car, 2 jackstands and a good hydraulic jack will get u there, after that put a chain under the engine (not directly under the oilpan it will bend) and support the engine with either a hoist or poorman's hoist (2x4 across the engine strut towers). once supported you undo the engine mounts, pull out your bell housing bolts and slide the tranny off the spline then its free to pull out. takes a little time but its a learning experience too, also degrease your tranny before doing this as oil and dirt will make it hard to hold onto the bell housing when its free. You may just find it better to find a used tranny instead of replacing the synchros. Your local honda salvage should have one around.

 

How heavy is the tranny?

I doubt I will replace the synchros myself if that is indeed what is fried. If I buy a used one from the wreckers does it include the clutch and flywheel? I'm not sure what is considered part of the tranny.

 

I would say a tranny weighs about 70lbs, give or take.