Manual tranny problems

[Dennis bailey]

I just bought this 2000 5spd and quickly became aware that it grinds between first and second when I upshift unless I pause in neutral. I also have to double clutch when downshifting from third to second or second to first. Is this a common malady after two
hundred thousand miles? Any remedies other than pulling the transmission and replacing/rebuilding it? I haven't checked the fluid level yet, but plan to drain and replace the gear oil. Any recommendations on the new fluid? Or additives? Thank you

[bryankwalton]

Only use Honda MTF. You will need two bottles of it. Also, have you checked the clutch fluid?

Cheers,
Bryan

[gsfent]

Originally Posted by Dennis bailey

it grinds between first and second when I upshift unless I pause in neutral. I also have to double clutch when downshifting from third to second or second to first. Is this a common malady after two
hundred thousand miles?

I am no expert here, but after 200k miles, any transmission may have grinding issues!

Most likely synchros, if you spend time here you will find it is not an uncommon problem in tranny's with half the miles. Apparently the 1/2 synchro is the most common, understandly it gets used the most and has the most torque going through it.

Absolutely change the tranny fluid as recommended (do a used fluid analysis, I believe Blackstone does tranny fluid as well as oil) but don't be surprised if the improvement is minor.

I would guess sourcing a known used tranny is cheaper than a rebuilt, but that is just a guess.

Regards,
Jerry

P.S. At least you know how to double clutch, a lost art!

[Dennis bailey]

Thanks for the input all. I'll pick up some Honda MTF. Don't think I'll go for the analysis. Probalbly it's been thickened with synchro material. I've seen used for about 700 dollars on ebay. How hard is it to replace the synchros in the old one?

[Highmileage Insighter]

I had this problem at 150,000. The dealer rebuilt my tranny and installed a new clutch and throughout bearing(did not need one, but it was all apart). Cost about $2500.

[3-Wheeler]

I recently sold a Chevy Cavalier with 205,000 miles, and the manual transmission gave me no problems whatsoever when the 'nut behind the wheel' shifted it properly .

I hope the Insight gives me the same service. It's at 75,000 right now.

Jim.

[Leeper]

I had the dreaded ISB bearing go south on me which meant dropping the tranny. I was quoted rediculous prices so decided to give it a go myself. I dropped it in a short amount of time using the factory manual (very detailed). I then disassembled the whole thing and had it on the garage floor for a day marveling at it. Regardless of what your issue might be you can do this yourself and save LOTS of money... it's not hard to do, trust me. If it is the syncro I thin that runs about $100 iirc. Might as well change out the ISB while in there (costs was @$21)... then you'll be good for many more happy miles.

To drop the tranny now would take me @45 minutes to have it on the workbench with no special tools.

Good luck,

Steve

[Highmileage Insighter]

Originally Posted by 3-Wheeler

I recently sold a Chevy Cavalier with 205,000 miles, and the manual transmission gave me no problems whatsoever when the 'nut behind the wheel' shifted it properly .

I hope the Insight gives me the same service. It's at 75,000 right now.

Jim.

I was told by a mechanic and several other Insight owners not to down shift into 2nd to slow the Insight down. The tranny is the weakest link in the drive train.

Additionally, I shift 1-2-3, skip 4th and into 5th at 35-50 mph. This helps with mpg.

My Insight has 264,000 on it now. The engine runs perfectly and doesn't burn a drop of oil between oil changes(every 3-3,500 miles) with Honda 0-20 oil.

[Highmileage Insighter]

Originally Posted by Leeper

I had the dreaded ISB bearing go south on me which meant dropping the tranny. I was quoted rediculous prices so decided to give it a go myself. I dropped it in a short amount of time using the factory manual (very detailed). I then disassembled the whole thing and had it on the garage floor for a day marveling at it. Regardless of what your issue might be you can do this yourself and save LOTS of money... it's not hard to do, trust me. If it is the syncro I thin that runs about $100 iirc. Might as well change out the ISB while in there (costs was @$21)... then you'll be good for many more happy miles.

To drop the tranny now would take me @45 minutes to have it on the workbench with no special tools.

Good luck,

Steve

Wow. Impressive backyard mechanic skills

[Dennis bailey]

Steve.
I'll probably keep driving 'til the clutch or engine dies before I pull the tranny, but then I'll be looking for you when it comes time to do the major surgery. Thanks all for the help. I assume that an ISB is another word for throw-out bearing?