Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: 3rd gear grinding

  1. #1
    LX User 88accordlxcarb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Vehicle
    '88 Accord LX(carb)/'92 Infiniti G20/'00 Infiniti I30/'88 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera(286,000 miles), 2004 VW Passat, Golf Cart...
    Location
    Middle Georgia
    Posts
    300

    3rd gear grinding

    So my syncro's are going out on 3rd gear in my car (manual).

    I replaced the fluid in my transmission around 2 years ago with Honda MTF, the grind would happen only on fast shifts. Now the grind happens when I go into 3rd no matter what, unless I very slowly put it into gear (very very slowly).

    I have read several threads about the GM synchromesh stuff, and I wanted see how people's cars are tolerating the additive after an extended period of time. I firmly believe that Honda MTF is the best stuff for a 3gee tranny, but since one of the gears is damaged, would an additive really be much of an improvement?

    Also, could there be metal bits and particles in the fluid from the gear that might be hurting the fluid/not letting it lubricate as well? AKA, should I change the fluid again, with more MTF to try to increase the life of my 3rd gear?

    Thanks!



  2. #2
    3Geez Veteran AccordEpicenter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Vehicle
    1988 Honda Accord LX-i Turbo 2004 Acura TL 6 speed/navigation
    Location
    Ridin Dirty in New York
    Posts
    7,377

    Re: 3rd gear grinding

    I think hondas mtf is great too, but if youre starting to get a grind or the transmission feels notchy on the mtf, the syncromesh friction modified works like a charm every time. Thats why i run it in both my cars, the accord and the TL. It cured a 3rd gear grind i had in the accord and it got rid of a 2nd and 3rd gear notchiness that i didnt like (pretty common in TLs) both cars drive like new. If you have a very bad grind it might not cure it all the way but itll def make a difference.
    429whp 362wtq A20 TURBO. A20T>*

  3. #3
    3Geez Veteran ghettogeddy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Vehicle
    88 lx sedan (R.I.P.) / 89 LX sedan(sold) / 89 lxi parts car(towed away) / 87 lxi hatch
    Location
    Antioch CA
    Posts
    9,591

    Re: 3rd gear grinding

    so scence im putting my new tranny in on the 9th and from what i was told it had 170k but it might have more, shoud i use the syncro mesh or the honda atf

  4. #4
    3Geez Veteran MessyHonda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Vehicle
    89 LX-i(5speed)
    Location
    Bay Area
    Posts
    22,201

    Re: 3rd gear grinding

    Quote Originally Posted by ghettogeddy
    so scence im putting my new tranny in on the 9th and from what i was told it had 170k but it might have more, shoud i use the syncro mesh or the honda atf
    im thinking of changing my trans oil cuz idk when was the last time it was changed...since i only have 140k i can get away with regular oil right?

    1989 Honda Accord LX-i
    B18c1 swap since 7/2011
    175whp and 132tq
    Redzone tuned

  5. #5


    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Vehicle
    SE-i Sedan 5 spd
    Location
    Weston, Connecticut, United States
    Posts
    1,579

    Re: 3rd gear grinding

    If your sychros are going, double-clutch when you shift up to the affected gear.

  6. #6
    LX User 88accordlxcarb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2003
    Vehicle
    '88 Accord LX(carb)/'92 Infiniti G20/'00 Infiniti I30/'88 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera(286,000 miles), 2004 VW Passat, Golf Cart...
    Location
    Middle Georgia
    Posts
    300

    Re: 3rd gear grinding

    In general i would stay away from additives unless they are really needed. The best stuff to put in your transmission, regardless of age is Honda Manual Transmission Fluid. You can only get it at a Honda/Acura dealer, but it is well worth the time/money.

    The reason why i asked about synchromesh is becasue it has become apparent that there is real damage to my gears.

  7. #7
    3Geez Veteran AccordEpicenter's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Vehicle
    1988 Honda Accord LX-i Turbo 2004 Acura TL 6 speed/navigation
    Location
    Ridin Dirty in New York
    Posts
    7,377

    Re: 3rd gear grinding

    yeah if the tranny is in good shape and it doesnt grind, Id just run MTF. Honda says you can run 10w30 but in my experience it makes the transmissions notchy, youre much better off running either MTF or syncromesh.
    429whp 362wtq A20 TURBO. A20T>*

Similar Threads

  1. 2nd gear grinding
    By Aorourke331 in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 06-29-2011, 06:32 PM
  2. Grinding Gears
    By 89LXiCoupe in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 11-04-2002, 10:55 AM
  3. Grinding
    By 88' Accord Ltd in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 10-26-2002, 05:53 AM
  4. grinding
    By Bullfrog in forum 3geez Accords
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 09-20-2002, 10:32 AM
  5. grinding
    By Bullfrog in forum Classic Honda Community Chat
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 09-19-2002, 03:41 PM

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
This website uses cookies
We use cookies to store session information to facilitate remembering your login information, to allow you to save website preferences, to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners.
     
Links monetized by VigLink