maranelloboy05

Been chasing a bad clunk when changing gears for awhile, if I really rev up it doesn't happen but its very annoying within normal day to day driving. I know a clunk into second when cold is normal but I still get a similar clunk when up to temp and feel it going into 3rd as well. It feels as though theres too much backlash somewhere in the drivetrain. Have the car up on stands and want to see if anyone can tell me what is and isnt normal. I don't seem to find much play anywhere either in or out of gear so I'm kinda stumped. The clunk itself feels and sounds as if its coming from the transmission itself.

Transmission Output Shaft: 1/4 inch of play out of gear, slightly less in gear.
Prop Shaft: I cant see any play within the front and rear of the prop shaft. No leaks.
Differential Input to Output Shaft: Negligible play within the diff itself so I'm fairly certain the problem isnt there.
Wheels: I can turn the wheel about an inch while in gear before the transmission stops me. I have thrown replacement axles into the car within the time I've had this issue so I'm fairly certain its not there.

I did find a torn diff mount about a year ago and replaced all with OEM, no change. Engine mounts and trans mounts are testing okay as well. I barely get any movement from the engine when trying to pry up on the vtec solenoid and throttle body per Billman's testing procedure. Went ahead and replaced the trans fluid with Honda (car recently got new Amsoil fluid but might as well try a change to Honda) and bled the clutch fluid while the car was up. It really doesnt get driven much anymore so fluids should not be any issue.

Anything else I can check?

Billman250

3rd gear clunk/bump is a normal occurrence in all S2000s. They all have it, and all can avoid it.

Whatever rpm you are shifting that causes the clunk, bring the rpms up a little more. And get it into 3rd a little faster.

maranelloboy05

Thanks Billman, I guess I'll stop my chasing. Assuming the issue is the same with 2nd which I noticed much more often. I will admit its always low RPMs when I hear it but I also don't really want to be revving the hell out of in parking lots. I've had this car for about 5 years now so hard to say what my old ones sounded like but I don't remember it being this obvious on either of my old cars.