ddess

Hello all,

Here is the rundown.

First off, I just bought this car as a track car a few months ago. I had maintence records but I am the 3rd owner.

Its a 2000 with 59k on the clock.

I noticed after my 2nd track day that there was a slight grind when I would upshift to 3rd gear. I chocked it up to maybe not fully depressing the clutch on the shift. (I don't have an issue with shifting, I thought it was a missed shift)

Sunday at the Streets of Willow during the 4th session of the day I went to upshift to 3rd again and I couldn't get it into gear. Once again I thought I might have missed the shift (I do not quick shift I let off the gas when I push in the clutch)

I pulled off the line and tried 4th and it grinded again. I quickly put it into 5th just to maintain momentium. I immeditly pulled off into the paddock. I slowly drove around and It was near to impossible to engage 3rd or 4th without an absolute rev match upshift. Obviously downshifts are the same.

I drove home skipping from 2nd to 5th and made it back with no issues.

Today i took it into the dealership for an oil change and to have them look over my issue. They claimed that I have a blown clutch or that it needs to be replaced.
The car will stall if I try to take off in 4th. No clutch slip, but I definately have a long release to get it to engage. Not at the top but at least over half pedal.

My mechanical knowledge says its the 3rd and 4th gear schyncros are gone.

I have no idea what to think of this.

Any conclusions from my account of what happened would be appreciated.

I would like to know if its actually the transmission before I go hunting for a used one and a new clutch kit.

Thanks,

Dustin

RedY2KS2k

Well, your mechanical knowledge says it's the 3rd and 4th gear synchros... I certainly would't dispute your knowledge.

ddess

I’m glad that you were able to help me with my issue. You are a valuable member of this community.

Supra-holic

Have you tried getting it to 3rd and 4th by double clutching when driving. If that works then you have a synchro problem. If it grinds still then you have some type of clearance issue or damage.

When done right, double clutching bypasses the synchros. (edit: the work done by the synchros)

Good luck and let us know what happens.

ronnuke

I am in the middle of rebuilding my transmission for this exact reason. In my case I have found that it is a combination of things: The splines were slightly rusty and nearly grease free (after being properly greased at the last clutch change), the synchros for 3rd and 4th gear are worn and all the shift forks had wear to below service limits. My transmission has about 147000 miles on it though. I will post pics and maybe a walkthrough DIY when completed.

ddess

I just drove it around and when double clutching the grinding is minimal. Im guessing that the Schyros must be damaged then.

Thank you for sharing this info. Im going to replace the transmission since its cheaper to find a low mile used one verses having it rebuilt.

RedY2KS2k

One tip for you: when you remove the upper starter bolt, make sure you can see the lower starter bolt. Removing the wrong one is a common mistake, but hard to make if you pay attention.

Good luck with your installation project.

dammitjim

Maybe I missed it but have you tried bleeding the clutch or replacing the clutch/transmission fluid?

ddess

I replaced the fluid in the trans. It did nothing. Good starting point though. I would have been excited if it worked.