Wanted to get the group's thoughts on a issue that started this past weekend on a track day. While on track, I started smelling clutch (thought it was the car ahead) so I kept going. Then it started to get difficult to get into various gears - 3rd/4th specifically - where I had to 'push' it in. Eventually it just wouldn't even go into gear and had to pull over to the side. While off, I was able to get it into 1st but when I tried to move, there was some clanking/metallic grinding so I stopped. Got towed off.

At the paddock, when the car was cool, I tried again - this time I was able to get into 1st/2nd/etc. It was definitely more difficult to get going but once moving it was OK. I rev-matched most of the way home.

So, now at home, I notice that when I have the clutch in and I move 1st in, there are some strange noises - like something spinning loose and scraping.

Any thoughts? Clutch? I'm not sure the clutch history but I'm guessing it hasn't been changed in awhile - car has 170k miles.

 

Sounds like a broken clutch spring.

I would assume the car has an aftermarket clutch. How many miles did you buy it with?

If it does need a clutch, buy everything you need from a Honda dealer.

An "oem" style clutch isn't the same...and most "upgrade" clutches are garbage.

 

Your clutch is destroyed.

Continuing to forcefully shift gears against clutch drag means you have done some (probably significant) damage to your synchros as well...

First step change clutch.

Second step drain transmission oil and see what comes out.

 

Thanks guys. Hopefully I didn't damage the syncros too bad. I was worried about that too.

I got the car with 150k miles or so. I'll definitely be going full OEM on this. Maybe a good time to rebuild and upgrade.