I'm having a bit of trouble w/ some of the 2nd to 3rd shifts. In particular, it just doesn't want to shift into 3rd sometimes.


The best way I can describe it is that it seems like 3rd is being "overshot" - I have to jiggle the shifter a bit and move it some to the left to get it in 3rd. That's why I say "overshot" - bcse it seems like the shifter is a little too much to the right of 3rd. It eventually will go into 3rd. But, this is a big difference from the usual smooth shifting 5spd.


It is not a consistent problem either. I'm still trying to pin down whether there are certain preceding events (e.g. rpms) that cause this problem.


Any suggestions on what to look for or where to look would be appreciated.

The shift spline may need to be lubed. It's more common in 1st & reverse, but it still could be your problem. Does it happen more when cold?

Princess, could it possibly be related to the 5th gear fork TSB? I remember they had a problem with the fork being out of alignment and causing grinding.

Maybe, but lubing is sure an easier try!! I'll ask later.....maybe one's more apt than the other....since neither quite fits the actual description....

Originally posted by princess
Does it happen more when cold?

Not that I've noticed.

The crazy thing is I can't pin down when it happens. It doesn't seem to be related to hot/cold or low rpm/high rpm shifts or anything else.

Over the weekend, I was able to recreate the condition consistently; I would shift at 4,000rpm and it did it each and every time. But, that was on Sunday and it has been fine since...



Originally posted by princess
since neither quite fits the actual description....

It doesn't seem to make sense. I'll watch it some and see if I can post better information on it.




Thanks to Princess and BenjiBoy650 for their thoughts!

At 4000RPM it just might be a syncro. Honda's have been known for some bad 2nd and 3rd gear syncros, though mine seems to be okay when they warm up.