1987 Honda Accord hard to get into gear

JOELZAK

MEMBER
1987 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
180,234 MILES

My accord is a manual and I just recently put a new clutch and cable in. And set free play to specs. Checked fluid and have checked them all over and over. Why is it so hard to shift into gear especially reverse.I am so broke right now I still owe for parts. But this site has helped me so. So when the day comes where I can spare a donation I am all over it. Thank you experts of the trade.

Saturday, October 9th, 2010 AT 12:17 AM

5 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Joelzak,

Are you abe to shift easily when engine is not started?

Is clutch pedal pressure felt at a high or low pedal position when depressed?

Was any bleeding of the clutch slave cylinders made?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, October 10th, 2010 AT 9:37 AM

JOELZAK

MEMBER
19 POSTS

Yes it shifts fine when car is not started. No bleeding was done. And I havent drove it some time. So I get to get back to ya on the high or low pressure. Although I think it was high. And thank you for info.I usually dont do this big of a job alone.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Sunday, October 17th, 2010 AT 3:55 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

You mentioned a new cable, so it is not hydraulic system. Sorry if I missed that out.

Check the cable and pedal height adjustment.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Monday, October 18th, 2010 AT 6:15 AM

JOELZAK

MEMBER
19 POSTS

Yup its a cable clutch therefore no bleeding is required.I adjusted pedal to specs in the repair manual.I am sure the trany is toast but want to know for sure

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 8:27 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

I don't think it is the trans that is bad.

Engage reverse,
Depress clutch,
Start engine.
Shift out to Neutral.
Without releasing the clutch pedal, shift to reverse again.

Is it easy to shift? If yes, it is most likely to be the clutch that is at fault.

Is the trans gear oil of the correct specs?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, October 20th, 2010 AT 8:57 PM