2nd gear grinds when cold (search didnt help)

[AlphaAssault]

Its pretty simple, second gear ALWAYS grinds the first time I shift from 1st to second after the car has been sitting for a while. After it grinds that first time, it doesnt give me any problems until i turn the car off and let it sit for a few hours. Then when i want to go anywhere, i shift into second and it grinds once, then its fine every time I shift into 2nd afterward. Am I due for new tranny fluid?

 

[Defiant]

You're due for a rebuild and synchro replacement. Some fluids -Pennzoil Synchromesh- may help. They won't repair it.

 

[FonZ454]

You're due for a rebuild and synchro replacement. Some fluids -Pennzoil Synchromesh- may help. They won't repair it.

Definately check the fluid. I used to run straight Syncromesh, but never again. 1 quart of Redline heavy + rest Pennzoil Syncromesh. IMO our trannys, (higher milage, at that) are way too loose and tired to run such a thin fluid like syncromesh by itself. Swapping from straight syncromesh to the mix, I notice a much nicer shift feel right away. High RPM shifts were much nicer too.

Also, cold tranny fluid usually will make shifting a little harder.

 

[AlphaAssault]

I fixed the problem by adjusting the clutch a few days back, but I didnt like how the clutch felt after I adjusted it. Heres an impromptu diagram of what i did:

This is the clutch adjust as it is now. the /// is the part of the rod with the threads, and the 0 is there i have it adjusted to. [///0///////========]

This is how it was set up so it didnt grind in 2nd: [0//////////========]

So i can fix the problem, but it makes the clutch engage so far out that its really hard to drive it anywhere. would it keep getting worse as I adjusted it further ---> or is it just random whether the gear will grind or not at any given point?

 

[DSM LoVeR 96]

My 2nd gear does the samething till the tranny warms up then my 2nd gear and all gears shift like butter!
Im running Mobil 1 75w 90 gear oil. could this be something to do with it??? should i switch to the penz syncromesh??? ill adjust my lines and see if that helps. but its like such s little grind. my dad does not even notice it. anyways what are your guys suggestions on this i have no money for a rebuild right now.

 

[DSM1G90]

My Ply in my avatar had the gumpy shift syndrome as well before I drained the gunky tranny fluid and shoved in Redline MT-90 and that took care of all problems. Thing shifts real smooth now.

simple test on checking syncros is: with the motor in idle, lightly move the shifter through the pattern without pushing in the clutch.

If you grind in a gear, that syncro is gone for a good syncro will not allow any grinding, plus a good syncro will slow the motor down a bit.

I had a '90 1.8L with 1st syncro gone for it would grind when I moved the shifter to that position without pushing in the clutch with the motor in idle. Other gears were fine.


This test works for all manual trannies of any make.

 

[z24frank]

I have the same problem and have changed the fluid twice,I beleive I need a tranny rebuild you might as well.