Cannot Downshift to 2nd...

[fowcbler]

Ok, I know this has been posted before, however the only post that was identical to mine did not have any responses, http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/drivetrain-tech/62516-brand-new-tranny-wont-downshift-2nd.html
I would have just continued the posting there but as a newb I cannot post anywhere else. So this is my issue:
I have a 90 RS-T Laser 5spd, and upshifting works perfectly fine, however when I try to downshift to 2nd from 3rd, 4th or 5th, it will not go into gear. If I keep the clutch pressed, slilde it into 1st then it will go into 2nd (keeping the clutch pressed the whole time) but this is rather aggrevating. I just bought this car a week ago and the guy I bought it from had to rebuild the tranny several times. I am just wondering what would be causing this so I can get it fixed. If there is a thread where this question is answered, just give me the link, but like I said, I searched for 2 days now and havent found what anything.. Any responses will be greatly appreciated, thank you.

 

[gbradley]

Sounds like the slider hanging up on the sychronizer hub caused by worn keys or hub/slider.

 

[holo82]

I second the sync and slider theory.

I had a 5 speed toyota tranny that had the same problem.

 

[rbwtrans]

Be sure to check the bell housing bolt that is next to the starter. It is smaller than the rest (a 12mm head), comes in from the driver's side down by the axle. With out this bolt in place, the torsional movement of the engine (while downshifting) will cause the trans to separate from the engine block enough to cause clutch dis-engagement issues. This will tear up the trans, as well as the clutch. It is very often left out, but without it your trans has only about 40% being held to the block. Go ther first. Also check for clutch travel ( at the fork), clutch pedal wear, and air in your system.

 

[fowcbler]

Well as nice as it would have been for it to just be a bolt missing, from what I could tell, all the bolts were in place. So it looks like I will have to tear into the tranny at some point to fix it, but at the same time I can replace my synchros, cause my 1st gear grinds a little when engaging.

Well, Just as some more information for anyone, as the car warms up and the tranny warms up, it will down shift to 2nd. Its not too big a deal right now especially since I dont have the funds to fix it, but its definitely taken some getting used to. Thanks for all the help though.

Yeah i got some fluid to change it with, I just havent got a chance to change it. As wierd as it may be, I will be using Royal Purple 75W-90 gear oil. I know the specs call for 75W-85 but I think it will be ok.

Well, Just as some more information for anyone, as the car warms up and the tranny warms up, it will down shift to 2nd. Its not too big a deal right now especially since I dont have the funds to fix it, but its definitely taken some getting used to. Thanks for all the help though.

 

[fowcbler]

Another update...got the tranny fluid changed, put Royal Purple 75W-90 Gear Max in there and it seems to shift a little smoother but until the tranny and car warms up, it still wont downshift. looks like my only option now is to tear into it and see whats going on. Until then Ill just have to put up with it, but like I said once it warms up its just fine so really its not that big a deal. Thanks to everyone for the info.