Quick Diagnosis please

[Gargamel]

I have a Honda Civic Coupe (1.7) 2003 model as my station hack.

On a motorway run at the weekend, it repeatedly popped out of fifth gear, its done around 80,000 miles and is in reasonable shape, though I tend not to fix non essential items as I keep these cars until death.

But is this the end ? Couple of folk have said it needs a new gearbox, others reckon its the selector ? It did pop out of fourth a couple of times to, when I was above 3000 revs.

Any ideas, don't really want to spend £500 (around 30% of the cars value)

[useyourdellusion]

Before you check anything else, have a look at the engine mountings. Cheap and easy to fix if broken.

[Gargamel]

How would failing engine mountings affect the gearbox, excuse my ignorance ?

[Hitch78]

If you just use it to go to the station what's the issue - surely fifth can be added to the list of non essential items?

[Gargamel]

Hitch78 said:

If you just use it to go to the station what's the issue - surely fifth can be added to the list of non essential items?

Unless it is the pre cursor to the rest of the box failing

[GKP]

Gargamel said:

How would failing engine mountings affect the gearbox, excuse my ignorance ?

They will allow the engine and gearbox (which are bolted together as one solid metal lump under your bonnet) to rock backwards and forwards on every application or lift of the throttle. If the gear lever is attatched to the gearbox with a metal rod (as opposed to a set of cables) then there may be enough excess movement to allow the gear selector rod to pull the car out of gear.

[useyourdellusion]

Gargamel said:

How would failing engine mountings affect the gearbox, excuse my ignorance ?

A broken mount allows the engine to tilt out of tolerance under acceleration, and often stresses the gear selector pin, causing it to pop out of gear. Excessive vibration can cause this too (you mention above 3000rpm), again pointing towards a broken engine mounting.

If it is the mounting, hold the engine on a trolley jack (with a thick piece of wood to protect the sump). Unbolt old mount, and bolt in the new one. Usually a relatively easy job.

ETA: Was soundly beaten to it there! By the way, when I did this to one of my old Golf's, it cost me £30 for the part and literally took me 10 minutes to do. Minumum hassle.

Edited by useyourdellusion on Monday 13th December 11:06

[Gargamel]

Thanks everyone, the front suspension has been clonking a bit and I think the dampers are due a replacement so this all fits.

Will get the garage to check it out tomorrow.

[Gargamel]

Well, wuick update, if anyone is interested....

So the Honda had eaten its gearbox, first it was possibly the gearbox mounting bush was worn and loose, however it became clear that the gearbox was badly worn 80,000 miles so ok but not ideal.

Mot, service, recon box, two dampers - £600. Including labour. Bargain I thought, given that the rest of the car is largely sound.

Banganomics dictates that something else will fail soon....