Manual shift on a 1985 honda accord LX

The only way to describe the problem is that the shift is erratic.
Sometimes the stick slips right into gear but at other times I really have
to jam it to get it to the next gear. Also, from When shifting into
reverse, the gears will often grind. I put a new clutch into it about a
year ago, and I'm thinking I need to djust the cable, but the clutch
begins to engage almost immediately after I begin releasing pressure. HELP
PLEASE.

 

Since you describe a change in the feel when you start to release the clutch
(instead of it being the same problem even if you push the pedal into the
carpet), I think adjustment might take care of it for you. Start with that
and run it by again if it still isn't right.

Mike

 

Three suggestions:
Make sure your transmission lubricant is clean (has it been changed in the
last 30K miles?) and filled to the proper level.
If, when the clutch pedal is depressed completely to the floor and the gears
still grind (are you waiting a couple of seconds before trying to put it
gear?), then the clutch pedal very well may need adjustment.
Finally, the mechanism that synchronizes the gears so that they mesh
properly when shifting may be worn out. This one is the expensive option --
replace or rebuild the transmission.

JB