I have lots of questions please help.

[240tek]

Ok. I have a hatch in ok condition. It's always had it's little things it does, but I've decided to try to restore it somewhat, at least so it's in Decent shape rather than borderline bad, and now I want to fix what I can.

Shifting. When I shift I have a slight knock going into second and a few bumps going into the other gears. The shifting is never smooth, only VERY rarely does it shift smooth with no resistance or knocks. I've had cylinders and clutch replaced and it still does it. Any ideas?

When I engage the transmission, there is usually a loud bump or clang when the gear catches. It seems as though the whole transmission moves when this happens. Could it be a broken transmission mount, would it give me the sensation that it's moving around?

Engine. When I get it up into the 3500rpm range, I have an SOHC, it seems to hesitate. It doesn't slow down, but torque is drastically reduced. I know the SOHC isn't a big puller in the higher rpms, but is this normal? It feels like it's not getting enough fuel, or something. I have replaced all filters, inc. fuel. Any ideas?

Another thing that's not so major. The engine seeps oil from the valave cover. I replaced the gasket and it still seeps. Any ideas as to how to correct this? It's coming out of the seam between the cover and the engine.

Thanks in advance. Tek.

[ilovedrifting]

My shifts are pretty rough as well, with what feels like knots or knobs in the way when trying to shift. The other day I couldn't even get it into 1st. Im pretty sure its caused by driving rough. It used to not do that, however since i've been drifting i've started. do you drift? that might be the problem with the rough downshifting to kick out back tires.
Modified by ilovedrifting at 7:04 PM 11/17/2004

[benemorius]

Your transmission could use a rebuild, but I wouldn't say it's crucial if you don't mind living with it.

Could you describe what you mean by engaging the transmission? Putting it in first while you're stopped? While you're rolling?

3500 is a bit early for your power to flatten. I'd check the standard tuneup items. It could also be a clogged cat.

Did you clean the mating surfaces well when you replaced the gasket? Are any of your threads stripped out? Any bolts missing? This one's going to have to be your call. Just pull the cover and look for anything out of place.

[s13sr20chris]

for the power loss i would start checking sensors and stuff. check the coolant temp sensor, maf, etc. give them the old wiggle test.

[lilvtboigotrice]

well I don't know what the condition your transmission is in but I would recommend a rebuild, might cost a bit more than buying used but its well worth it and engine wise, just do a full tune-up and check all your hoses and sensors and you should be fine

[240tek]

Thanks for the replies. Ok. About the transmission. Sometimes it will be smooth, but only rarely and that's if I'm holding the clutch and shifting in and out of all the gears, but not letting off the clutch - occasionally one won't knock or bump and just go right in, kind of like it is perfectly lined up after putting the shifter in and out of gear a few times. But yeah, it sounds like a transmission rebuild would be the way to go for that. Secondly, the BIG bang when I press the clutch and pull it out of gear, or depending on speed and rpms going into gear could be solved by doing a rebuild, or at least the problem can be discovered, i.e. if the mount is broken as I suspect. Then the valve cover. Yes one of the bolts is stripped. When I went to replace the gasket one bolt was really easy, where the rest had to be broken loose. Could one lose bolt be the cause of a seep? If so, how can I correct that without replaceing the whole head? Just retap it? Don't know how to do that. About the tune up for the power loss. When I got it I replaced air filter, fuel, plugs, wires, dist. rotor and cap, oil and that's it. I am planning on taking some carb cleaner to the maf and the AIV, although it's a pain to remove. I also ren seafoam through a vacuum line into the intake for about an hour. Is there anything else I could do before I resort to replacing fuel lines or something more drastic? And just to confirm: Today I took it down a parking lot from 3000rpm up to about 5500 or 6. The power was really flat all the way. It really felt like it was lacking. I'm assuming that, while the power of the sohc 240 compared to another car may be lower, it should still feel like it's pulling as hard as it can right? But it doesn't. RPMS are fine and steady but it just doesn't move the car. This is the first 240 I've owned, so I have no point of reference for how this car should behave. Thanks again for all the replies. PEACE. Tek.
Modified by 240tek at 11:38 PM 11/18/2004

[240tek]

Another thing about the transmission. Which I'm assuming can also be fixed with a rebuild or replacement. You know how there are differing levels of resistance. Like when you try to downshift into first and you're going to fast it blocks you from doing that. Well, when I try to shift into second, it has a slight block, which is normal, then it kinda pops past it and goes into gear. Well, if I don't push the gear shift all the way into second gear and I stop after that initial point of resistance, it starts grinding. I can't put it in gear after that without pulling the shifter all the way back to neutral and then back into second. I tried to replicate that same sensation on the other gears and it doesn't do it. My question is, do you think this is a clutch thing, even though the clutch is new since march, or is it another transmission thing? Thanks a lot. PEACE. Tek.

EDIT: Oh yeah, I don't drift. But the transmission has been acting this way since I got it so it was probably just abused.

[s13sr20chris]

if its gear specific its prob internal to the transmission.the sohc motors are not big on top end. still, it could have any number of problems causing lack of power. swirl control valve problem, sensor problem, engine mechanical problem, etc.

[benemorius]

Yes, the one bolt can cause a leak. I've just been putting up with mine, so I'll let someone who has fixed theirs let you know what to do about it. Or searching would probably yeild an answer too.

Everything you describe about the transmission points to a rebuild. As for the knocking, your guess is both as good as mine, and the same as mine.

Chris is right about the top end of a ka24, but mine doesn't flatten out until around 5000 - much higher than yours. Keep checking the simple things. Even if it turns out to be something major, you'll be glad to have a list of things checked off to ease your mind about your engine's general condition.

Check the o2 sensor, maf, tps, coolant temp, compression. Check the spark plugs for proper gap, and see if they show any abnormalities which may give you a hint. Check fuel pressure. Check injectors for proper spray. Check timing. Do a search for low top end or something and check in to every solution you come across.

Just use the search feature for more info on how to check or replace any of the above items.