So yes I'm aware that this may belong in the civic forum but since I was here already.....

The stick shift in my 81 Civic is rather thight/sticky/stiff, the linkage is fine and free and I've tried some lubricant in it but it doesn't seem to do a whole lot. Any of you old school honda guru's ever come accross this? I've heard rumors that there was a teflon ring in there and that because the stick sits right above the cat converter it gets hot and deteriorates but I can't confirm any of this. Advice, Suggestions, Thoughts anyone?

 

I have seen it where you have to replace the lower shifter rod bushings ,, raise the car up, remove the 12 mm bolt ?nut and see if lever moves freely ,, if it does,throw in a set of bushings , there 2 bushings and a nipple that goes inside them .. Once you see it , it is self explanatory .