I have an 89' Accord LX-i with a 5-speed manual trans (160k miles). I bought it about 6 mos ago and it was shifting as smooth as brand new until last week. Out of the blue (sometimes at start up, sometimes randomly while driving) it becomes almost impossible shift into any gear (as if I did not press the clutch pedal). Then like magic after 5-10 hard shifts it returns to it normal buttery-smooth engagement. Any ideas what would cause this?

 

How about a dragging clutch?
If 89 has a hydraulic clutch, I'd suspect air in the lines. If it's a cable, then ???

 

I doesn’t look like it is hydraulic since the clutch cable connects directly to the release fork. The cable seems to move free and doesn't look damaged. I read that it could be that one or more of the pivot arms on the pressure plate could be bent or broke causing it to not fully disengaged sometimes, but to inspect it I will need to pull the transmission. Any other ideas what to check before starting that nightmare?

 

There should be a little slack in the cable where it connects to the actuator arm.
If the cable is tight you are dragging the throw out bearing against the clutch fingers all the time. As the clutch wears the cable will get tight. [higher pedal engagement]
Be sure that there is the correct oil in the trans.....sometimes Skippy Luber Goobers will put in 80w90 and the trans is supposed to have 10w30 in it.

 

Thanx Hondadude! The engagement is kind of high, I will def check the slack and adjust if necessary. Any way to tell what oil is in there other then just changing it myself as a precautionary?