Again, just me. I'd pull the converter from the flex plate. The install the converter to the trans - there is an o-ring at the "union" of these two. You want to be sure the converter "seats" all the way to the input shaft of the trans. Trying to do that while the converter is on the flex plate - you are trying to "stab" the trans into the converter, good luck. Again, this is my opinion.

 

Ok thanks very much! I have not found a replacement tranny yet, so I don't really know what you're talking about. However, once I have a replacement and begin the install phase, I'm pretty sure I'll see what you mean. Thanks again!

 

Hey Texas & Poorman -
I can't get a picture of what's happening inside the tranny, but I will describe as best I can.
The ring gear inside the tranny which engages with the gear at the bottom of the VSS drive link is reachable with my finger (VSS drive link removed) through the VSS drive link hole, and I can move that gear from side to side and spin it around easily. I can only assume it has become disengaged from it's seating. This ring gear does not appear to be plastic, as someone mentioned. From the little I can see through the hole, it appears to travel in-conjunction with, and around, the left axle.
Ordered a JDM tranny from Texas, but haven't confirmed on shipping. There's still time to wriggle out of it, should a Honda angel care to enlighten me on the repair shortly. I've spoken with nearly 20 Honda experts by now, and none of them have ever heard of this problem.

 

You've pulled the entire vss and drive assy out of the trans and the gear at the very bottom of the drive assy is ok?

 

Oh yes, I did that a long time ago. I have both versions of the VSS drive unit. I am talking about the gear inside the tranny - the ring gear that goes around the opening for the left axle.

 

BTW, I cancelled the ebay transaction - shipping was way too much. I found a transmission guy who might do me a solid and crack open my tranny to repair the gear on the cheap.

 

I looked for a bit yesterday and the best I can come up with is that the gear that drives the VSS gear os part of the diff assy?

I didn't see anything about being able to replace it...press on or off.

 

Yes! I've seen this diagram, and that is the gear indeed. I also didn't find any mention of changing the gear or what the gear is called.

 

By the way, thanks again for your time.

 

My pleasure, just wish I had better answers/solutions for you.