Honda Repair: 92 Honda Accord DX trans grinding, honda accord dx, cottman transmission

Question
Hello Gene,

I've a Honda Accord DX '92 5 spd. After driving the car for 15-20 minutes, there is a loud grinding noise everytime I shift into the 2nd gear. The gear still works fine once I'm in it, though. The problem occurs 9 out of 10 times, and mostly at the speeds above 10 mph, but not necessarily: sometimes grinding occurs even when I'm standing still.

I was told two things: 1) it is an internal transmission problem, with which metal shaves are introduced into trans liquid, which will eventually kill the trans; 2) replacing trans liquid with Lucas Oil (which is supposed to be very thick oil) will prevent grinding.

How much are both of those statements true? I'd like to avoid replacing the trans (it will cost me more than what I got the car for), but I also need this car to run at least until winter.

Thank you very much.  

Answer
Llya,

Sounds like you have bad 2nd gear syrncros inside the trans. The first person was right. You need to remove the trans and replace the 2nd gear set, NOT the transmission. I would get some prices first, and stick with a Honda dealer or cottman transmission.
DO NOT put Lucas oil in your trans! The oil is too thick and you will end up ruining the whole transmission! Being so thick, the oil can not circulate properly. With that said, it will ruin your transmission. I have seen this before.
Good news is that you can still drive the car. Just shift the car very easily into second gear. You will not end up damaging anything else in the transmission. The damage is already done.
The only thing I would reccomend is getting the trans fluid replaced with HONDA fluid. It may even help the situation a little bit.
Good luck