Grind going into third, drivetrain woes

[clean2g]

I have a slight grind going into third, but I can't tell if it's the tranny or the clutch/tob/fork. It doesn't grind all the time either. The clutch is slipping a bit at high rpms if I really get on it, otherwise it's ok during normal driving. Tranny was rebuilt by Shep about 40,xxx miles ago.

One thing, last time I took the tranny off, the TOB was in pieces and destroyed my pressure plate.. possibly the same issue again? and possible crankwalk? How else does the TOB disintegrate like that? Clutch is a ACT 2100 and OEM factory TOB, fork, pivot ball.

[Matt D.]

Bad synchro? Have you tried changing the fluid?

[Halon]

I'd guess synchro. If the clutch wasn't fully disengaging, that could also cause it, but I would think if that was it then it wouldn't be ONLY in 3rd gear. You'd hear grinding in other gears as well I'd think.

Like Matt said, I'd replace the fluid and see if anything improves. But if I were a betting man, I'd put my money on synchro.

[clean2g]

Alright, I'll swap out the fluid and see if it helps. Thanks guys.

[Speedfreak]

What fluid are you using? And what do you plan on putting in?

[CarPsyco84]

I would double check that your clutch is not dragging, cause if your 3rd gear syncro was weaker than the rest that would be the first gear you would notice it, if the clutch is working fine, then the syncro is worn out, if you keep grinding it, the shift hub and 3rd gear will start to wear and it will not want to go into 3rd anymore. You could try redline mtl/mt90 if you were not already using them, sometimes they make poor shifting transmissions shift better, but don't expect miracles.

[clean2g]

Arghh WTF.. now the grind in 3rd is gone but all of a sudden starting today I have to force it to get into 2nd and I have white smoke on start up along with some nice burning smells.. Kinda like the smell my brother had when his rings were going bad in his prelude. It's a sweet mixed with rich burning smell. I am currently using royal purple 75/90 I believe in the tranny. Checked fluid levels a today and checked for possible coolant in oil but couldn't see any. I'm lost and ready to dump this thing.

[clean2g]

Sweet, won't go into any gear every few feet that I roll, like something is blocking/stuck between crank and clutch, waiting for tow truck in uptown.