My rx7 Has been grinding in 3rd gear every other gear seems
to be fine, I only have trouble getting into 3rd unless the Rpms
are below 3k and it won't grind and even then it feels like I have to
push the shift **** a little harder to get into 3rd than I have to for
other gears

just trying to figure out what's going on so I can fix it, I've
been told it could be the transmission fluid or shift linkage?
I'm not sure? A friend reccomended I put in a short shifter
but I have my doubts that will resolve the problem

after reading a few posts I think it might but the bushings?
But I don't know and I don't know how to check for these
problems. Help would be greatly appreciated!

It is a 1986 rx7 gxl has 85,331 miles, and is completly stock

 

Your 3rd gear synchro is wearing out. The only cure is a rebuild or replacement transmission.

 

So that would be the only solution?
Any idea how much it would cost for
a rebuild or replacement?
And is it a serious problem, as in something
that needs to be addressed right away
I'm a little short on money so it would be a while
before I could do anything

 

For the time being, just take it easy shifting into 3rd. Rev match when shifting (allow RPMs to drop or blip the throttle on a downshift). You can try a quality synthetic gear oil as a band-aid. Synchros don't fix themselves, they have to be replaced. A rebuild can cost you $500-$1000+ depending on if you pull the transmission and re-install it yourself. A replacement used NA transmission can likely be found for under $100.

 

Thanks for the help, I appreciate it. I will try some synthetic gear oil
hopefully it'll work for the time being, and I'll begin
looking for a replacement transmission

 

On 1st gen trannys, sometimes the synchros will get gummed up and start getting bitchy. A lot of us have had success by running a 50/50 mix of gear lube and automatic transmission fluid. The ATF has plenty of lube for this, but also a lot of detergents that will clean out the synchros and improve shifting action. You might give this some thought.

Short shift to fix a shifting issue. lmao


Good luck...








.

 

I will definantly try your suggestion, how much 50/50 gear lube and automatic transmission fluid would i use?

 

He was suggesting a 50/50 mix of standard gear lube (75W-90 or 80W-90) and ATF. An NA transmission has a capacity of 2.1 quarts, so that would be 1.05 quarts of each. Capacities are listed in the FSM technical data section. You can combine the ATF trick with synthetic gear lube to give yourself the best chance. Mazdatrix sells a brand called NEO that works very well.

Also, before draining your transmission, be sure you can remove the fill plug. If it's seized, you'll end up with an empty transmission and no way to fill it back up.

 

Thanks! Everything has been really helpful!

 

Let us know how it works out for you.

 

I'll keep you posted I get paid this coming week so I'll be changing the tranny fluid
as soon as I can!