Synchros stuck in Geo Metro 5- speed manual trans

[buggywhip]

I have a 1991 Geo Metro that was in storage for 7 years, with 75w90 in the 5-speed manual trans, which was fine before that, but now I can't downshift to 1st or 2nd without stopping or double-clutching, since the 1st and 2nd gear synchros aren't doing their job. Downshifts to 3rd and 4th work fine.

I envision the car sitting for 7 years and the the oil forming varnish or sludge and binding things up. Is that possible? If so, is it realistic to suppose that a solvent or additive could break this up, and if so, what would it be?

I was told by a mechanic they could be freed up by removing pan and moving them around by hand, but am hoping to avoid this, also wondering if anyone has tried this.

Also, have a used trans but know nothing of its history. Is there a way to check its functions before I go to the trouble of installing it?

[Johnny Mullet]

Drain out the gear oil and refill with regular ATF fluid and run it until warm. Drain out the ATF and refill with "Syncromesh" oil available through GM or Pennsoil. The Synchromesh is the preferred oil for these transmissions.........

[buggywhip]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

Drain out the gear oil and refill with regular ATF fluid and run it until warm. Drain out the ATF and refill with "Syncromesh" oil available through GM or Pennsoil. The Synchromesh is the preferred oil for these transmissions.........

Thanks Johnny... I've enjoyed reading your EcoModder Forum.
Do you know what weight the Synchromesh is?

Also, have a used trans but know nothing of its history. Is there a way to check its functions before I risk the trouble of installing it?

I haven't checked yet, but is there even a pan or access plate on these?

[Johnny Mullet]

There is no pan to see the synchros. Either double-clutch or swap it out.

I do not know the weight of Synchromesh, but it is lighter than gear oil.

[buggywhip]

Originally Posted by Johnny Mullet

There is no pan to see the synchros. Either double-clutch or swap it out.
I do not know the weight of Synchromesh, but it is lighter than gear oil.

Thanks! I will rinse with ATF and fill with synchromesh.

I did try rocking car back & forth in 1st & 2nd but no change. The clutch is adjusted properly and seems to function as it should. I have yet to bleed the clutch.

Like I said I do have a used trans I know nothing about and I am still seeking advice on how to tell if it's OK before I risk installing it. I've R&R'd a few of these Metro engines and changed axles (it's no biggy), but haven't tackled a transaxle yet.

I did order 2 bottles of ARX for $42US and it should only take 3 oz. or so to treat the trans, so I don't have much to lose by trying it. A couple of testimonials at the Auto-RX.com site about manual trans results give some hope, assuming they are for real.

If none of the above works I may have to put up with double-clutching a while longer. I don't want to pay $1,000 for a rebuild. I could rebuild it myself - it would be my first, so it might take a few days. Or maybe find another used one known to be good.

It's my third Metro. I switched to it recently because of gas prices. The Taurus was getting avg 22 mpg and so far the Metro is getting 37 city and 48 hwy, all with the AC on.

Thanks again.