'87 323 hatch help. Urgent!
 

Hey, I need some help on my 87 base model.
A while back, I think I blew the transmission. I was launching from the stoplight (nothing fast or anything, just a normal start), and I had ZERO power going to the wheels. Not ZERO zero, but very little. Felt like a Pinto running on two cylinders.

Shifted into second, and felt almost no difference between the two gears. Went to shift into third, and it sounded like metal was scraping against the road.

I pulled over, and checked things out. Nothing seemed visibly wrong (thought my trans-axle had dropped or something).

Took off again, and first was a LITTLE better, but in second, the problem really showed itself again. I went to shift into third, and the tranny popped the shifter into nuetral (the bitch fought me!)

Then, the wheels locked. Called my friend to bring my truck and help me tow it back to my place. The wheels were locked bad. . . we ended up powering the truck out, and broke loose whatever was stuck. Got it home. Went to California, and it sat for a while.

Got home, and decided to play around, see what was going on. It wouldn't shift into reverse at all, I had to FORCE it into first, and second was stubborn too. Third and fourth are normal. (this is with the car off, btw)

I started the car to see if things were different with it on.
You know how with these cars, if you start it in neutral, you don't need the clutch in? Well, I did that, and it lurched like it was in gear (?!)

I then started taking things off to get to the tranny better (including the airbox/coil bundle that Mazda decided to curse us with. WTF?)

In the process, I decided that I should replace the head gasket while the car was torn apart. I took off the head cover and did that. Now, I have everything put back together (never took the tranny out, didn't have something to hold the engine up).

It won't freaking start at all. It just makes this clicking sort of noise.

What's going on here? I'm lost and confucked and sad since my Butthatch still isn't running :(

sounds like something grenaded inside your tranny. At first it sounded like you bruned up your clutch. Then it sounded like you blew your differential.

My advice, take it to a transmission only shop like "mr. transmission"...have them give you a diagnoses (usually about $65)....decide whether it's worth it or not to fix it.

I'd rather not pay for the tow :D

I'm actually taking it to my college this weekend, I just found out. Since I'm in classes, all I'll have to pay is parts.

Know of a place to get a five speed? :)

Any clue about the not starting thing?
It damn well better not be the clutch. (Can't be for what I know). I just got that bitch replaced abotu 5000 miles ago at my local transmissions only shop.

something like this can't be diagnosed over the internet with so little information. It sounds to me like something broke inside your gearbox and caused a whole heap of problems.

I'm not familiar with NM at all. I hate to say it but you're going to have to pay to repair it...it's not something simple. There is something bad wrong with your tranny.

I figure it will probably be cheapest just to replace the whole thing. . .
But I can't find anywhere that sells transmissions. Dammit.

www.mazmart.com
www.car-parts.com
www.autozone.com


good luck sir!

Thanks :D

Hell, you're a lifesaver. Found out there's a 5-speed for only 200 in an area I'll be visiting soon! Thanks a ton, man!

*www.car-parts.com*