Used Tranny test??

[nokuntrol]

I'm about to pick up a used 5-speed tranny this weekend.
Is there anyway to know it's condition WITHOUT first installing it? Like more of a visual inspection of what to look for?

[Xren17]

The best bet is to pull the drain plug and look for metal shavings and look at the casing to see if there's an excess amount of dirt. This might indicate a leak. Beside that there's really no way that I know of to check for a good tranny beside putting it in.

[aznpoopy]

you can throw a shifter on it and gently push it from gear to gear. at least you'll get some idea of how bad the synchros are.

i don't know of any way to check if the internal bearings are alright without opening up the transmission.

[kandyflip445]

Also, while in neutral, check to see if the input and output shafts turn without binding. Then check with it in gears. You may not be able to turn it very well though just because it's harder to turn in gear. Do not use pliers or any other tool to grip the shafts or you may damage them.

[kandyflip445]

Actually throwing it in gear with it not attached to an engine will not give you a good estimate on how the synchros are because the synchros use the speed of the engine and the friction caused by the blocking ring to work.

[aznpoopy]

oh well. i stand corrected.