1st gear on '94 Mazda Protege

1994 MAZDA PROTEGE
142,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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HOMERBSHARP
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I am debating buying a 94 Mazda Protege. I notice I have to rev extremely high and start at a high mph, while riding the clutch, to go into 1st gear from full stop. Never experienced that on any other stick shifts. Other shifting seems to be fine. Is this a known protege thing or does it indicate a problem with the clutch/transmission?
Jul 3, 2011 at 12:43 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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No not normal what happens if put in 1st engine off clutch engaged start engine ?
Jul 3, 2011 at 1:14 PM
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HOMERBSHARP
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Thanks. With clutch to the floor, and car in 1st, engine starts normally, nothing strange. I should mention both 1st and 2nd gear seem 'fast' - normally I would go down a side street in 2nd or even 3rd. On this car you would stall in 2nd at a normal speed for a neighborhood side street.
Jul 3, 2011 at 3:28 PM
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HOMERBSHARP
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Found out the air intake had a crack. Shifts and runs OK in 1st and 2nd after a little temp duct tape.
Jul 3, 2011 at 5:27 PM
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DOCFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 18,828 POSTS
Good job so air leak made RPMs go up making gear engagement hard
Jul 4, 2011 at 11:32 AM
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