1996 Honda Prelude Hole in Transmission

AMMIFISH

MEMBER
1996 HONDA PRELUDE

Transmission problem
1996 Honda Prelude 4 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Manual 167000 miles

I recently ran my poor little Prelude over a rather large obstacle--namely, a chunk of concrete and rock approximately 6"x8"x10"--causing the gas tank to be ruptured in three spots and spilling gasoline all over. After taking it in for a tank replacement, I was informed that the damage was a bit more extensive than I was aware. In particular, the rock punched a baby fist-sized hole in my transmission casing. The particular shop at which I was having the work done does not operate on transmissions, but they were able to show me where the fluid line should be, which was less than an inch from the hole. It has not yet leaked, and it may or may not develop one. Some of the information I have garnered leads me to believe that this is a much less potentially serious problem since it is a manual transmission, but I want an extra opinion. Is it safe to drive the vehicle so long as I do not develop a leak?

2 Replies

MASTERTECHTIM

MECHANIC
4,750 POSTS

If its not leaking its probably your bell housing. If it still drives ok I would feel comfortable driving it. Hope this helps. Feedback is much appreciated

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Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 AT 4:29 PM

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

My opinion is you are lucky to be alive. A ruptured gas tank while driving is not something people just walk away from everyday. Change your driving habbits Ammifish! LOL
The hole in your trans. Is probably not something to be too worried about, as long as it drives OK. One thing I would beware of is this--when you shift the transmission there is a lot of stress put on the bell housing. Keep an eye on the hole and look for any spidering cracks to develope around the hole. If this happens --well you probably know the rest. If, after a while of keeping an eye on it, no cracks develope just put some 200 MPH NASCAR duct tape on the hole.