I assume you're using a new center case gasket, preferably Honda P/N 11191-373-000?
Quote:
Put the left case on and tightened it down... Began to put the bolts in that hold the cases together...
Aren't these both the same thing? Or is there something I'm missing?
Make sure the cases are perfectly parallel to each other at all times during assembly, otherwise one or both shafts may bind. When I put my MR cases together, I carefully lined up the countershaft and crank through the bearing centers and lowered the left case down until it was
almost perfectly level, and nearly together. Then I spent about 10 minutes tapping on the main bearing center race until I realized the case was about 1/16" lower at the back, and the CS was binding in the bearing race. I ilfted up the back of the case, and it fell right into place.
This is very unlikely, but if the transmission was in 2nd gear it's possible the CS 2nd gear could be sitting on top of the CS 5th-gear dogs; I doubt the cases would mate with the CS end washer in place, though.
Ray