Manual Shifting Issues

It sounds to me like there are a couple of things wrong with your Honda.

First, since there’s oil leaking, I would have the engine oil seals checked, as well as the cold plugs. The engine oil seals are pretty obvious. They are supposed to keep your engine’s oil in the block where it belongs. They are supposed to ensure that it doesn’t run out all over the ground.

The cold plugs are artifacts left over from the time the physical block is cast. Since blocks are cast in long molds that each have one reverse image of the final block. Molten metal is poured into to the mold and cooled and the block is formed. The cold plugs are essentially hangers off which the block hangs as it is taken away from casting. Eventually, the external pieces are removed and special plugs are fitted into the base of the block. They are the cold plugs just mentioned.

Here’s an interesting thought on your Accord’s problem and it is simple, have a mechanic take a close look at the timing belt. It has to be changed at 105,000 on the Accord and it is possible that there could be something in that area also causing the oil link.

As to your transmission’s problem. It would seem that the forward gearing is shot. Since reverse is engaging, I know it is not the clutch plate. It might be the that one or more of the dog collar for your forward gears is shot and is not taking up the way it should. It is also possible that the forward transmission linkages could be shot, not allowing the Accord’s forward gears to engage.

I would recommend taking the Honda Accord to a good independent shop and having a technician go over the tranny. It makes the most sense.

By the way, you are probably looking at — have the timing belt changed out anyway, if you haven’t already — $2,000 job, including the belt.