200X gear skip

[MARPAT1]

New guy here. Not new to ATC's. Got my first 200X in Feb of '83. It was the 2nd one our local dealer could get.

Anyway, I picked up another one recently that is in really good shape. Engine has been rebuilt, but 3rd gear kinda skips, or more like it jumps a bit. No grinding sound at all. It doesn't seem to be a clutch issue.

Any ideas about the cause for this and what is involved in fixing it?

Thanks.

[rich frazier]

does it pop out of gear or does it feel like its just spinning?

[bones200x]

Sounds like a tooth or more broken off. I have seen a few where a tooth will break off and go straight to bottom of engine.
Only fix is to split cases.

[MARPAT1]

I would have to say it feels more like it jumps out of gear for split second then picks back up.
The engine never revs up when this happens though, and no grinding or clicking sounds.

Also it is not consistant. If I am on level ground just easy cruising it doesn't happen, but as soon as I give it a little gas it will start doing it.
It'll jump a couple times then it'll be fine for 40-50 feet then it'll happen again.

If it is a gear problem and I do need to split the case, is it something that can be done at home or are there specialty tools involved.
Am I better off taking it to someone that really knows what they are doing and have it done right? If so, what kinda charge am I in for?
Would I be better off buying a different used bottom end and swapping it out?

Thanks for all the help.