Note: I've read all about the idle problems on these forums and possible fixes, clean the IACV, FITV, and I've read elsewhere about making sure all of the vacuum tubes are void of air. In once case I've even read about the block gasket causing the rough idle.

Here's the thing.

I don't own the car.

I'm looking to buy my first vehicle, and this is a Civic going for a cool 1000 bucks, 116k miles and the drivetrain is in good shape, but it won't stay idling properly after it has warmed up. Whenever you're on the throttle however, it's very responsive.

What I'm wondering is, should I buy it on the notion that I can definitely fix it for a low amount of money, or should I pass it up?

 

If it's a carburetor (not fuel injection) system I'd stay away. That system is very complicated and many parts are probably no longer available. There may be a few ways to rig it so the car is driveable but likely it would not pass a smog test.

If you can press lightly on the gas and have a normal idle just turn up the idle screw on the lever on the side of the carb. If you have to race the engine to keep it running, see paragraph above.

 

From driving it, it would idle completely fine with even light pressure on the pedal. And it is carbureted, not fuel injected. The thing that makes me shy away from the idle screw is that the owner said when we would drive it, it would idle hard when the engine warmed up, but then 5-10 minutes later it would stop. When we drove it however, it didn't stop.

For what it's worth, its a 4 speed manual.

 

Hey stonewall, I'd listen to MK378. he shoots straight, gives solid advice, and has never done me wrong. In fact there's been a few times where I've read his advice, tried other stuff, gone back to MK's advice and solved my problem.

I've also worked with carbs a bit (not on a honda). Unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing, have tons of patience, and have all the parts you need to fix it - listen to MK and stay away from this civic.

If you're set on getting a civic, keep working and saving money for it. The more you drop on the origional car, the less you'll have to spend fixing it after.

And while you're waiting to buy that perfect civic, come back here and read EVERYTHING you can. Seriously... its a great place for info and for the most part people on here are very willing to help .

Welcome to the forums!

 

Alright. I'll go ahead and talk to the owner, see if he'll let me adjust the idle up a little bit and see if it runs better. If not, I'll let it go. Thanks for the help. :)

 

wow isn't that an ancient car lol but that is a carb problem my friend's 1992 civic had that took it to the dealer and got it fixed