Here's the story....

I just recently purchased a 1988 Civic DX and already ran into a problem. When i first took a look at the car, the owner said it would start. We tried and it wouldn't. Then on the second visit, we actually jump started the car and it started up in a couple of try's (possibly weak battery). But then i realize it started to idle. So i knew then that it had to be a vaccum leak of some short. Now, since it didn't have a MN's license plate and no tabs, i wasn't able to test drive it. I thought that since it would start, i wouldn't have any trouble of driving it once i have the car at home. So, me and a buddy of mine rented a flat bed and picked the EF9 up the next day. Once i reached home, i started the car. I jumped MY NEW CAR and the car started up just like i wanted it to. Well, this is when i first noticed the car problem now. The car would start, then it'll die in like 30secs to a minute. I was told from the owner it was probably low in gas so i purchased 5 gallons in one of those little portable gasoline bottles and stuffed it into the civic. I started it up and still......it dies over and over again. Then the car started to over heat.

This is what i have done so far to see rather or not this would cause my car to die on me. I have just recently purchased new spark plugs *they were extremly dirty*, and a new fuel filter. So far, the car still does the same thing. I also just recently purchased a new thermostat because would think that could be the only reason why my car is over heating so quick. Any Honda-Tech heads might know whats wrong with my car? Let me know. Winter is already here and well....i don't have a car to go to school and work now and i'm **** OUTTA LUCK!!!! . Any help would be greatly appricated. thanks to those who reply with good information.

richie

 

if the fan doesnt come on it would overheat if not moving, if you give it gas does it rev normal and does it drive normal does it stall only at idle?

 

i had a problem where once i turn the car on from a cold start it would just turn off, my cousin who owns a shop suspected it was a problem with the fuel pump or ignition switch. The funny thing is that this problem occured for 2 days and it suddenly stopped. When i bought it to my cousins shop all he did was hit the ignition switch with his palm...

 

yeah, i may believe it might be my ignition switch also. but then again, i'm NOW throwin' a cel #10. hopefully, dinkin' around with the air intake sensor and maybe the ignition switch, it'll might just work.