Just picked up a 96 civic for 650. Got a few maintenance issues to take care of, but, I was wondering if there are any quirk these engines have? Im looking for a reliable A to B beater. Are there any maintenance parts that are the go to for these engines? anything that commonly fails? A specific part brand to stay away from? New to hondas, any tips appreciated.

Kevin

 

timing belt/water pump. exhaust manifolds crack by the oxygen sensor. avoid any non honda oem distributor/ignition components.

 

Specific brand to stay away from is easy: Anything that isn't OEM. Considering the price you got it for, I'm going to guess it's in pretty bad shape as it is. What you should do depends entirely on how bad a shape it's in, and what's wrong. We need more details if you want real advice.

 

Valve stem seals have probably never been changed. Oil pan gasket distributor o ring and valve cover gasket sets are another thing to look at

 

Radiator flush, I guess when you're doing it you might as well replace radiator hoses, heater hoses and any coolant lines. Timing belt, water pump, tensioner and spring, cam seals and crank seal. From there you'll just have to wait and see if anything happens. If you plan to flush the transmission just go with honda fluid. If you ever have to replace an axle than please change out the axle seals.

 

Ive made a huge rockauto parts list for a complete tune up, water pump/timing belt, valve cover/lash set, hoses, belts, and filters.

Ive tried to use all oem manufacturers. Aisin water pump, gates belts and hoses, NGK spark plugs and wires, fel pro gaskets, etc. Does this sound good? And all this for about $300! I love how cheap these parts are lol

Im buying it off a friend who has had it sitting. It has the fluctuating idle problem and a valve cover leak. Otherwise it has been solid for him. Just doesnt use it anymore and its been neglected for the past 6 months. But i need a new project.

Wouldve replied sooner, but replies arent going to my email. Will have to change that...

 

alot of people will hate on fel pro gaskets. ive used them on many different engines with no issues at all. your belt and pump are perfect, so are the plugs and wires. the victor reinz branded composite headgasket i bought from rockauto for a 95 civic was actually manufactured by manley. go figure.

 

You could've ordered most of that from HOnda online sites. If you did a price comparison its almost the same, spend the extra bucks for oem quality. I notice local honda dealers raising prices like a ************. $300 for just the timing belt, tensioner and spring. What a rip off.