A few weeks ago I bought a 91 Ef hatch off my girlfriends grandparents who had it sitting on their property for a few years, at first I didn't want anything to do with it because it was sitting in a field covered in pine needles. Apon closer inspection I realized it was actually really clean. I ended up buying it for 800$. I felt bad for a second but they wanted it gone and I wanted it to be mine so I was not gunna say a word on the price. My goal with this car is to clean it up, get some rota shakotans, a little low, and just enjoy it for a while before I resell it. I am the 3rd owner, 138k original miles, 5spd, clean title, no rust, super clean inside and out, It starts up everytime and runs great for me all day. This is my first Honda so Im not super educated. I don't really know where I should start w the car so I guess my question is what should I replace first. I just want to have a strong, reliable engine and I'm just a little sketch since it was sitting for so long but it's in such good condition and runs so good I'm thinking **** there has to be something wrong with it. it was drivin occasionally by her grandpa so it got started up every few months. it had timing done at 120k and had a heating problem at some point and was fixed, I don't know what the diagnosis was but hasn't overheated on me and I drive the **** out of it. There's a pretty loud ticking sound I'm pretty sure it's just the lifters or valve springs and should be an easy fix. There's just a few weird things it's done occasionally, as I come to a stop in neutral, the engine just kind of shuddered for a split second then the idle went back up, not sure what that could be, possibly fuel. Also, I was just rolling in second gear going pretty slow for the gear and tried to slowly let the clutch out and go, when I did that the car kinda jerked or bobbed back and forth a few times pretty violently as I tried to accelerate, coulda been a bumpy road and made my foot push/let off the gas or push/let off the clutch weird as the car bounced, but it's done it a few times and only in 2nd gear so I'm not sure about that one. I appreciate all help. here's some pics

 

What you describe happening when letting off the clutch in 2nd is a result of the low speed... Just like taking off from a stop with too little throttle or low rpm's and any manual car will shudder. Rev it up a little higher before shifting.

Sounds like a great find. Just go through all the regular maintenance items and pay close attention for any signs of trouble. Replace all fluids and filters, particularly oil and tranny fluid. Replace spark plugs, and wires if they seem old or corroded. Test the battery, alternator, and look at the grounds and other electrical connections for any excessive corrosion or frayed wires.

I would also jack up the front and make sure the rack and suspension feels tight, no play if you grip the wheels at 9 and 3, then 12 and 6 and try to force them to move.

 

Pictures didn't come through, but if it is as good as you say it is, other than basic maintenance I would just drive it and leave it alone. How long has it been sitting? Probably not a bad idea to change all fluids in the car (including a coolant system flush), replace the battery if more than 5 years old, replace any stiff / dry rotted hoses, check for leaks and replace seals where necessary, replace tires if they look cracked anywhere or are more than 5 years old, have a look at the condition of the front and rear brakes and replace parts as necessary. Vacuum it, wash it, and drive it.

For the ticking, check the valve lash, and adjust as necessary. Shuddering when stopping...I personally wouldn't sweat this too much unless the car begins stalling. Bucking...I'm guessing you just need to get used to the clutch.

 

That was my first thought, that I was just going too slow, which I was but it seemed a lot more violent than the usual bucking at low speed. I appreciate it a lot, I'll take a look at all the hoses, wiring and the steering/ suspension tomorrow, although the suspension feels surprisingly smooth, I can take bumps at a reasonable speed and barely feel it

 

Just got the pictures fixed. it was sitting for about 3 years, the previous owner occasionally drove to the store to make sure it was alive but it spent most of its time sitting in a field under a tree, which explains why pretty much all 4 tires have atleast a little cracking on the side walls, wheels and tires are coming next pay day. It did have an oil change about 1000 miles ago but that was also probably 2 years ago so I should do it anyways. And you are right about me having to get used to the clutch, after sadly driving an auto for a year, i am a little rusty and have yet to master the footwork in the Honda

 

Holy hell change that oil now! Idc if it was full synthetic or what, that **** breaks down over time...

Can see the pics now, even better than I imagined! Take damned good care of that thing.

 

Nice find!