I have searched this forum somewhat extensively and haven't found anything that really helps. I am looking at buying a 1997 Civic LX with 111,000 miles. It is a friend's dads car so he is selling it to me pretty cheap. Anyway, the Check Engine Light came on and he let me take the car to a local parts shop to get the codes read. It came back there is a misfire in every cylinder and the valve cover gasket/valves need to be adjusted. My concern is the car drove fine, I was able to take it to Redline with no issues. There was no smell of gas coming from the exhaust, no drastic vibrations at idle and there isnt any oil leaking from the valve cover. Also the car just had 4 new plugs, wires, distributor, valve cover gasket and valves adjusted all done in December 2015 at 100,000 miles. Would it be possible/likely this all needs replaced again? I'm wondering if this could be a money pit and should not waste my time buying it.

Thanks in advance!

 

Valve adjustment is simple enough to DIY. If the valves were not adjusted properly, they may be too tight now, which can cause misfiring especially at idle.

Has the timing belt ever been replaced? It's certainly due. That job is not as complicated (thus expensive) as it is for many cars.

A compression test is a good idea on any used car you're considering buying.

 

The timing belt has not been replaced, I know that is something that will need to be done soon. Compression Test is next on the list to do, just need to get to the car again. Thanks for the response.

 

Here are the codes:

P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
P0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
P1300 Random Misfire

 

possible bad distributor. easy to test, start there.

 

I didn't even think of that. Thanks.