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1987 Honda Civic Wagovan 1.5L (not AWD) idle and staying on when starting problem

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Old Apr 22, 2025 | 07:56 PM
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Default 1987 Honda Civic Wagovan 1.5L (not AWD) idle and staying on when starting problem

Hi! I guess this is my last place to turn. I'll just try and explain problems with this car and where I'm at on it.

I have done many fixes and basic tuning to get this car back in shape. It's great.
the problem, is when it starts, it will not stay on without help. I will have to hover the RPM's to about 2 to 2.5 for about a minute or 2 and than it will stay alive. When it heats up, it will sit at 700-900 RPMS, but when warming up it. It will bog for a bit and save itself.

When I slowly rev the car, it will hit like a wave of bog where even with me applying pressure, will bog and drop RPMS, unless I really push down.

I am just throwing a prayer someone may know. Is it forsure a vacuum leak? Is my timing off a tooth?
I've gone down a good amount of rabbit holes and pieces I've fixed and replaced.

It won't pass smog, but I truly believe that is because the oil was dirty and old. Dumb of me to not change before, but with fresh new oil, plus I took the oil pan off and cleaned it ENTIRELY.

Regardless, I would like to just get this trusty lawn mower engine to sit at its RPMS like a good little Honda. Start with no problem (I've replaced the wire set and all new spark plugs btw) abd consistent. Will be happy to give any more info in response!

anything helps! Thank you
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Old May 14, 2025 | 09:55 PM
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Default Re: 1987 Honda Civic Wagovan 1.5L (not AWD) idle and staying on when starting problem

1) it won't pass smog, is it the roller test or only a idle and 2500 rpm, give us the reason for failling, or a picture of the gas report, crop to remove personal infos. How many miles plz.

2) the idle not holding up could be a vacuum leak, I suspect that you have the carbureted version, there is a short big hose of 10mm OD or about, not the skinny vacuum hose, on the back of the intake manifold by the alternator, that will slowly crack open. Lift up the car with secure stand and take a peek.

3) otherwise it could be one of the many thermo switch that control the timing upon cold startup... they are no more available and even if you can find one, almost impossible to remove because of the tight spacing. One of mine failed and I did a bypass, which works, but I have a sudden high idle up to 3000 rpm on very cold morning, which goes away after driving 1/4 mile.

86 civic Vacuum leak
86 civic Vacuum leak
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