I've got an '88 Honda Civic (yes, it's old, but engine and valves are still in great shape accoring to mechanic) which has been in the family since we bought it new. The car has been meticulously kept up. It's got 240,000 miles on it, but we're ready to junk it because when it's cold in the morning, it's very sluggish. As the car idles, the idle progressively revs faster. The only way to stop this is to go out 5 min after it's started and shift it out of gear (it's an automatic). Not sure if this is related or not, but the main problem is when you start to drive it, it's very sluggish to change gears or get up to speed. There have been many times when you come to a stop light or intersectiong, come to a complete stop, and when you hit the gas pedal, it sputters and acts like it's going to stall although it doesn't. This car seems to be a nuisance in city because I don't feel it's safe to dart in and out of traffic if the need arises. I've replaced alternator, new plugs & wires, new distributor, dist cap & rotor button, ignition switch, air filter, idler...and I'm running out of ideas. This car has been to 2 mechanics who tell me I"m not crazy and the car acts like that for them, but they can't fix it. I know this is a long shot, but ANY ideas would be appreciated!




[Modified by kvisnosky, 1:29 PM 12/17/2002]

 

I bet 10$ that your gas filter is full of crap.

 

Actually, the gas filter gets replaced every year in the spring along with PCV valve. Do you think that because the engine is so old that it takes less time for it to be gunked up?

 

no if you change it every year then it's something else but I doubt you would have to do that every year, but it's a good habit to do it, can't hurt .

 

whens the last time you replaced all your fuel lines going to and from the fuel filter?

 

never replaced them to my knowledge... but if I get decent fuel pressure, would replacing them even matter with this?

 

if fuel pressur is Honda OK then thats fine !!... tryed 2 take the gascap off !?! maybe your presure in the tank is wrong !?

 

if it doesnt happen in gear, most likely a trans problem.

 

If you decide to junk it let me know and I'll take it off your hands for free.

 

We also replaced the gas cap thinking of that, too. ALthough this problem has been this way for over a year, it hasn't gotten any worse. We thought maybe it's a bad fuel pump (again, this was thought of a year ago) but the mechanic says it's fine. I'm not sure what the symptoms are for a bad fuel pump, though!

 

gotta be the tranny

 

SWAP SWAP SWAP!!! With all the parts you have thrown at it you could either a) have bought another car b) bought a SOHC VTEC and been done with the whole mess. You can get them (as I am sure you know) for about $500 for everything, then maybe read that SOHC thread and rebuild for cheap and viola, you have a fresh motor. But why stop there? Why not just do that to a newer body style, unless you really want to keep that one. With over 200,000 miles on the clock I think a new motor would be a good idea, how long is this one going to last anyway? Time to SWAP!!!

 

YumVTEC got it right. Its ur tranny.

 

Thanks for your suggestion, although all the parts I've replaced weren't done all at once. Most were what I considered to be maintenance. Some were done recently very cheaply because my brother's car got flipped and he cracked his tranny case, so he junked his car due to severe frame damage, but some items we stripped (cars were same year and model!) I'm keeping this car just long enough until I can get a newer one and since I want it to last for another year and a half, I didn't know if there was something simple I'm overlooking to fix it. Anyway, the car was repainted (amatuer job) but interior is looking bad. But I will keep the swap in mind. Maybe I can get something around here that cheap!

 

Never thought it could be the tranny! Except for replacing/rebuilding it, any suggestions to keep it going? Or am I better off just "dealing" with it for now? I am saving up to get a '98 or '99 Accord, so in a year and a half this car will be "parts" for my brother's civic.

Thanks for your insight!!!!

 

just buy a lower-mileage 4g auto tranny. they shouldn't be too expensive.

 

May want to try posting in the other forum, they probably will offer more help

 

Don't junk it!

Let me have it. I'll even pick it up!

 

My Old Accord LX-i does that.
As for the slugishness and reving and what not.

I have no idea what it is but, I think its some vacume line issue or something.


[Modified by buzlink, 3:18 PM 12/20/2002]

 

I can't believe no one even asked this yet.

Is it carbureted? Chances are your carb could use a good cleaning and rebuild.



[Modified by Boozted, 2:47 PM 12/20/2002]

 

I don't think anyone asked because in the U.S all 1988-up civics ditched carbs in favor of fuel injection.

The 1988 Civic must be a Dx or LX, which means it has the Dual-Point PGMFI - two injectors rather than 4.

If it feels as though the engine revs faster than the car is actually acclerating, then that's probably the auto tranny taking a ****.

 

Upon re-reading your post it seems like it could be as simple as a throttle cable adjustment or perhaps a sticking butterfly in your throttle body itself.

Always start with the cheapest, simplest things so that if that doesn't fix it you didn't waste too much time or money.

 

http://www.usedengine.com sells the 4g auto trans for $200 plus shipping. jeremy@usedengine.com