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hello everyone.. this is my first civic and i got it for free, and my budget for it matches the buying price of 0! im a truck/offroad guy. this car (if i do end up diving into the project) will be a gas friendly commuter for me or the wife ( typically we drive either my built tacoma or her burb). anyway this is what i picked up froma coworker who didnt fell like looking at it anymore.
1997 civic coupe, auto (rebuilt less than 30k ago), about 130000 total miles on it.
doe snot run, he said it started running like crap about 8 months ago and he parked it since he has 2 other cars he likes (hes a nice guys but not very bright) and basically forgot about it, told m he was going to junk it so i swooped in.i haven't had time to fiddle with it since dragging it into my garage last weekend. we tried to jump start it but you get nothing, starter turns but no other sound or pressure seems evident, does get spark-but weak spark at that. im not an engine guy at all so i have no clue where to go with this beside give it a good charge, clean up corrosion on the sparking points and then what??
the exterior needs works, the ground effects need repair- i plan to re fiberglass, fill and prime then attempt to sell them or trade for factor bumpers and skirts. it was repainted once upon a time but the paint job sucks is bubbling/peeling of the original paint, started wet sanding the trouble spots and will probably end up with color match spray paint-classy i know. the chrome 17s need refinishing but i don't want those and plan to fin a clean simple 17 to swap and them trade/sell the current ones off- tires on it are brand new. it does have a cold air intake and exhaust, not sure what other "performance" things were done to it.
the interior is actually very clean and nice.
anyone's input is welcome.

 
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First place to start is always three things, Fuel, Fire, and Air.

Check to make sure that fuel is getting to the engine, no kinks in the line, fuel pump working properly, actually has enough and fresh fuel (can't tell you how many times i have seen friends go front to back on their cars and I come over, drain the tank, drop a few gallons of fresh fuel in and boom)

Next fire. Grab another battery and hook it up, check the distibuter cap, wires and plugs. Also check the line from the battery to the cap.

Last check the air, cold air intakes are notorious for getting crap in them due to their proximity to the ground, especially in areas where is snows. Pull it off and see if it fires without it.

Give me an update on which of these you have looked over and we can start from there.

 
Rep Power: 0

I agree with Taco Pronto. If you are getting weak spark as you say how are you checking this? If the spark is weak just replace the rotor and rotor cap and that will more than likely fix this problem might cost you all of a 20. I had my civic with one of those stupid clear ones that everyone used to sell. Yeah that thing was complete junk and made my car run like junk too so possibly check the distributor cap and rotor button. Its a cheap fix if thats all it is and its a good place to check.