1990 Civic runs only at high rpm???
 

I'm looking into getting a civic to dd as a gas saver. I'm looking at civics under 1grand. I found one but it has some problems. Let me know if I should keep looking or if this is an easy fix. Here's what I know:

Five speed honda civic, great body and interior, over 226k miles, new flywheel, all new distributor cap, and ok tires. The car has motor problems, it runs only at high rpm, it may only be timing issues, I don't know. This car was used for commuting back and forth to work, owned by an older adult.

It only moves at about 5k rpm, the distributor cap was changed which costed around $300, and the next day it started acting up. We don't know what is wrong with it and just need to get rid of it. We got it about 2yrs ago, unknown if the clutch has been changed or not, timing belt was replaced, flywheel was replaced, and distributor assembly.

It was previously driven by an older lady

Note: That's all I know from the guy selling it. I haven't taken this thing on a test drive yet, just wanting to get some advice so if I do go look at it...I'd know what to be looking for. Should I check into it or pass on this one?


Thanks!!!
Adam:2pimp:

Re: 1990 Civic runs only at high rpm???
 

mmmkay325, it sounds like a similar problem my 91 Civic LX (215k miles) is having. It idles between 3 and 4k rpm. It also leaks coolant. If rice burners (honda, toyota) cars are low on coolant, they will rev high / will not idle properly. I had the same problem with a Toyota eight-six (86 Corolla GT-S) I used to own. When I drive the Civic, the engine revs high between switching gears, and only goes back to proper idle rpm once the gear has been engaged (clutch pedal fully released). Three different shops told me that the water pump is defective and needs replacing. If I were you, I would check for any possible coolant leaks (in the entire coolant system: water pump, radiator hoses, coolant bleeder screw, heater hoses, etc) so that you can rule that out as a possible cause.


- soltero -

Re: 1990 Civic runs only at high rpm???
 

dont buy a civic, they have too many problems, my 95 did anyway

Re: 1990 Civic runs only at high rpm???
 

Being that this is a Civic forum? Out of curiosity, what would you recommend instead? Civics definitely are not the easiest cars to work on though. I am finishing up a 6-day ordeal with changing out my water pump (pause for massive "noob" comments onslaught) since it runs off of the timing belt. That and using cheap plastic where they shouldn't...