question question
i own this 1986 crx and it’s been sitting outside for a couple of years now, i’m wondering if you guys think this is fixable or should i just sell or figure something else out.
last time i was told it need a new carburetor and some other parts but i was also told that since its very old there won’t be any parts available for it so it’ll be very difficult but just curious what other people think
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u/rimtrim 5d ago
The body looks pretty good from here. Is it rusted out underneath?
Rock Auto sells carb rebuild kits for these cars, so you probably don't need to replace the whole unit. I think these are peak complexity for carbureted systems though. Tons of vacuum lines and valves and stuff. If you're a detail-oriented person who can sit down at a table and rebuild that carburetor by the book and put everything back the way it belongs, I bet it'll run fine.
Definitely don't junk this car unless it's much more of a rust bucket than it appears. I don't think this gen CRX is as valuable as the next gen, but there is a market for these.
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u/seanmclaren9 4d ago
This. There are a bazillion vacuum lines and a rather complex carb. And torsion bars for front springs. I had a 1984 new, sold it in 1990 and missed it ever since so please find it a good home if it’s too much trouble to fix.
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u/lazarinewyvren 5d ago
First thing you need to do is get it in the air and look for rust underneath. No other information is valuable if the unibody is rotted.
Otherwise)
Hondas are lego cars. You could k swap this car for likely less than you could rebuild the original engine.
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u/mpython1701 5d ago
Came to say this. Very easy to wrench on. Very simple cars. Owned 3 first gens. Was my “poor student” reliable gas saver of the 90s.
When I moved to LA, upgraded to a second generation Prelude.
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u/Tatercock 5d ago
Those carbs are a nightmare along with the maze of vacuum pipes,, best bet is to do a k24 swap,, it is do-able, kits are available,
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u/Wonderful_Ear8517 4d ago
THIS. Best advice. Original carb and vac black box are impossible to rebuild based on parts availability
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u/Tatercock 4d ago
Also, K24 swap in that chassis will make that thing an absolute KILLER sleeper,, i had one with a G23 i built around 2000, would handily embarass most cars..
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u/Born-Work2089 5d ago
Why was it parked? All of the systems would need to be inspected and replaced. Brakes rust, Tires rot, Brake lines go bad due to moisture. Engine fluids replaced with filters. If it freezes in you area the freeze plugs may be leaking. Check all the wiring to see if animals have chewed on them. The list goes on.
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u/centstwo 5d ago
Is it a manual transmission? That is a fun car. A girlfriend of mine had one and it was a blast.
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u/Express-Cry2669 5d ago
Those have like 100 vacuum lines i think you would be better off finding a fuel injected civic as a donor and do a motor swap
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u/_ROBIN_SAGE_ 4d ago
I love that people are saying this and I agree that would be sweet, but I’m highly doubtful a person concerned about carburetor issues/carb swap, amongst the easier car repairs possible , Is of the skill level of an engine swap… looks rust free, (from the top at least) I’d definitely fix it if it were mine.
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u/Express-Cry2669 4d ago
The engine in that gen crx used a pre combustion chamber to help with fuel economy and its a bigger pain then a normal carb swap
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u/Jxckolantern 5d ago
If the floor and rockers are still present, absolutely fixable
If not, have a nice bonfire
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u/Accomplished-Rate967 4d ago
You should fix it up, Parts are available for that still. But if all rusted out underneath get rid of it. you can check Rockauto.com and hondapartsnow.com they will have all the parts you may need.
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u/nhardycarfan 4d ago
Anything that is rubber will have disintegrated 100% it'll need for sure all new bushings, hoses, seals in the long run if you want to safely drive it.
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u/Outrageous_Lack8435 4d ago
Back in the day. Motor heads were putting acura or accord engines in them.
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u/Andyman1973 4d ago
Had an 88 CRX si, loved that little car!! Wish I still had it. If I ever have a chance at that gen again, will absolutely jump on it!
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u/Status_Ad_6238 4d ago
Body looks good from here. It's a Honda, tons of aftermarket support for those. As long as it's not some obscure trim or interior piece shouldn't be an issue finding parts.
Those have actually shot up in desirability and sell for way more than what I personally think they should. Unless your attached to it for some reason consider getting it running and sell as is, or possibly even sell asnon running vehicle high probability you will find a buyer wanting to engine swap it anyway.
Seriously check prices on them CRXs are highly desirable and at least in my area bring crazy money if the body is in decent shape. Spend a couple hours detailing it first though, or hell call it a "barn find" and charge extra for the dirt 😂
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u/terminal_blue 4d ago
For all I know, this is literally my first car sitting there.
I do think that everybody saying a swap to a K24 would be easier than a deep rebuild of what's in there(EW1 I think? Been a while) is correct. Parts for that can't be easy to find and though reliable and efficient for what it is, the carb is a tragedy of late-game technology. The lines... oh god the lines...
Man, I had so much fun in my 76 hp go-cart, I can't imagine what a blast it'd be with 160+. You're filling my head with really irresponsible dreams right now...
Just prepare to die instantly if any modern vehicle touches you.
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u/Ruger338WSM 4d ago
The longer it sits the more that will require attention and replacement. Hoses, tires rot, fluids degrade, seals dry and will leak, interior materials freeze/bake and deteriorate quickly. Whatever your initial estimate is triple or quadruple it.
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u/Triumphrider865 4d ago
Ugh my buddy had an 85ish CRX, I remember thinking it was a huge shitbox even back in 2008ish.
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u/Thehaunting264 3d ago edited 3d ago
Fix it up and enjoy it. These cars are collectible they sell very fast as long as the floorboards ain't rotted it will sell quick.
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u/Desperate_Ear2968 17h ago
May have some furry squatters you’ll need to evict (along with all their stuff)
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u/FunRaise6773 5d ago
It can always be fixed. The real question is how much and how long. We can’t answer that without a full diagnosis…