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hitz · Nov 3, 2006, 09:19 AM

I have just bought a 1990 honda civic. It hasn't been used for a year. There are a few problems but nothing major yet. Can anyone give me some advice on what should be changed or checked to prevent problems from occurring? Thanks for any help

bhayne · Nov 3, 2006, 12:13 PM

A 1990 that hasn't been used for a year? Sorry, not enough memory in my computer to list all the potential problems!

Seriously, though. Buy yourself a Haynes manual at any auto store (Walmart may have them) and look under the scheduled maintenance list. I'd first do the afordable maintenance at 3 month intervals, then go to the 6 month intervals, etc.

The manual goes through disassmbly and reassembly of your car piece by piece. It has recommended fluids, troubleshooting, engine repairs, drive train repairs, electrical repairs... everything for about $15.

TxGreaseMonkey · Nov 3, 2006, 02:21 PM

1. Engine oil and filter
2. Transaxle fluid
3. Antifreeze (50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water)
4. Flush brake system and check pad/shoe thickness
5. Air filter
6. Fuel filter
7. NGK spark plugs, rotor, and distributor cap

hitz · Nov 8, 2006, 08:01 AM

Thanks. I've been trying to find a good manual to guide me, hopefully the haynes manual is better then the online maual I got.

2vital · Mar 10, 2007, 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by hitz

i have just bought a 1990 honda civic. it hasn't been used for a year. there are a few problems but nothing major yet. can anyone give me some advice on what should be changed or checked to prevent problems from occurring? thanks for any help

I own a 90 civic and they are excellent in reliability. Best car I have ever owned. The one thing that is imperative is a timing belt every 75,000 miles. If you change the oil every 3000 you shouldn't have much to worry about. The cv joints go in these and it is easier to change the axels, there small and it is pretty simple. Theses eat a little oil so don't be alarmed they are high revving engines. When you change your oil put a quart of lucus engine restore in there. The main relay can cause you start problems when it gets real hot. Give it a few and try again. The distributors can have problems in this car but I have never had a problem. Not the cap and rotor but the internal parts of the distributor.if your timing belt breaks in this car it will do major damage to the engine components so make sure you do the scheduled 75,000. These engines are said to be the best honda ever made and run to 300,000 and more when serviced properly. Good luck.:)