How can id a honda engine,the engine is on a 87 honda civic

It's stamped on the engine block, just to the left of the heat shield.

You have either the d15a2, d15a3 aka EW4 or you have the EV-1 which is the 1.3 carburated motor. There is a plate by the radiator filler on the frame of the car it will have one of these #'s and letters on it. The other place to look is where the motor mounts to the transmission on the back side, It is a 3 inch by 1 inch flat spot with numbers stamped into it.

You can go to www.redpepperracing.com for more "acurate" information on this car.