I bought this 90 ex the other day for 900, excellent condition shell, great paint, great internals aesthetically. However the engine is in dire need of repair/rebuild. A little history on the car, original owner and next door neighbor loved this car and took great care of it. Only took it to one or two mechanics all of its 215k mi existence as well as not driving it very fast (old asian man) or very far. Engine noises include loud clicking (suspect= valves), screeching (suspect= timing belt), and it's staying in gear too long unless I play throttle footsie with it (still diagnosed however replacing the main relay seemed to help for the most part, now just in first and second gear its reving a lil high, suspect= tranny ). That's just what I can deduce as well as what the guys mechanic said( because I hunted him down and asked about the history of the car). So far on the list I have valves, seals, gaskets, timing belt. I haven't opened it up yet as I still need to get to work.

The question is... Rebuild and risk more expenditure of my shallow pockets or buy a new one for ~1k?

Thank you for any feedback, perspective and/or advice!

 

Me, I'd go for getting the maint items up to date (didn't see anything about trans fluid drian and fills with Honda Trans fluid) and go from there.

I'd also inspect the throttle control cable (cable from TB to trans) for proper adjustment and movement.

 

All the fluid is clear and has been replaced recently. The throttle cable seems to be taught as well. I ran down the gas when i got it and put some techron 87. I found an oil leak in #4 spark plug too

 

Throttle cable should have a tiny bit of slack. Adjustment is for trans arm and throttle plate to begin movement at same time.

I agree w/ PM. I suggest checking compressions first to see what's going on there. But take care of maintenance and see what you have.

Screeching could be quite a few things. Suggest removing first PS belt and then AC/Alt belt and see if screeching subsides. If not, then may have a bad tensioner bearing on timing or balance shaft belt.

good luck

 

Thanks for the feedback! Heres an update.... Engine is apart and the culprit has been found. Bad rod in cyl 4 has been tearing down the house! Piston is trashed, ring, and cyl wall have nasty wear and rod bearings were makin some noise. So im lookin around and found a jdm used f22 for ~800 that im gonna pick up and throw in then slowly rebuild this block from machine shop up.