Honda Car Forum

I have a 1992 automatic Honda Civic with 93K miles that was just given
to me a couple of weeks ago. There are a lot of problems with the car.
I was wondering if anyone on this group can shed light on any of
these.

1) When I accelerate, the car starts moving really slowing and takes
forever to pick up any speed. Usually takes 3-5 seconds till the gears
kick in. Once it picks up its ok. Could this be gears/transmission ?
timing belt ?

2) timing belt. I have read a few posts in this group that state that
the timing belt is definitely an issue at 90K. I will have it looked
at immediately. I guess I should do the water pump also. Any ideas on
costs ?

3) The car seems to be loosing oil. There was hardly any left at 93.5K
mi. The previous oil service was done at 91K miles.
However, I dont see any leaks on the driveway where I park ???

4) I didnt drive the car for 1 week and the car didnt start. I was
told that the battery was changed approx. 20K miles ago.
Could this be the alternator ? Cables to spark plugs ? what else
should I have it checked for ?

5) There was some electrical work done in the car. Dont exactly know
what. But the lights on the dashboard are on, but the lights on the
shifter are off. ( The light below the shift bar showing "P, N, R,
etc..."). The dashboard shows the current gear, but I was wondering if
a fuse might be missing ? The buld itself ?

6) Lastly, If I can correct the above issues, I want to replace the
13" wheels with nice 15 - 17" aluminum wheels and decent tires.
What is the maximimum size of the wheel that I can go with ?
Any suggestions on wheel sizes and brands for this 92 Honda Civic ?

Thanks in advance for any ideas and suggestions and for going through
such a long long post.

Sunil

Sunil Matta wrote:

> 2) timing belt. I have read a few posts in this group that state that
> the timing belt is definitely an issue at 90K. I will have it looked
> at immediately. I guess I should do the water pump also. Any ideas on
> costs ?

In 2003 I paid $510 for timing belt / water pump replacement and $345
for 90k service on my '94 Civic. This was at an independent shop in San
Jose, CA. Prices at dealerships ranged from $449 to $596 for the TB
change and from $332 to $430 for the 90k service. Prices at independent
shops ranged from $372 to $584 for the TB change and $295 to $380 for
the 90k service.

> 6) Lastly, If I can correct the above issues, I want to replace the
> 13" wheels with nice 15 - 17" aluminum wheels and decent tires.
> What is the maximimum size of the wheel that I can go with ?
> Any suggestions on wheel sizes and brands for this 92 Honda Civic ?

from '92 through '95 The Civic Si came stock with 14" wheels and 185/60
tires. 195/60 works fine on the 14" rims. You seem to be interested in
bigger rims. http://www.tires.com suggests wheels as large as 215/35R-18
for the car, don't know how well that would work.