Reviving a 16-Year-Old Honda CRX

InfoThis is a summary of the following YouTube video:

FREE Forgotten Honda CRX Parked 16 Years! Will It RUN AND DRIVE 700 Miles? (Special Guest Tavarish)

Vice Grip Garage

Nov 8, 2024

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Autos & Vehicles

Restoring a classic Honda CRX

  1. The 1987 Honda Civic CRX HF has been parked for over a decade and is currently not running. The goal is to get it back on the road and drive it 700 miles from Orlando, Florida to Central Tennessee.
  2. The car is a one-owner vehicle with a rich history, loved by its previous owner who unfortunately passed away, leaving the car abandoned.
  3. The exterior of the car is mostly intact with minor surface rust and some cracked plastic parts. It has been sitting since 2014, as indicated by the license plate.
  4. The interior is surprisingly well-preserved, with the original manual and a detailed log of fuel receipts and repairs, showing the last entry in 2008.
  5. The car has high mileage, with the odometer reading 236,884 miles, and it has been sitting for approximately 16 years.
  6. There are some mechanical concerns, such as a potentially faulty fuel pump and alignment issues, but the car's structure is solid.
  7. The car's documentation, including the title and maintenance records, is intact and will be kept with the vehicle.
  8. The restoration process will involve addressing mechanical issues, cleaning, and possibly replacing parts like the fuel pump and distributor.

Reviving a long-abandoned Honda CRX

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF has been parked for nearly two decades, and the goal is to get it running and driving again. The car is a 1991 model with a 60 horsepower engine, known for its lightweight and efficient design.
  2. The car's engine is not fuel-injected, and there are concerns about the ignition system, as some parts are unplugged. The vehicle's mission is to get it operational, despite the complex vacuum hose system and potential vacuum leaks.
  3. The car was last moved in 2020, and there are issues with the ignition coil and distributor, which might have caused spark problems. The engine is difficult to work on due to its compact size and the tight space in the engine bay.
  4. The car lacks brakes, as the brake master cylinder is hard to access and appears empty. The clutch system is also suspected to be hydraulic and potentially problematic.
  5. The fluids in the car, such as coolant and engine oil, are checked and appear to be in good condition, though the brake fluid is missing. The plan is to start with fuel and spark to see if the engine can run.
  6. The process involves removing the air cleaner assembly to check the fuel system, draining old fuel, and checking if the engine cranks with a new battery. The wiring and ignition system are also inspected.
  7. The throttle cable is stuck, and attempts are made to free it using lubricant. The battery is replaced, and the engine is tested to see if it cranks, which it does, indicating some progress.
  8. The engine cranks but has uneven compression, leading to a galloping sound. The focus is on getting the ignition system working before addressing the fuel system and other mechanical issues.
  9. The car's history includes a visit to an auto shop for repairs, and there are ignition parts in the front seat. The spark plugs are inspected, revealing corrosion, which might indicate further ignition issues.

Reviving a classic Honda CRX

  1. The narrator is attempting to repair a Honda Civic CRX HF that has been parked for nearly two decades. The car is described as having high mileage but is not necessarily in bad condition.
  2. The narrator encounters challenges while working on the car, such as tight spaces and unfamiliar components, which require creative problem-solving and learning on the go.
  3. The car's spark plugs show varying levels of performance, indicating that some cylinders are firing better than others. This suggests potential issues with the ignition system.
  4. The ignition coil is tested and found to be faulty, leading to the decision to replace it with a Blaster coil from Freddy's inventory, which tests within specifications.
  5. Freddy, a guest, provides historical context about the car, revealing it was originally owned by a single person who meticulously kept records. The car was well-loved but left unused after the owner's passing.
  6. The car's history includes a plan to restore it, but it was halted due to ignition issues. The car is noted for its impressive fuel economy and durability, having nearly 300,000 miles.
  7. The conversation touches on the cultural significance of the Honda CRX, particularly its popularity in the past as a sporty, economical vehicle.

Restoring a classic Honda CRX

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF has been parked for nearly two decades, maintaining its original condition, which is rare for Hondas as they are often modified.
  2. The car, being a Florida vehicle, has minimal rust, and the owner plans to donate to hurricane relief as a gesture of gratitude for receiving the car for free.
  3. The restoration process involves checking the car's electrical system, specifically looking for spark in the ignition system, which was found to be an issue with the coil.
  4. The team discusses the condition of various parts, including hoses and the timing belt, which appears to be in good condition despite the car's age.
  5. The conversation includes technical details about the car's engine, such as its compression ratio and the use of a timing belt instead of a chain.
  6. The restoration involves inspecting and potentially replacing parts like the valve cover and timing belt, with a focus on ensuring the engine's timing is correct.
  7. The team notes the car's original parts, including the engine and suspension, and discusses the challenges of working with older vehicles.
  8. The discussion highlights the importance of proper grounding in the car's electrical system to ensure adequate voltage to the ignition coil.
  9. The restoration process is detailed, with steps including cleaning surfaces, applying RTV, and reassembling parts to ensure the car runs smoothly.
  10. The conversation ends with a humorous note on the challenges of working on older cars and the satisfaction of seeing progress in the restoration.

Reviving a long-abandoned Honda CRX

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF has been parked for nearly two decades, and the goal is to get it running again. The process involves checking and replacing various components, such as the fuel pump and clutch cable, to ensure the car can drive 700 miles.
  2. The car's fuel system is a primary focus, with efforts to clean and replace old, rotten fuel lines. The team discusses the possibility of grounding and bonding issues due to the car's age and condition.
  3. There is a need to extract old fuel from the tank, which is suspected to be either metal or plastic. The team uses a hand pump to remove the fuel, noting that the tank might be nearly full, which could complicate the process.
  4. The team discovers that the fuel pump is still functional, as fuel drips from it, indicating gravity feeding. They plan to crank the engine to see if fuel flows properly, which is crucial for starting the car.
  5. The interior of the car is surprisingly well-preserved, with minimal wear on the seats and no cracks in the plastic. This suggests that the car was well-made and has been protected from extensive damage over the years.
  6. The team faces challenges with the fuel system, including a non-working fuel float and potential varnish in the pickup tube. They consider the possibility of needing to drop the tank to address these issues.
  7. Due to limited information on the carbureted model in the manual, the team decides to test the car using a fuel jug to bypass the tank temporarily. This approach aims to determine if the car can run and potentially drive home.

Reviving a long-abandoned Honda CRX

  1. The video documents the process of attempting to revive a Honda Civic CRX HF that has been parked for nearly two decades. The main goal is to see if the car can be made to run and drive 700 miles.
  2. The initial step involves checking the fuel system. The narrator tests the fuel pump by connecting it to a gas jug to see if it functions properly. After some adjustments, the pump starts working, but a leak is detected, likely due to a faulty seal.
  3. To address the leak, the narrator replaces the old hose with a correctly sized 5/16 hose and reuses the original clamps. This step is crucial to ensure that the fuel system is sealed properly and does not leak during operation.
  4. The ignition system is then examined. The narrator installs new spark plugs (referred to as 'sparklers') and replaces old ignition wires ('lightning hoses'). The distributor cap is cleaned and inspected for wear, and adjustments are made to ensure proper spark transfer.
  5. The narrator encounters issues with the carburetor, noting that the throttle seems stuck and the accelerator pump might be malfunctioning. These components are crucial for the engine to receive the correct air-fuel mixture.
  6. Despite these challenges, the narrator remains optimistic and continues troubleshooting. They attempt to manually prime the carburetor and adjust various components to encourage the engine to start.
  7. The video highlights the complexity of reviving an old vehicle, especially one that has been neglected for years. It involves a mix of mechanical knowledge, patience, and problem-solving skills to address issues as they arise.
  8. The narrator humorously refers to the engine as a 'lawnmower engine' due to its small size and simplicity, emphasizing the straightforward yet challenging nature of the task.

Restoring a Honda CRX with modifications

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF has been parked for nearly two decades, and the goal is to restore it to a drivable condition for a 700-mile journey.
  2. The initial problem identified was with the air-fuel ratio, which was off, causing issues with the engine's firing and idling at 5,500 RPM.
  3. A decision was made to replace the existing carburetor with a Weber carburetor using an adapter kit, as the current setup was not suitable for a long journey.
  4. The restoration process involved working outdoors, enjoying the weather, and occasionally considering moving into a shop for better conditions.
  5. The Weber carburetor was purchased years ago and came with an adapter kit specifically for the Civic CRX, but required custom throttle linkage adjustments.
  6. The process involved removing numerous hoses and pipes, some of which were cut off, and dealing with manifold vacuum leaks and coolant leaks.
  7. The team used scrap metal and universal cable ends to create a makeshift throttle linkage, planning to source additional parts from a local store.
  8. The restoration included cleaning up the engine bay by removing unnecessary components and plugging various leaks with pipe plugs and vacuum caps.
  9. The installation of the Weber carburetor involved using multiple gaskets and ensuring the setup was secure with thread locker to prevent loosening during operation.
  10. The team faced challenges with the throttle cable, which required modifications to fit the new carburetor setup, and planned to address these issues as they progressed.

Reviving a long-abandoned Honda CRX

  1. The project involves reviving a Honda Civic CRX HF that has been parked for nearly two decades. The goal is to get it running and drive it 700 miles.
  2. The initial task is to address the throttle cable, which involves cutting and fitting a new end to ensure proper connection to the carburetor. A throttle kit is used to facilitate this process.
  3. The throttle cable is successfully disassembled and reassembled with adjustments to ensure it operates smoothly without binding. A makeshift return spring is added for functionality.
  4. Fuel line adjustments are made to improve the setup, and the car is prepared for a test run with a Weber carburetor to see if it will start and run properly.
  5. Initial attempts to start the car reveal a dead battery, requiring a jump start. Once powered, the car starts successfully, indicating a functioning engine and electrical system.
  6. The car's lights, including high beams and turn signals, are tested and found to be operational, suggesting the electrical system is largely intact.
  7. Attention turns to the brakes, which are non-functional, and the clutch, which needs further inspection. The car is moved into a shop for more detailed work.
  8. A donation is made to Convoy of Hope as a symbolic payment for the vehicle, marking the official ownership transfer and commitment to the project.
  9. Plans for the day include inspecting the car on a lift, addressing the brake system by adding fluid and bleeding the lines, and potentially removing the fuel tank for repairs.
  10. The car is found to be in surprisingly good condition with minimal rust, indicating a solid foundation for further restoration efforts.

Restoring a Honda CRX's fuel system

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF has been parked for nearly two decades, and the goal is to restore it to a drivable condition.
  2. The initial challenge involves addressing issues with the fuel system, specifically the fuel tank and lines, which are clogged and need cleaning.
  3. Efforts are made to clean the master cylinder, which is filled with mud, using brake cleaner and fresh brake fluid to restore the braking system.
  4. The process involves removing the fuel tank to inspect and clean it, as well as addressing any issues with the fuel lines and filters.
  5. The fuel tank removal is complicated by unexpected obstacles, such as plastic shields and tightly fitted components, requiring careful disassembly.
  6. An access port is discovered, allowing for potential cleaning of the fuel system without fully removing the tank, which could save time and effort.
  7. The fuel tank is found to contain more fuel than expected, and the sending unit and other components are inspected for damage and cleaned.
  8. The fuel pickup tube is severely rusted and clogged, necessitating a creative repair using a brake line to fabricate a new pickup tube.
  9. The repaired pickup tube is successfully brazed and tested for leaks, ensuring it can draw fuel from the bottom of the tank.
  10. The fuel tank is reassembled with the repaired components and reinstalled in the vehicle, marking progress in the restoration effort.

Reviving a long-abandoned Honda CRX

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF has been parked for nearly two decades, and the goal is to get it running and drive it 700 miles.
  2. The process begins with changing the fuel filter, replacing the old one with a new 32003 model, and ensuring all connections are secure.
  3. The fuel tank is reinstalled, and fresh fuel is added to attempt starting the car with its original tank.
  4. The master cylinder is found to be faulty, requiring disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly to restore hydraulic pressure.
  5. Efforts to repair the master cylinder involve using Emory cloth to clean the piston and bore, ensuring no scoring or damage remains.
  6. A temporary solution is devised to bypass the faulty master cylinder, allowing the front brakes to function by rerouting brake lines.
  7. The team faces challenges with sourcing parts, requiring creative solutions to adapt existing components for the brake system.
  8. Despite the master cylinder issues, the front brakes are bled and partially functional, though not fully reliable.
  9. New tires are installed, and a battery is prepared to attempt starting the vehicle.
  10. The oil is not changed due to the presence of a Honda filter, and the team prepares to start the car, hoping for success.

Restoring a Honda CRX after 16 years

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF had been parked for nearly two decades, and the goal was to restore it to a drivable condition. The initial challenge was dealing with the car's taillights, which were stuck on, causing the battery to drain. The team managed to recharge the battery and replace the old, cracked tires with new ones.
  2. The brake system was problematic, with the brake pedal not engaging until 20% of the way down. The team discovered that the rear outlet of the brake system wasn't engaging properly, leading to a lack of brakes when the engine was running. Despite these issues, they decided to test drive the car to assess its drivability.
  3. Upon starting the car, it was confirmed that the fuel system was operational, as the car started pulling fuel from the tank. However, the brake lights remained stuck on, indicating a potential issue with the brake light switch. The team planned to drive the car outside to test it further, adding coolant to ensure it wouldn't overheat.
  4. The car's fan system was another concern, as it wasn't clear if the fan was operational. The team considered using a relay to ensure the fan would run with the ignition, preventing overheating during the drive. They enlisted the help of an expert to troubleshoot the fan relay and brake light switch issues.
  5. After some adjustments, including fixing the brake light switch and grounding the fan relay, the car was ready for a longer drive. The team noted that the clutch was not in the best condition, and the brakes required significant force to engage, but the handbrake was functional as a backup.
  6. The decision was made to take the highway for the test drive, minimizing the need for heavy braking. The team was cautious about the car's condition, especially the brakes, and planned to avoid using them as much as possible. They also noted the car's fuel efficiency, which was surprisingly good despite the modifications.
  7. During the drive, the team observed various issues, such as unbalanced tires and a sticky steering wheel, but the car performed well overall. They were impressed with the fuel efficiency, achieving 35.8 miles per gallon, and noted that the car had been sitting since 2008, with fresh oil and a full tank at that time.

Restoring a classic Honda CRX

  1. The Honda Civic CRX HF, parked for nearly two decades, is being revived to see if it can run and drive 700 miles.
  2. The car, purchased in 1986 with only 20 miles, is one of the most documented Honda CRXs, with extensive original paperwork from Blount Honda.
  3. The narrator expresses gratitude to Freddy Tavarish for providing storage, tools, and workspace, highlighting Tavarish's expertise in restoring damaged supercars.
  4. The journey involves driving through small towns, dealing with minor car issues like a non-working AC and timing adjustments, and appreciating the car's improving performance.
  5. The narrator stops for refreshments and boots, noting the car's decreasing smoke emissions and improved fuel efficiency, reaching about 37.5 miles per gallon.
  6. The drive continues into the night, with the narrator deciding to push through to reach home, enjoying the fall scenery and the car's reliability.
  7. Upon reaching home, the narrator reflects on the unexpected popularity of the CRX, with many people expressing nostalgia and interest in the car.
  8. The narrator seeks advice on whether to keep the car original or modify it, and requests help finding specific body parts due to their rarity.
  9. A giveaway is mentioned, offering a chance to win a 1968 Chevrolet Nova, encouraging viewers to participate by purchasing merchandise.