Quote:
Originally Posted by Thumper
Rule of thumb working on old vehicles. One thing leads to another. 
I learned this in spades after buying an '02 Civic from the city impound lot. Ful front end work... CV axels, struts, both lower control arms, then got into the timing belt just for good measure. Found new OEM Honda belt and shiny new water pump in there, but changed the idler pulley and belt anyway 
Then a few hundred miles later, realized it was going through coolant and overheating. The head gasket had to be replaced, so went ahead with a remanufactured head as long as it had to come out.
Along the way, I found used radiator mounting bracket, battery tiedown, and a couple of other "missing pieces". Why not ?
OK now it uses a bit of PS fluid, engine oil (oil pan leak?), and the transmission is a bit thumpy. But it starts and runs great otherwise 
Such a good deal this turned out to be  |
I kinda wish I never sold my 92 EG Civic...probably just needed a new feul filter, but I wanted to haul stuff and tow a trailer. Hence the 1997 diesel 4wd van.
It is what it is, I knew the risk, and was anticipating a money pit. Hence why I restored an old air cooled motorcycle as backup...but we'll forgo the multiple top end rebuilds with that project...