17 replies to this topic

[n2o]

Hello all . Im new here so be nice . I was just givin a 1987 CRX 1.5 and im not exactly sure what model it is. Looking at this :

"Check the VIN. It should read something like "JHMEC13xxHS000001". The first (bold) "x" marks the digit for the model. 1 = HF, 2 = Std (or DX), 4 = Si. Now, if you're still unsure, check the engine code. On the DX and HF models, there is a plate on the front radiator support, on the driver's side of the car (under the hood, behind the headlight, facing straight up at you as you look at the motor). D15A2 is the carb’ed 1500cc engine. On the Si, the plate is on the opposite, or passenger, side. It will be a D15A3 motor, which is the 1500cc Fuel Injected engine. "

My vin says i have a std or dx. But the plate with the engine code is on the left (passenger side of the car)Thats where the Si plate is supposed to be . Now I know the car is all original cause I got it from the original owner and he also gave me the window sticker that came with the car. When I went to get parts ( distributer cap and rotor the shop told me that I had a California emissions car (hitachi ignition they said) . And they told me it should have a 3 barrel carb ? Is this right ? The carb looks like a 2 barrel to me . So all I still really know is I have a 87 CRX 1.5 , 5speed

Anyway the car has 126,000 miles on it and was sitting for almost 2yrs . Its got some rust on the rear wheel weels but other than that it seems to be in good shape. I did have to replace the following ( distributer cap , rotor , belts , wires , plugs , water pump , timing belt , hoses , oil filter , gas filters , air filters.

The car still idles like crap when its cold . Starts and idles at like 2500rpm then dies . Once the temp moves up just a hair the car will idle at 1000 to 1300 RPM. I know I have a vacumm leak cause I held a rag over the carb and the car did not stall . I can hear it but im having problems finding it .

Question #1 : Whats the easiest way to find that vacume leak?

Question #2 : What model is this car? ( I will take pictures and post them tomorrow)

Question #3 : What are other common problems these cars have that I should checkout .


Im pretty handy when it comes to working on cars and Id like to get this car is good shape other than the rust . Any help would be greatly appreciated .

PS: Out of all the manuals I see online I see everything except 1987 CRX

[Kain]

2: if it's carb'd it's not an Si, so it's either an Hf or a Dx, so if the vin says it's a Dx, it's probably a Dx.

3: RUST.

[n2o]

Thanks for the quick reply. Hey im in PA also . South Philly here.
Do you know where the PCV valve is on this car? I have a new one but could not find it to replace yet.

[bryman10]

Hey there.
Welcome to the boards! Everyone here (except maybe Ghost-one) is pretty cool, laid back and willing to help the noobs. You're first step may be to hit up our own cbstd (Scott) for the 1G crx FAQ file. That should give you plenty of info. to help you understand your car a little better. I believe you can PM him on the board (cbstd) or e-mail him at [email protected] (I think).
Good luck and welcome again!
bryman

[Surestick]

I think the thing about the motor ID plate might be wrong or only for certain years.
I own an 87 CRX DX, it's the Canadian model & the engine ID plate is in the same place as yours, on the left (passenger) side in front of the battery.
It's also a D15A1 (as opposed to D15A2 or 3) which I assume is the Canadian version(unless somebody can correct me).

[rpr]

Everything that is in cbstd's FAQ is in the link at the top of the screen.

[cbstdscott]

Everything that is in cbstd's FAQ is in the link at the top of the screen.

Actually, the FAQ on this site is a bit out of date. I constantly update the FAQ as I receive new/better information.

Email me at [email protected] for the latest version of the FAQ file.

Scott

PS- If your car is carb'ed and does not have a "HF" badge on the rear, it is the "1.5" or Standard model. The "DX" name was not used for the 1st Gen although we often use that to describe the mid-model 1st Gen CRX.

[CRX8Grand]

from my understanding the vins tell more right after the JHMEC1 part... my 87 SI is a EC1 chassis code, my 85 Si was a AF5 chassis code....

Unless the chassis codes were just messed up...

the next easiest way to tell is if it has a POWER moon roof.

[Kain]

from my understanding the vins tell more right after the JHMEC1 part... my 87 SI is a EC1 chassis code, my 85 Si was a AF5 chassis code....

Unless the chassis codes were just messed up...

the next easiest way to tell is if it has a POWER moon roof.

what are you talkin bout boy? he said it's Carb'd... LOL. that automatically rules out it being an Si.

[rpr]

Everything that is in cbstd's FAQ is in the link at the top of the screen.

Actually, the FAQ on this site is a bit out of date. I constantly update the FAQ as I receive new/better information.

Email me at [email protected] for the latest version of the FAQ file.

Scott

And you could of course update the site here, then you wouldn't have to email it all the time...

[CRX8Grand]

from my understanding the vins tell more right after the JHMEC1 part... my 87 SI is a EC1 chassis code, my 85 Si was a AF5 chassis code....

Unless the chassis codes were just messed up...

the next easiest way to tell is if it has a POWER moon roof.

what are you talkin bout boy? he said it's Carb'd... LOL. that automatically rules out it being an Si.

I didnt read the whole thing lol, my bad... its probably a dx.

[Kain]

my 87 dx has an EC chassis code so i'm guessing it varied by year.

[jpelle]

Thanks for the quick reply. Hey im in PA also .  South Philly here.
Do you know where the PCV valve is on this car?  I have a new one but could not find it to replace yet.

This link might help.

Finding the PCV valve

[shadowboy]

HF = plastic valve cover, 5500rpm redline, only the driver's side side view mirror

the DX has both mirrors, a higher redline, and i honestly do not know for sure whether the valve cover is plastic or metal

[Little Richard]

So, to add to the confusion, what would my car be, 1984, carbed, plastic valve cover, 1.3, and mirrors on both sides, 6000 RPM Redline and it has no badges...


I think it is an HF, but, I am not sure.

Edited by Little Richard, 05 February 2004 - 05:29 PM.