86 Wagon in Oakland

calaverasgrandecalaverasgrande New Wagonist
in New User Introductions
I picked up an 86 civic wagon this week in Pleasanton. I live in Oakland CA and work all over the bay area. I am hoping the car gets good mileage!
I also really like the fold down seats cargo area. I plan on using it for my band when we play out.
I already noticed a couple of issues that will need addressing.
The brakes are kind of soft. Like air in the line or something.
The tranny has a slow leak. Not sure where I can check tranny fluid?
Stalls at stoplights every now and then.
The radiator fan is busted. Not sure if the fan itself is broken or if there is a control mechanism.

look forward to combing through this forum for answers.
I always have wanted a honda and am stoked to have one to work on now.
Only 86k miles too!

Comments

  • prboy1969prboy1969 Wagonist
    Welcome . Looks like you have a list ahead of you . Most of us usually do when we first get our wagons .
  • calaverasgrandecalaverasgrande New Wagonist
    Yeah, the fan doesnt worry me as I have driven it 60 miles in a day already with no overheating. Thats all freeway, I expect on streets its different. The brakes are a different story. I am not confident in the stopping ability of this car if anything jumped out at me real fast. As it is I have to double pump a couple times when it first gets going. Bleed brakes I guess, if that doesnt do it...ugh. check all the brake lines.
  • P.S.I GarageP.S.I Garage Wagonist
    Welcome. Check the fuses and fan switch for the fan.
  • calaverasgrandecalaverasgrande New Wagonist
    I checked all the fuses, fine. Apparently the previous owner did something that negated the switch. So I have installed a spst switch in the dashboard which turns the fan on. That way at least its on sometimes!
    Bad news, I am seeing more water in the exhaust lately and I had a crazy overheat episode yesterday. Thinking I need to do a head gasket job. Never done one on a honda. Hope it isnt too difficult or expensive.
    Am I right that the machine shop visit shouldnt be too much, and the rest is just a matter of unbolting stuf and putting the right gasket on when you re-bolt it. I am hoping I can do this all myself and keep this under a couple hundred,because I am not exactly flush with cash right now.
  • lafwagonlafwagon Wagonist
    welcome aboard

    in my neck of the woods machine work isnt too much. less than $100 to resurface a head. as far as doing the actual labor, im sure that if you search on here you will find more than enough answers. also buy oem gaskets, I have had better luck with oem honda gaskets vs. aftermarket.
  • MonkeeyMonkeey Band Wagon
    good to see more 3g wagons on here ! now some pics !
  • calaverasgrandecalaverasgrande New Wagonist
    Here is the obligatory wet car shot.
    159.jpg
    Rotating the tires. The Pirellis were getting kinda bald in front.
    160.jpg
  • 85wagovan85wagovan Band Wagon
    I have an 85 wagon and looks like we have the same problem with our breaks being soft. I bled mine over and over again, they stay tight for a couple weeks then they're soft again. Good find though! 30+ mpg!
  • calaverasgrandecalaverasgrande New Wagonist
    Well today and tomorrow the carb and the manifolds come off. Then headgaskety stuff happens.
  • sabotagesabotage New Wagonist
    hello! I have an 87. I am in San Francisco. I have a blue 87 manual at4wd. Stoked to hear there are more 3rd gen's in the bay. looks good!
    -matt
  • sabotagesabotage New Wagonist
    85wagovan wrote:
    I have an 85 wagon and looks like we have the same problem with our breaks being soft. I bled mine over and over again, they stay tight for a couple weeks then they're soft again. Good find though! 30+ mpg!
    mine are a little soft too.
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