A carb replacement for the green wrencher.

Hello everyone,

I've recently run into an old wagon that I'm considering.

It's a 1985, 5 speed, with 60k miles on the odo.

However, with all old cars, It has some existing issues, and I have my doubts about fixing them. But first, let me frame the problem.

Me:
Green Wrencher
Although mechanically inclined and experienced with home repair, extensive bicycle repair, small engines, motorcycles, and a basic understanding of most of the under the hood systems - I still have yet to do more than anything basic for car maintenance or repair. I have the will and the mind to investigate and fix problems, and oftentimes I have the friends with the know-how when I can't complete the job without help.

The Car:
1985 Wagon
5 Speed (Super Low)
60k miles
Carb trouble
Dead Tires
Seals and paint are in bad shape.

The Questions:

Carb-
I need to replace the stock carb. According to the previous owner, the carb is wonky at best, and unreliable at worst. I believe I would be mating either a holley 5200 or weber 32/36 progressive dgev to the engine (D15a?) Involving an adapter plate, and possibly a carb readjustment by a 3rd party mechanic.

Does this sound right?

I'm leery about my ability to put this thing together. I've never worked with anything but small engine carbs. Would I need to fabricate/replace throttle cables? What about the electric choke? The fuel line?

Also, as a younger guy, I'm much more familiar with FI systems. I dare to ask, (although I suspect it's not worth it), would it unrealistic/impossible to convert the carb to a FI system?

----

Other questions:

Inside of the car on the center panel, there is a large "4WD" button. Is the default a front wheel drive? Can you change to 4wd while rolling?

I'm also considering using the wagon in combination with a trailer (I would weld a hitch onto the frame, maybe) to transport my motorcycle. Is this realistic? There aren't any issues with using trailer/wagon combos?

- I apologize about the very basic questions. Information about these wagons can be pretty hard or time intensive to find.

Things to look out for in this generation wagon?

Comments

  • sometimesidosometimesido New Wagonist
    it is not impossible to change carb car to FI.
    my roomate is changing his 81 Tercel to FI, but he's like a fab master with no time.
    he'll say this part from this car and this part from that car will work and i'm like, uh...didn't know it could work like that.

    anyways back to your thread.
  • Here is a good writeup. It isn't an FI swap but a good writeup on a new carb swap. I hope this helps you answer some of your questions.

    Give it a sec as it takes a bit to load I had to go through the archives to find this since this original website is down.

    http://web.archive.org/web/200707120357 ... riteup.htm
  • zenitzenit Band Wagon
    After looking at the previous write up, I still have some basic questions.

    It looks doable, although there will be some necessary wrenching, problem solving, wrenching.

    As listed above:

    The 4WD button. If you can selectively turn on the 4wd, that means that the front wheel drive should be default?
  • I would check Red Pepper Racing.com for some good info on carbs for your year Honda, they have some good info on the carbs.
  • zenitzenit Band Wagon
    Wow.

    Lots of information! Thanks!
  • zenitzenit Band Wagon
    Now I just have to wait for a moderator on RPR to let me message and/or post to grab that carb.

    Speaking of which- why don't I have permissions to access the buy/sell area of this forum?
    What do I need to do?
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    zenit wrote:
    Speaking of which- why don't I have permissions to access the buy/sell area of this forum?
    What do I need to do?

    Read the rules.

    Then follow them.

    :D
  • zenitzenit Band Wagon
    Got it. I guess I didn't scroll down the first time I looked at the rules.
  • zenitzenit Band Wagon
    I've received the carb this morning, in good condition.

    Many Kudos to Evol911!
    I probably wouldn't have been able to buy this carb without the heads up or his emails connecting me with the seller.

    Thanks again!

    Now I just have to wait for some nicer weather to work on the car. We rarely have snow in Austin, but we sure have cold, humid, rain.
  • Glad I could help :wink:
  • broodybroody New Wagonist
    Membership is long to get on red pepper... that was a good deal, if I saw it I would have buy it (got some recent problems with by stock carb on my 87 wagon too, and bad mpg).
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