Got the integra, complete with multitude of problems

Well, I have a 1994 integra LS 5 speed now. Car has 167k miles, paid $400 for it.

Unfortunately, before I can autocross it, I need to get it running and driving. I'd like some input on how to approach this!

First of all, it doesn't start every time. 8/10 times you turn the ignition, it clicks once, then does nothing. the other times it starts up, but occasionally sputters and dies. One time it cranked but didn't start. It's not the engine grounds because I had jumper cables all over the engine bay to ground everything, but it made no difference. I am thinking it must be the starter solenoid, but I'm not sure. Thoughts?

Second major issue, the car usually won't go into any gears. I'm pretty sure this is due to the clutch slave cylinder, but also, when the clutch is depressed and it is in a gear, it makes a whining kind of sound, so I'm assuming the throwout bearing is on the way out.

Here is the plan I'd like some input on:

1. Buy clutch kit w/new TOB, buy new clutch slave and master cylinders
2. Replace the starter and/or solenoid while the transmission is out
3. Hope that fixes everything?

I don't know anything about hondas so any input is appreciated.

Wonder what the fluid in the transmission looks like... I would think the solution to the starter problem is to shotgun the assembly and get a new or reman'd starter/solenoid assembly. Pay attention to cables & connectors et cetera during process.

Trans fluid was recently replaced by the previous owner, apparently.

Too bad, in a way, I'd want to know how much brass and similar metals were floating to get an idea of what might be going on inside the trans without actually opening it up.

1967cutlass wrote: Trans fluid was recently replaced by the previous owner, apparently.

The question is did the PO use the right fluid. IIRC these gear boxes use Honda MTL (Manual Transmission Lube) or 15W40 motor oil as a generic alternative. If it's had anything else put in it, you need to change it right way. I am remembering horror stories of Honda gearboxs getting detroyed by normal gear oil.

I have had the best results in terms of shifting in my Civic using Honda MTL.

Starting issue could be ignition switch. I had the same symptoms. And it occurred more often after hard driving.

My 90 cavalier had a "flat spot on the starter". Im nto sure what that really meant, as Ive never opened one up, but it did the same thing you mentioned...multiple tries at the key and just clicks, then at random it would catch and crank. A few taps, not hits, from a hammer would work to "move" the flat spot. Not sure if this helps in any way. I was 17 and didnt know much...

fuel pump on the starting issue, check the relay too...

Raze wrote: fuel pump on the starting issue, check the relay too...

Where is the relay? Fuel pumps are expensive :(

coll9947 wrote: Starting issue could be ignition switch. I had the same symptoms. And it occurred more often after hard driving.

Any way to test the ignition switch? How hard would it be to make the car start with a hidden switch? Hmm...

You can run a hot wire to the small terminal on the solenoid in order to find if that or the starter are the problem. The "flat spot" is usually a stuck brush. Hitting it with a hammer jars it loose.

iceracer wrote: You can run a hot wire to the small terminal on the solenoid in order to find if that or the starter are the problem. The "flat spot" is usually a stuck brush. Hitting it with a hammer jars it loose.

Good idea, will do.

Clutch kit, slave, master are ordered. Need to clean the car up and paint the hood black before I drive it too. In the spring I will get a new bumper / lip and respray the car the stock grey color.

(oh god what did I do?)