I've run into some more problems with this 1980 Honda Civic project. When I first got it going a couple of months ago, it seemed to run pretty good. Then it started idling poorly, and now it won't start at all - it just sputters a few times and gives up. I pulled a couple of spark plugs, they looked OK but were dripping wet with fuel. I've talked to some fellow auto enthusiasts and they think it's a carb problem causing the engine to flood. One guy suggested the floats may have corroded and sunk down, while another guy thinks the needle valves may be clogged. So I opened up the carb and looked it over, the floats are plastic and perfectly intact but there is a lot of loose sediment at the bottom of the float bowls. I don't know a whole lot about carbs so before I go any further I thought I'd get some advice. Is this as simple as taking apart and cleaning the needle valves, or do I need to remove the bottom half of the unit for servicing as well? I can't seem to find any rebuild kits available for these, and a whole new carb is beyond the reach of my budget. Besides, I'd rather fix the old one and learn something in the process (not to mention save a few bucks). The car is still on blocks and can't be moved until we get some warmer weather, so I'm not in any great hurry. Thanks for any advice.
- posted
14 years ago