1987 Honda CRX overheating/high idle

Tiny
MEGANISRAD
  • MEMBER
  • 1987 HONDA CRX
Engine Cooling problem
1987 Honda CRX Manual 185000 miles

I have several problems with my CRX. I bought it from my brother a couple of months ago after it had been sitting in the backyard for about 6 years. He let it sit because of overheating problems. He said it would just need a new radiator, hoses, and a thermostat. I personally replaced those with brand new parts. I have not replaced the water pump, but I will soon. But I'm still having an overheating problem. The fan will not turn on and the engine gets way too hot after about 10 minutes of running. What should I do?

I'm also having a problem with the carburetor. It was brand new when he let it sit, so I'm planning on rebuilding it as soon as I can. But I can't find anything to tell me where all these vacuum lines go. And it idles way too high. The lowest it will idle is about 1900 rpm and I have to constantly have my foot on the gas for it to stay on. Anything lower than that, and the car stalls out. I don't know how to check for vacuum leaks, so if you could tell me how to do that, that'd be great.

I don't have much experience working on cars, and this is the first one I've ever dealt with that had such problems. I'm getting frustrated with this car, but I don't want to give up on it.

Thanks.
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Monday, November 3rd, 2008 AT 9:41 AM

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Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi meganisrad,

What have you got yourself into?

Before removal of hoses, use liquid blanker to mark them.

Overheating is caused by lack of coolant and might be a blown head gasket.

The fan switch is located above the oil filter on the engine block, check if the wire is detached.

Is the radiator in working order?
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Sunday, November 23rd, 2008 AT 9:00 AM

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