blower resistor values?
 

does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? my 89 civic has
just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and i'm
contemplating repair. i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2 ohms,
but does anyone know the other?

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On Dec 24, 9:48 am, jim beam <m...@privacy.net> wrote:
> does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? my 89 civic has
> just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and i'm
> contemplating repair. i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2 ohms,
> but does anyone know the other?

Using the old resistor pack from my 91 Civic LX and the drawing of the
plug at http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread...resistor+ohms:

Resistance across Terminals, Ohms
1 to 2 =~ 1.6
1 to 3 =~ 0.8
3 to 4 =~ 0.2 to 0.4 (bounces around)

I trust you are aware you can buy an aftermarket resistor pack that
fits perfectly from Napa for around $30. At least, the Napa one worked
great on my 91 Civic and should be the same for your CRX.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On 12/24/2009 09:19 AM, Elle wrote:
> On Dec 24, 9:48�am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>> does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? �my 89 civic has
>> just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and i'm
>> contemplating repair. �i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2 ohms,
>> but does anyone know the other?
>
> Using the old resistor pack from my 91 Civic LX and the drawing of the
> plug at http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread...resistor+ohms:
>
> Resistance across Terminals, Ohms
> 1 to 2 =~ 1.6
> 1 to 3 =~ 0.8
> 3 to 4 =~ 0.2 to 0.4 (bounces around)
>
> I trust you are aware you can buy an aftermarket resistor pack that
> fits perfectly from Napa for around $30. At least, the Napa one worked
> great on my 91 Civic and should be the same for your CRX.


new oem is $25

http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...h&hidIrno=|005

but i'm just messing about. i have some constantan wire and was
contemplating just winding a new one. thanks though elle.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On Dec 24, 10:32 am, jim beam <m...@privacy.net> wrote:
> On 12/24/2009 09:19 AM, Elle wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Dec 24, 9:48 am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
> >> does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? my 89 civic has
> >> just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and i'm
> >> contemplating repair. i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2 ohms,
> >> but does anyone know the other?
>
> > Using the old resistor pack from my 91 Civic LX and the drawing of the
> > plug athttp://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2677702&highlight=blower+r...
>
> > Resistance across Terminals, Ohms
> > 1 to 2 =~ 1.6
> > 1 to 3 =~ 0.8
> > 3 to 4 =~ 0.2 to 0.4 (bounces around)
>
> > I trust you are aware you can buy an aftermarket resistor pack that
> > fits perfectly from Napa for around $30. At least, the Napa one worked
> > great on my 91 Civic and should be the same for your CRX.
>
> new oem is $25

Expedience. Plus shipping and handling gets the price up around $30.
As you know. ;-)

For the archives, Autozone.com has the resistor pack at three
different prices: $18, $24, and $36.

> http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...1=CRX&c....005
>
> but i'm just messing about. i have some constantan wire and was
> contemplating just winding a new one. thanks though elle.

I figured you were doing the hobby thing. You're welcome and enjoy.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On 12/24/2009 09:44 AM, Elle wrote:
> On Dec 24, 10:32�am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>> On 12/24/2009 09:19 AM, Elle wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Dec 24, 9:48 am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> �wrote:
>>>> does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? my 89 civic has
>>>> just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and i'm
>>>> contemplating repair. i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2 ohms,
>>>> but does anyone know the other?
>>
>>> Using the old resistor pack from my 91 Civic LX and the drawing of the
>>> plug athttp://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2677702&highlight=blower+r...
>>
>>> Resistance across Terminals, Ohms
>>> 1 to 2 =~ 1.6
>>> 1 to 3 =~ 0.8
>>> 3 to 4 =~ 0.2 to 0.4 (bounces around)
>>
>>> I trust you are aware you can buy an aftermarket resistor pack that
>>> fits perfectly from Napa for around $30. At least, the Napa one worked
>>> great on my 91 Civic and should be the same for your CRX.
>>
>> new oem is $25
>
> Expedience. Plus shipping and handling gets the price up around $30.
> As you know. ;-)
>
> For the archives, Autozone.com has the resistor pack at three
> different prices: $18, $24, and $36.
>
>> http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...y1=CRX&c...005
>>
>> but i'm just messing about. �i have some constantan wire and was
>> contemplating just winding a new one. �thanks though elle.
>
> I figured you were doing the hobby thing. You're welcome and enjoy.

i figured the scale 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 made the most sense, so wound my new
resistor accordingly. it turns out, attachment is non-trivial because
the original wires are crimped into position under the solder, and
re-crimping on the original posts requires tools and precision i don't
have. additionally, resistor wire does not solder readily with
non-corrosive rosin flux, so again, the crimping is a factor in replacement.

i ended up using some brass crimps from some terminal ends and soldering
in addition. the result is not attractive to look at, took quite some
time, and longevity is to be determined. bottom line, for anyone but
the most tight-fisted, i'd spend the $25 and simply buy new.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

jim beam wrote:
> On 12/24/2009 09:44 AM, Elle wrote:
>> On Dec 24, 10:32�am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>> On 12/24/2009 09:19 AM, Elle wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On Dec 24, 9:48 am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> �wrote:
>>>>> does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? my 89 civic has
>>>>> just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and i'm
>>>>> contemplating repair. i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2
>>>>> ohms,
>>>>> but does anyone know the other?
>>>
>>>> Using the old resistor pack from my 91 Civic LX and the drawing of the
>>>> plug
>>>> athttp://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2677702&highlight=blower+r...
>>>>
>>>
>>>> Resistance across Terminals, Ohms
>>>> 1 to 2 =~ 1.6
>>>> 1 to 3 =~ 0.8
>>>> 3 to 4 =~ 0.2 to 0.4 (bounces around)
>>>
>>>> I trust you are aware you can buy an aftermarket resistor pack that
>>>> fits perfectly from Napa for around $30. At least, the Napa one worked
>>>> great on my 91 Civic and should be the same for your CRX.
>>>
>>> new oem is $25
>>
>> Expedience. Plus shipping and handling gets the price up around $30.
>> As you know. ;-)
>>
>> For the archives, Autozone.com has the resistor pack at three
>> different prices: $18, $24, and $36.
>>
>>> http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...y1=CRX&c...005
>>>
>>>
>>> but i'm just messing about. �i have some constantan wire and was
>>> contemplating just winding a new one. �thanks though elle.
>>
>> I figured you were doing the hobby thing. You're welcome and enjoy.
>
> i figured the scale 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 made the most sense, so wound my new
> resistor accordingly. it turns out, attachment is non-trivial because
> the original wires are crimped into position under the solder, and
> re-crimping on the original posts requires tools and precision i don't
> have. additionally, resistor wire does not solder readily with
> non-corrosive rosin flux, so again, the crimping is a factor in
> replacement.
>
> i ended up using some brass crimps from some terminal ends and soldering
> in addition. the result is not attractive to look at, took quite some
> time, and longevity is to be determined. bottom line, for anyone but
> the most tight-fisted, i'd spend the $25 and simply buy new.


I'm not "tight fisted," merely frugal...

That said, the low range resistor on two of my Gen 2 Civics are shot as
well. I would only attribute this to too low of a wattage rating. I
would imagine that fitting an off-the-shelf higher wattage unit would
fix the problem.

JT

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On 12/24/2009 06:34 PM, Grumpy AuContraire wrote:
> jim beam wrote:
>> On 12/24/2009 09:44 AM, Elle wrote:
>>> On Dec 24, 10:32�am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>>> On 12/24/2009 09:19 AM, Elle wrote:
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On Dec 24, 9:48 am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> �wrote:
>>>>>> does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? my 89 civic
>>>>>> has
>>>>>> just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and i'm
>>>>>> contemplating repair. i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2
>>>>>> ohms,
>>>>>> but does anyone know the other?
>>>>
>>>>> Using the old resistor pack from my 91 Civic LX and the drawing of the
>>>>> plug
>>>>> athttp://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2677702&highlight=blower+r...
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Resistance across Terminals, Ohms
>>>>> 1 to 2 =~ 1.6
>>>>> 1 to 3 =~ 0.8
>>>>> 3 to 4 =~ 0.2 to 0.4 (bounces around)
>>>>
>>>>> I trust you are aware you can buy an aftermarket resistor pack that
>>>>> fits perfectly from Napa for around $30. At least, the Napa one worked
>>>>> great on my 91 Civic and should be the same for your CRX.
>>>>
>>>> new oem is $25
>>>
>>> Expedience. Plus shipping and handling gets the price up around $30.
>>> As you know. ;-)
>>>
>>> For the archives, Autozone.com has the resistor pack at three
>>> different prices: $18, $24, and $36.
>>>
>>>> http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...y1=CRX&c...005
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> but i'm just messing about. �i have some constantan wire and was
>>>> contemplating just winding a new one. �thanks though elle.
>>>
>>> I figured you were doing the hobby thing. You're welcome and enjoy.
>>
>> i figured the scale 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 made the most sense, so wound my new
>> resistor accordingly. it turns out, attachment is non-trivial because
>> the original wires are crimped into position under the solder, and
>> re-crimping on the original posts requires tools and precision i don't
>> have. additionally, resistor wire does not solder readily with
>> non-corrosive rosin flux, so again, the crimping is a factor in
>> replacement.
>>
>> i ended up using some brass crimps from some terminal ends and
>> soldering in addition. the result is not attractive to look at, took
>> quite some time, and longevity is to be determined. bottom line, for
>> anyone but the most tight-fisted, i'd spend the $25 and simply buy new.
>
>
> I'm not "tight fisted," merely frugal...
>
> That said, the low range resistor on two of my Gen 2 Civics are shot as
> well. I would only attribute this to too low of a wattage rating. I
> would imagine that fitting an off-the-shelf higher wattage unit would
> fix the problem.
>
> JT

yes, but it would need to be high wattage. >10W i'd guess - you can
figure it out if you know the voltage drop over the motor - but i don't.

the oem resistor sits in the air stream of the motor and is thus air
cooled - heat dissipation isn't much of a problem. your resistor would
have to be similarly configured. the reason the oem resistor fails is
general corrosion and oxidation after all those years operating in dirty
air and at high temperature.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On Dec 24, 7:34 pm, Grumpy AuContraire <Grumpy...@GrumpyvilleNOT.com>
wrote:
> the low range resistor on two of my Gen 2 Civics are shot as
> well.

How many years do you think they had on them?

My 91 Civic's had not failed. I mistakenly replaced it earlier this
year and then found the problem was actually the fan switch in the
climate control unit.

Granted there are many reports of these resistor packs failing, but it
seems they tend to last well over ten years.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

Elle wrote:
> On Dec 24, 7:34 pm, Grumpy AuContraire <Grumpy...@GrumpyvilleNOT.com>
> wrote:
>> the low range resistor on two of my Gen 2 Civics are shot as
>> well.
>
> How many years do you think they had on them?
>
> My 91 Civic's had not failed. I mistakenly replaced it earlier this
> year and then found the problem was actually the fan switch in the
> climate control unit.
>
> Granted there are many reports of these resistor packs failing, but it
> seems they tend to last well over ten years.



I'm just going by what I got when I bought 'em.

The first two cars have faulty low speed resistors. Neither car has
more than 130K on 'em.

OTOH, I now drive an '82 1500 automatic and low speed is fine. It has
135K on it. I just stripped and junked an '83 1500 auto that had 127K
and the resistor was fine on it. Go figure...

I kind of enjoy tinkering with the early Civics. Great engineering and
quite simple by today's standards.

JT

Re: blower resistor values?
 

jim beam wrote:
> On 12/24/2009 06:34 PM, Grumpy AuContraire wrote:
>> jim beam wrote:
>>> On 12/24/2009 09:44 AM, Elle wrote:
>>>> On Dec 24, 10:32�am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>>>>> On 12/24/2009 09:19 AM, Elle wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> On Dec 24, 9:48 am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> �wrote:
>>>>>>> does anyone know what these values are supposed to be? my 89 civic
>>>>>>> has
>>>>>>> just burned out the lowest speed resistor - a common failing, and
>>>>>>> i'm
>>>>>>> contemplating repair. i have the two larger values as 0.4 and 1.2
>>>>>>> ohms,
>>>>>>> but does anyone know the other?
>>>>>
>>>>>> Using the old resistor pack from my 91 Civic LX and the drawing of
>>>>>> the
>>>>>> plug
>>>>>> athttp://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2677702&highlight=blower+r...
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> Resistance across Terminals, Ohms
>>>>>> 1 to 2 =~ 1.6
>>>>>> 1 to 3 =~ 0.8
>>>>>> 3 to 4 =~ 0.2 to 0.4 (bounces around)
>>>>>
>>>>>> I trust you are aware you can buy an aftermarket resistor pack that
>>>>>> fits perfectly from Napa for around $30. At least, the Napa one
>>>>>> worked
>>>>>> great on my 91 Civic and should be the same for your CRX.
>>>>>
>>>>> new oem is $25
>>>>
>>>> Expedience. Plus shipping and handling gets the price up around $30.
>>>> As you know. ;-)
>>>>
>>>> For the archives, Autozone.com has the resistor pack at three
>>>> different prices: $18, $24, and $36.
>>>>
>>>>> http://www.bkhondaparts.com/billkay/...y1=CRX&c...005
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> but i'm just messing about. �i have some constantan wire and was
>>>>> contemplating just winding a new one. �thanks though elle.
>>>>
>>>> I figured you were doing the hobby thing. You're welcome and enjoy.
>>>
>>> i figured the scale 0.4, 0.8, 1.6 made the most sense, so wound my new
>>> resistor accordingly. it turns out, attachment is non-trivial because
>>> the original wires are crimped into position under the solder, and
>>> re-crimping on the original posts requires tools and precision i don't
>>> have. additionally, resistor wire does not solder readily with
>>> non-corrosive rosin flux, so again, the crimping is a factor in
>>> replacement.
>>>
>>> i ended up using some brass crimps from some terminal ends and
>>> soldering in addition. the result is not attractive to look at, took
>>> quite some time, and longevity is to be determined. bottom line, for
>>> anyone but the most tight-fisted, i'd spend the $25 and simply buy new.
>>
>>
>> I'm not "tight fisted," merely frugal...
>>
>> That said, the low range resistor on two of my Gen 2 Civics are shot as
>> well. I would only attribute this to too low of a wattage rating. I
>> would imagine that fitting an off-the-shelf higher wattage unit would
>> fix the problem.
>>
>> JT
>
> yes, but it would need to be high wattage. >10W i'd guess - you can
> figure it out if you know the voltage drop over the motor - but i don't.
>
> the oem resistor sits in the air stream of the motor and is thus air
> cooled - heat dissipation isn't much of a problem. your resistor would
> have to be similarly configured. the reason the oem resistor fails is
> general corrosion and oxidation after all those years operating in dirty
> air and at high temperature.


Kind of reminds me of way back in 1990 when I worked on Diego Garcia, my
trusty pre Mac Plus started acting funny. I suspected a failing power
supply but I managed to finish out the contract before total failure.

When I got back in Austin, I took it over to a Mac Guru and he confirmed
that indeed, the power supply was on its way out but stated fixing it
would be simple. He ended up by using a few automotive diodes etc and
the damned thing would probably outlive me!

Nothing like a little overkill!

JT

Re: blower resistor values?
 

Grumpy AuContraire <Grumpy...@GrumpyvilleNOT.com> wrote:
> I kind of enjoy tinkering with the early Civics. Great engineering and
> quite simple by today's standards.

I bought a 2003 Civic LX (81k miles at purchase) in late September and
then sold my 93 Civic DX. In the last few months I have been studying
the 2003's engineering. It will need a new timing belt late next year,
for one, and I have almost finished the homemade hex crank pulley
holding tool for it (thanks to tegger's site, Safety Steve's
contribution on this subject and my local Habitat for Humanity "Re-
Store," having all the pipe fittings for cheap) . I solved an SRS
problem on it (likewise after much research and home-made tool
development). While I miss the familiarity I had with my 90s Civics, I
am feeling like the 2001-2005 Civics do not require too much new
mastery. Or maybe it is just that the new adventure is fun. The one
drawback is that my local U-Pull-It yard does not have many of this
generation of Civic.

Certainly per your suggestions in the past about the fun of really old
Hondas, I contemplated something from the 80s. But the "cool" factor
set in, plus maybe a little mid-life crisis, plus a bit of the 2003
Civic was priced about $1000 below its KBB value, due to the SRS light
being on and one broken lock (both of which I have repaired
perfectly).

I figured Mr. Beam was going to try to improve on Honda's engineering
of the resistor pack. His effort reminds me of you and me. One always
learns a lot by these little DIY engineering projects.

Happy holidays to all.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On 12/26/2009 08:29 AM, Elle wrote:
> Grumpy AuContraire<Grumpy...@GrumpyvilleNOT.com> wrote:
>> I kind of enjoy tinkering with the early Civics. �Great engineering and
>> quite simple by today's standards.
>
> I bought a 2003 Civic LX (81k miles at purchase) in late September and
> then sold my 93 Civic DX. In the last few months I have been studying
> the 2003's engineering. It will need a new timing belt late next year,
> for one, and I have almost finished the homemade hex crank pulley
> holding tool for it (thanks to tegger's site, Safety Steve's
> contribution on this subject and my local Habitat for Humanity "Re-
> Store," having all the pipe fittings for cheap) . I solved an SRS
> problem on it (likewise after much research and home-made tool
> development). While I miss the familiarity I had with my 90s Civics, I
> am feeling like the 2001-2005 Civics do not require too much new
> mastery. Or maybe it is just that the new adventure is fun. The one
> drawback is that my local U-Pull-It yard does not have many of this
> generation of Civic.
>
> Certainly per your suggestions in the past about the fun of really old
> Hondas, I contemplated something from the 80s. But the "cool" factor
> set in, plus maybe a little mid-life crisis, plus a bit of the 2003
> Civic was priced about $1000 below its KBB value, due to the SRS light
> being on and one broken lock (both of which I have repaired
> perfectly).
>
> I figured Mr. Beam was going to try to improve on Honda's engineering
> of the resistor pack.

of course! the blown original 1.6 ohm is 28 gauge - waaay skinny and
therefore most susceptible to corrosion. my homemade is 22 gauge.
that's double the diameter. if the connections hold up, the wire will
last >> another 20 years!

i would ask though, wtf were honda thinking when they bought this crap
from stanley in the first place? any materials guy looking at that
could have told you it's inadequate wrt corrosion, and it's not like
stanley shouldn't have had access to people with that knowledge.
especially if they're selling millions of the things. same to honda -
they should have known better. indeed, later designs do indeed use
thicker gauge wire - duh.

and while i'm talking honda electrics, i could make similar comments
about their main relay [mechanical/thermal load on a solder joint???
duh!] and their distributor's igniter unit [a remarkably
retarded/inadequate thermal pathway].

oh, and my absolute favorite, the 89 civic/crx's gauge light dimmer unit
- another stanley inadequacy classic.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38636024@N00/4215776191/

that power transistor is rated at >100W, so in theory, it has plenty of
capacity with at least a 5x margin. but that thing has a heat sink that
can maybe dissipate 1W [ignoring the fact that it's inside a box also]
and thus overheats like crazy if you actually dim the gauge lights - and
was subsequently modified on the 90 civic/crx's.

and here's one way to fix the overheating:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38636024@N00/4215776193/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38636024@N00/4215776197/


> His effort reminds me of you and me. One always
> learns a lot by these little DIY engineering projects.
>
> Happy holidays to all.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On Dec 26, 11:08 am, jim beam <m...@privacy.net> wrote:
> On 12/26/2009 08:29 AM, Elle wrote:
>
>
>
> > Grumpy AuContraire<Grumpy...@GrumpyvilleNOT.com> wrote:
> >> I kind of enjoy tinkering with the early Civics. Great engineering and
> >> quite simple by today's standards.
>
> > I bought a 2003 Civic LX (81k miles at purchase) in late September and
> > then sold my 93 Civic DX. In the last few months I have been studying
> > the 2003's engineering. It will need a new timing belt late next year,
> > for one, and I have almost finished the homemade hex crank pulley
> > holding tool for it (thanks to tegger's site, Safety Steve's
> > contribution on this subject and my local Habitat for Humanity "Re-
> > Store," having all the pipe fittings for cheap) . I solved an SRS
> > problem on it (likewise after much research and home-made tool
> > development). While I miss the familiarity I had with my 90s Civics, I
> > am feeling like the 2001-2005 Civics do not require too much new
> > mastery. Or maybe it is just that the new adventure is fun. The one
> > drawback is that my local U-Pull-It yard does not have many of this
> > generation of Civic.
>
> > Certainly per your suggestions in the past about the fun of really old
> > Hondas, I contemplated something from the 80s. But the "cool" factor
> > set in, plus maybe a little mid-life crisis, plus a bit of the 2003
> > Civic was priced about $1000 below its KBB value, due to the SRS light
> > being on and one broken lock (both of which I have repaired
> > perfectly).
>
> > I figured Mr. Beam was going to try to improve on Honda's engineering
> > of the resistor pack.
>
> of course! the blown original 1.6 ohm is 28 gauge - waaay skinny and
> therefore most susceptible to corrosion. my homemade is 22 gauge.
> that's double the diameter. if the connections hold up, the wire will
> last >> another 20 years!
>
> i would ask though, wtf were honda thinking when they bought this crap
> from stanley in the first place?

Yeah, really. The danged thing lasted only 20 years. Twenty years!
What where they thinking? I say, sue the bustards! <wink>

> and while i'm talking honda electrics, i could make similar comments
> about their main relay [mechanical/thermal load on a solder joint???
> duh!] and their distributor's igniter unit [a remarkably
> retarded/inadequate thermal pathway].

Here you have a point. I try to look at the bigger picture: The circa
1990 Civics are still the most reliable car around and darn cheap to
repair.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

On 12/26/2009 10:24 AM, Elle wrote:
> On Dec 26, 11:08�am, jim beam<m...@privacy.net> wrote:
>> On 12/26/2009 08:29 AM, Elle wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>> Grumpy AuContraire<Grumpy...@GrumpyvilleNOT.com> �wrote:
>>>> I kind of enjoy tinkering with the early Civics. Great engineering and
>>>> quite simple by today's standards.
>>
>>> I bought a 2003 Civic LX (81k miles at purchase) in late September and
>>> then sold my 93 Civic DX. In the last few months I have been studying
>>> the 2003's engineering. It will need a new timing belt late next year,
>>> for one, and I have almost finished the homemade hex crank pulley
>>> holding tool for it (thanks to tegger's site, Safety Steve's
>>> contribution on this subject and my local Habitat for Humanity "Re-
>>> Store," having all the pipe fittings for cheap) . I solved an SRS
>>> problem on it (likewise after much research and home-made tool
>>> development). While I miss the familiarity I had with my 90s Civics, I
>>> am feeling like the 2001-2005 Civics do not require too much new
>>> mastery. Or maybe it is just that the new adventure is fun. The one
>>> drawback is that my local U-Pull-It yard does not have many of this
>>> generation of Civic.
>>
>>> Certainly per your suggestions in the past about the fun of really old
>>> Hondas, I contemplated something from the 80s. But the "cool" factor
>>> set in, plus maybe a little mid-life crisis, plus a bit of the 2003
>>> Civic was priced about $1000 below its KBB value, due to the SRS light
>>> being on and one broken lock (both of which I have repaired
>>> perfectly).
>>
>>> I figured Mr. Beam was going to try to improve on Honda's engineering
>>> of the resistor pack.
>>
>> of course! �the blown original 1.6 ohm is 28 gauge - waaay skinny and
>> therefore most susceptible to corrosion. �my homemade is 22 gauge.
>> that's double the diameter. �if the connections hold up, the wire will
>> last>> another 20 years!
>>
>> i would ask though, wtf were honda thinking when they bought this crap
>> from stanley in the first place? �
>
> Yeah, really. The danged thing lasted only 20 years. Twenty years!
> What where they thinking? I say, sue the bustards!<wink>
>
>> and while i'm talking honda electrics, i could make similar comments
>> about their main relay [mechanical/thermal load on a solder joint???
>> duh!] and their distributor's igniter unit [a remarkably
>> retarded/inadequate thermal pathway].
>
> Here you have a point. I try to look at the bigger picture: The circa
> 1990 Civics are still the most reliable car around and darn cheap to
> repair.
>

most of the hondas of that generation were mechanically excellent [and i
would argue, their finest work ever], and in many respects, the later
generations have actually been retrograde designs. for instance, the
rear sway bar on the 88-91 civic si uses adequate lever moments to do
the job. the later ones, for reasons known only to someone without
adequate comprehension, have almost no lever moment, and thus
effectively only make the rear springs stiffer without addressing body
roll. duh.

another feature of that generation civic is the susceptibility to cross
winds - almost none! the 92-95 and 96-00 generations get blown about
like tumbleweeds. and here is the reason why:

http://www.tonyfoale.com/Articles/Aerodynamics/AERO.htm

see fig 4.

later generations of hondas have got it right again, but it took two
generations of ignorance before they rediscovered what their 88-91 team
evidently knew.

Re: blower resistor values?
 

jim beam <me@privacy.net> wrote in
news:HeSdnQFz5eiuzKvWnZ2dnUVZ_rCdnZ2d@speakeasy.ne t:


> and while i'm talking honda electrics, i could make similar comments
> about their main relay [mechanical/thermal load on a solder joint???

Honda didn't make the relay,they just specified it and a supplier made it
to meet those specs.Honda doesn't look inside them.
And generally,the relay lasts well beyond the car's warranty period.


> duh!] and their distributor's igniter unit [a remarkably
> retarded/inadequate thermal pathway].

how do you know igniters are failing due to heat?


--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
localnet
dot com