new crx owner

I just bought a 85 crx for 500, the thing is dirty as hell so i'm taking everything off and making it showroom clean, but i'm having issues with getting the door panels off, i've gotten stuck at just the window crank and don't wanna break it to get it off, and how do i tell what i have in the engine bay?

you would have to decode the engine code. I don't remember off the top of my head but i will look it up and welcome to the forum.

Under you hood on the crossmember that runs over the radiator you will have an engine code. This applys to the factory motor ,if the motors been changed it might not be the same. The first three figures should match up to one of these EV1,EW1,EW2,EW3 letting you know you engine size and specs.

EV1= 1.3 12V SOHC CVCC 3bbl Carb 1342 60hp@5500rpm 73tq@3500rpm '84-'86 Civic (USA) '84-'86 CRX (USA)

EW1=1.5 12V SOHC CVCC 3bbl Carb 1488 76hp@6000rpm 84tq@3500rpm '84-'86 Civic (USA) '84-'85 Civic/CRX HF (USA)

EW2=1.5 12V SOHC non-CVCC Carb 1488 ??hp@?? ??tq@?? '84-'87 Civic/CRX (CDM)

EW3=1.5 12V SOHC PGM-FI 1488 91hp@5500rpm 93tq@4500rpm '85 Civic/CRX Si (USA)

There is a "C" clip that holds the window crank on. It you lightly push in on the door panel around the crank handle you should be able to spot it. You can remove it by 1) getting the correct removal tool from an auto parts store, 2) using a rag to snag the ends of the clip then pull it off, 3) using a small flat head screwdriver or awl to push off one end of the clip, or 4) using a small hook to grab the clip and pull it straight out.