90 CRX Idles all day, sputters and dies when driven...

I just bought a 1990 CRX Si with a wierd problem. It starts and idles great, but when you drive it, it bogs down, sputters and dies. It starts right back up and idels great, but same when you drive it. He said you can drive it a few miles before it does it, but sometimes it quits after a few blocks. I hate to trailer this car home if I don't have to, what could be the problem? I got the title yesterday, so I can start looking at it. If the fuel filter isn't clogged, could it be the pump? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

BTW: What do you guys think it's worth? Very little rust, nice interior, salvage title, needs a new fender, everything works, white, no mods, 156,000 miles

I just bought a 1990 CRX Si with a wierd problem. It starts and idles great, but when you drive it, it bogs down, sputters and dies. It starts right back up and idels great, but same when you drive it. He said you can drive it a few miles before it does it, but sometimes it quits after a few blocks. I hate to trailer this car home if I don't have to, what could be the problem? I got the title yesterday, so I can start looking at it. If the fuel filter isn't clogged, could it be the pump? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

BTW: What do you guys think it's worth? Very little rust, nice interior, salvage title, needs a new fender, everything works, white, no mods, 156,000 miles

i'd have to see pics to see what it is worth. But from what you say, i'd probably say in the 1200 range considering if it ran good.
Now for your problem; that sounds ignition related. First try new spark plugs and wires. If it's not that, then try changing out the coil or the whole distributor. If that isn't it, then it's probably the main relay which has made a bad name for itself for going bad on these cars.

Thanks for the reply I got the car home finally, and had a chance to drive it a little. It doesn't actually die, but just sputters like something is clogging the fuel flow. The problem isn't dependant on rpm, but load on the engine. It looks like the oil hasn't been changed since it was new, so that's where I'll start, then the fuel filter I guess. It was still a good deal for $500. Thanks again!

Thanks for the reply I got the car home finally, and had a chance to drive it a little. It doesn't actually die, but just sputters like something is clogging the fuel flow. The problem isn't dependant on rpm, but load on the engine. It looks like the oil hasn't been changed since it was new, so that's where I'll start, then the fuel filter I guess. It was still a good deal for $500. Thanks again!

sounds like either cam timing or ignition timing to me..most likely ignition timing/misfiring. Try changeing the cheapest ignition related items first. first then most expensive. It's most likely either your plugs or wires, but try the cap/rotor then replace the whole distributor.

Go for a major tune up and change all fluids regardless. Check your ignition order too, any misfiring could cause gas no to burn and make that popping sputter sound.