[lxndr]

This actually sounds like you have a bad carburetor or a vacuum leak.

First, check to make sure that all of your vacuum lines are in good condition and that they are all connected to where they should be. You can also spray a little starting fluid or carburetor cleaner around the carburetor and intake manifold gaskets (while the engine is running) to see if there is a leak. If there is a leak you will hear the engine idle smoothly for a moment as the fluid temporarily seals the leak.

Squirt a little card cleaner into the carburetor.

Next, check your battery cables, coil, voltage and spark plugs/wires to make sure that there is not a simple electrical/spark problem.

After that, check your fuel pressure to make sure that you are getting enough fuel to the carburetor.

If you get this far and the problem still hasn't been found, then I'm pretty sure that you will need to rebuild or replace the carburetor.

All of these suggestions are made assuming that you have already given the car a complete tune up, because a clogged fuel filter is easy to replace but can make your life miserable!

Anyway, That's where I'd start (assuming that your '85 Civic is not an SI).