I have a 1990 civic dx just bought it these are the problems

-Starts great fires right up but seems to lack power engine kind of sputters when trying to rev up the engine but after a few minutes of idling it will rev normally seems to have trouble once in gear at lower rpm but once its going at a good speed it runs great lots of power sounds fine. Im not sure if it could be lacking compression or if its the plug wires I pulled the plugs and they all had dry black carbon on them suggesting a rich fuel mixture or poor spark I dont know if nayone has any ideas please help

 

Start by doing a basic tune up -- replace plugs, wires, cap, and rotor and adjust the ignition timing with a timing gun.

Is the LED on the ECU under the front passenger carpet blinking a code?

 

i would check the timing and look into replacing the fuel and air filter
and you might as well replace the plugs too and check the condition of the distributor cap if your getting a poor spark

edit:Ronj beat me to it

 

the ECU is only blinking one my haynes manuel says oxygen sensor but what i have found online says it means hello im working. Fuel filter was changed recently air filter is fine. I will try the wires and rotor cap I pulled it off and cleaned the contact points and there was alot of corrosion coming off.

 

Code 1 indicates a problem with the O2 sensor circuit. Clear the code by removing the Hazard fuse under the hood for a minute or so to see whether or not the code returns.

In the meantime, do a basic ignition system tune up.

 

i would check timing the belt could be goin bad the belts start to stretch and cause timing to be off by a tooth or so

 

timing belt was just replaced ill get on the other stuff asap thanx

 

just adjusted the timing seems to be running much better I am still going to do a tune up thanks for the help

 

When working properly, the ECU LED will stay off. If it blinks anything, there is (or was) a problem. If the problem still exists, the yellow engine check light on the dashboard will also be on.

On a used car, it is common to find the check engine light bulb has been removed. The light should come on for 2 seconds every time you turn the key on but don't start the engine.