Use two 10' pieces of line. You line up the arrows, insert the line and push it through until it comes up out of the spool, then bend the end down and stick it in a hole for that purpose. Repeat on the other side, then wind the line onto the spool. I went back to Home depot this afternoon and got an E3 plug for the Ryobi - it makes a lot of difference. I've learned something with these plugs - an engine can run okay but the plug can still be marginal. I'll never again let plugs run year in and year out like I've always done (except for the E3s, of course). From now on I'm replacing the regular plugs every couple of years regardless of how good the engines run. When I pulled the 12 year old plug, it looked very good - no carbon build-up or obvious electrode wear. It did look a little close, and I couldn't get my .025" gauge in it. I opened it to .030", put it back in and it ran worse. That was all I needed to make me go get a new plug. The Ryobi was running great with the trimmer head, but with the blower head it had dropped a lot of RPM compared to a couple years ago (takes a lot of power). Sounds like it picked up a couple hundred more with the E3 and throttle response is now instant.

if the threaded area of the original sparkplug was considerably shorter than the correct replacement, chances are the original sparkplug was the wrong type. Sparkplugs designed for the flathead engines have a short threaded area and someone probably grabbed the wrong one.

If the top of the head and spark plug get hot enough to ignite wood a fire is going to be the least of your engine problems. Mike

First thing, ALL 1992 Civics are fuel injected, so flooding is not the issue. Very common failure in older Hondas is the MFR (Main Fuel Relay) When the vehicle won't start, turn the ignition ON (but don't start the engine) and listen for the fuel pump. It will make a slight humming noise from underneath. If you don't hear the fuel pump, your problem is with the MFR. Other common problem that causes a Honda not to start is the distributor. Check to see if you are getting any spark. How much should you worry if the car won't start up right away?>> Personally, I wouldn't worry at all. Chances are, the problem is minor and can be fixed relatively cheap. Are there other things that are "likely" to go wrong soon just due to the car being 13 years old?>> With only 91,000 miles, I wouldn't expect anything to go wrong... but I would expect to have to put some maintenance into the vehicle. Many parts that don't last forever. These include hoses, belts, fluids, gaskets, seals, brakes, sensors, etc. These are things that you will have to have serviced on ANY vehicle. Hondas are very reliable vehicles and will generally require less than the average in repairs during their lifetime. Their 4-cylinder engines have been proven time after time to remain solid and reliable even with high mileage. With only 91,000 miles, I can assume that it has plenty of life left to give... especially considering the service it's been given throughout the last 13 years. Continue with the service you've been doing, and also keep tabs on the CV axle boots. Replace them if they've never been replaced. The boots are relatively cheap and not difficult to replace. It will be MUCH cheaper than having to replace the entire cv axle if the boot splits. If they are already split, it's too late. CV xles are about $60 each from your local Auto Parts store and any half-way decent mechanic can replace them. Sometimes the plastic radiators have a tendency to crack along the upper tank and leak. Keep tabs on the radiator every time you have the oil changed or do an inspection under the hood every 3k miles. Radiators are about $80 for your Civic. If you haven't already, get those hoses and belts replaced! Also check for oil leaks underneath. Only driving the vehicle short distances and then leaving it sit for long periods of time plays hell on the gaskets/seals. Thats about it. I've got a 1981 Honda Civic wagon nearing 70k miles than I tool around town in (bought Christmas of 04 w/ 59k miles) I did the basics, and it's been running like champ ever since. My highway commuter is a 1996 Honda Accord, which has rolled over 220,000 miles and still going stronger than ever. Good luck.