In addition to the other posts regarding a potentially bad flasher relay,
you may also want to consider that the turn signal switch in the steering
column needs to be cleaned up especially since you state that flicking the
lever back and forth can sometimes get it to work.  It's pretty easy to
remove the steering wheel to gain access to the switch.  You may need to
lightly sand the electrical contacts in the switch with some 400 or 600 grit
sandpaper.  I had a similar problem on my '88 Civic with the headlight
switch and cleaning it up fixed it and it's been working great for a couple
of years now.

Eric

'78 Honda Civic -- temperamental direction signals

My '78 Honda Civic (1200) has developed temperamental direction
signals, and I
am at a loss how to cure it.  Sometimes they work normally, but then
stop.  Then resume.
Then stop again.  Completely unpredictably.  It seems that sometimes
quickly flicking the signal lever back and forth would restore the
operation, but this may be an illusion.  I think I've located the
switching mechanism in the console a bit to the left  of the manual
choke knob.  (This car has a manual choke!)   With two fingers from
below, I can feel it vibrating when it works.  Do I have to remove the
console to access the unit or can the repair be done from below?  The
Honda repair manual has no suggestions.
Sometimes I have to open the window (at 20 degrees F) to give a manual
direction signal.
Thanks for any help with hints and/or referrals.

I remember changing the direction signal switch in a Pinto by
unplugging the old clicker and replacing it with a new one.  It was
easily accessible.

                           Alex