scotth48

When I put a different engine in last year with one with less than 33000 miles, I replaced the opti at the time. I'm sure the original was ok, but can that be bench tested? And how, if it can? I would like it as a backup for the future. Do those overhaul kits good quality components? This is a 93, so I would like to add the vents to it. I have seen that posted on the forum but not the overhaul.

01 Coupe

I'am also interested in hearing input on this. I replaced my original opti ('95) at 115,000 only because I had to replace the water pump and figured I was half way into the job. I kept the old opti in case of a rebuild. My question is will a new rotor and cap be all that it needs, or should I toss it because are there other parts that are equally worn?

Tom400CFI

I believe it's doable, and I have a old failed unit I'm going to try on ...someday.

I dont' believe the optical sensor ever goes bad or fails....I believe it gets contaminated with crud, and that interferes w/the transmission and receiving of light. I believe the lenses can be cleaned and the sensor will continue working.

The only other remaining issue is the bearing, which I'm confident a replacement can be sourced.

01 Coupe

The only other remaining issue is the bearing, which I'm confident a replacement can be sourced.[/QUOTE]

I agree with the bearing being an issue. Maybe someone can chime in with some knowledge about this.

BrianCunningham

Yes, bearings can go bad

Mine was fine when I replace the cap & rotor.
Like any distributor the cap & rotor wears out.
I had quite a bit of crud on the optics

You should be able to run it with a drill and hook it up a scope

pcolt94

The optical sensors can be tested with a scope. I did it at work about 8 or 10 years ago. You have to supply 5 volts and have a pull down (or up, can't remember) resistor as a load. I did it for the low and high resolution signals.

I remember I had to change the circuitry around from the way I thought it should be wired for it to function. It did not make sense but I just wanted to see the pulses. Used a drill to turn it steady so I could sync the scope up. It was just a fun thing and challenge to do.

ToniJ1960

Wonder if they could be converted to hall sensors.

Tom400CFI

Not if one expected to maintain the 360* resolution and keep it packaged in the same space.

I've worked on these before in other cars, where they are extremely reliable. 1 car was a Dodge Stealth RT/TT (remember those?). Got water on/in it from washing the motor and it wouldn't start. I took it apart, drew a kleenex through the sensor groove to clean/dry it, and that fixed it. Another was a Nissan XTerra, same deal, except the sensor had just gotten dirty and it ran like crap. I cleaned the sensor in that too, using brake cleaner, then Kleenex and Windex. Worked great after that.

I submit that many (most) Opti's get changed that need little more than a cleaning and a new bearing, cap and rotor.