optispark
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From: winters ca
optispark
My 92 with 146k miles on it was missing and was registering a code 16 on the computer so I took it to one of those Corvette only repair shops and they replaced the optispark and the water pump. I got the car back and it is still doing the same thing. I was quite upset and took the car back and they replace one plug and plug wire but it is still bad. They said they would have to investigate it further to see what else it could be but I feel they misdiagnosed the problem. They optispark is the original one and the code 16 isn't coming on anymore but I feel kind of ripped off since I paid $1400. for this. Any ideas?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Ft. Walton Bch. Florida
Re: optispark (patmc1961)
Sounds like you're paying for them to learn how to work on a vette.
It's funny how they can replace so many parts then tell you that those items were bad but there must be something else bad, but they haven't found it yet. :confused: :confused: :sad:
It's funny how they can replace so many parts then tell you that those items were bad but there must be something else bad, but they haven't found it yet. :confused: :confused: :sad:
Elite Torch Red Member
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
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Re: optispark (patmc1961)
Well after 146,000 it should be time to replace the opti anyway, they don't last forever.
Sounds like you have what hapened to me which is the coil wire rubbing against the waterpump.
Sounds like you have what hapened to me which is the coil wire rubbing against the waterpump.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: optispark (patmc1961)
Is this your first visit to our forum? If so, WELCOME to our place of sanity. Beware, we can spend your money faster than Uncle Sam can print it.
You get the prize. The longest lasting optispark in C4 history. It was good that you had it replaced along with the water pump. If anything, it was goood preventive maintenance. I wish you had them replace the wires with a quality, maybe upgrade, wire like a set of MSDs or Taylors and a good set of plugs (not AC Delco Professional Platinums-pugs can fall off). It would have been easier to do this replacement with the front end apart. Have your maintenance guy look at the fuel system, ie, filter and fuel pressure and even the injectors. When replacing the plugs also have him do a compression test which will tell you a lot about the condition of your engine. Here's something simple for you to check, look at all the vacuum lines for cracks and fit. If they're hard and not flexible, replace them.
One last thing, Even if you don't do the work on your Vette, buy the Helm's Service Manual and learn about your Vette. It's fun.
You get the prize. The longest lasting optispark in C4 history. It was good that you had it replaced along with the water pump. If anything, it was goood preventive maintenance. I wish you had them replace the wires with a quality, maybe upgrade, wire like a set of MSDs or Taylors and a good set of plugs (not AC Delco Professional Platinums-pugs can fall off). It would have been easier to do this replacement with the front end apart. Have your maintenance guy look at the fuel system, ie, filter and fuel pressure and even the injectors. When replacing the plugs also have him do a compression test which will tell you a lot about the condition of your engine. Here's something simple for you to check, look at all the vacuum lines for cracks and fit. If they're hard and not flexible, replace them.
One last thing, Even if you don't do the work on your Vette, buy the Helm's Service Manual and learn about your Vette. It's fun.
Race Director
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Re: optispark (patmc1961)
My 92 with 146k miles on it was missing and was registering a code 16 on the computer so I took it to one of those Corvette only repair shops and they replaced the optispark and the water pump. I got the car back and it is still doing the same thing. I was quite upset and took the car back and they replace one plug and plug wire but it is still bad. They said they would have to investigate it further to see what else it could be but I feel they misdiagnosed the problem. They optispark is the original one and the code 16 isn't coming on anymore but I feel kind of ripped off since I paid $1400. for this. Any ideas?
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From: winters ca
Re: optispark (patmc1961)
Yes, it is the original one. I am the original owner of the car. I guess I should feel lucky. Hopefully this shop won't charge me anymore when they look at it again.
Race Director
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Re: optispark (patmc1961)
Yes, it is the original one. I am the original owner of the car. I guess I should feel lucky. Hopefully this shop won't charge me anymore when they look at it again.
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From: winters ca
Re: optispark (xlr8nflorida)
I have a Haynes manual which I am not to pleased with. I will have the mechanic check all of that stuff. I do appreciate everything I have heard. I feel alot better about it. This site has been very helpful. I wish I found it sooner.
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Elite Torch Red Member
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
Cental/South NJ Events Coordinator
CI 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12 Vet
CI-II Burnout & Drag Champ
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Re: optispark (patmc1961)
The Haynes is good for leveling your desk, the Helms manuals cost much more, but are full of info. Actually using teh Helms and the Haynes together may be better since the Haynes will actually show pics where the Helms shows diagrams and drawings.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: langhorne
Re: optispark (patmc1961)
First, Welcome to the forum! I highly recommend the GM factory service manual (not cheap). It is designed for mechanics but is loaded with info that will help you figure out what your car is doing. The Chilton book is a good one also. The Optispark usually lasts about 60k or so and with 146k on your motor it was probably well worn. Since the water pump has to come off to do the opti replacing it at the same time was a good idea. When was the last time you changed the plugs? What about wires? According to the GM book the distributor (opti) should be replaced if you have a code 16 and connections are OK. It states that when an intermitant code 16 occurs a misfire may be apparent. It sounds like you may have a ground somewhere. Of course the miss could also be from the injectors check all the connections there and make sure you don't have any bare or pinched wires. The idle air control (IAC) probably needs cleaning. A can of fuel injection cleaner in the tank wouldn't hurt either. It's also about time for a fuel filter. :yesnod: Remember cars like the universe are constantly falling apart. :lol: :steering:
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From: winters ca
Re: optispark (Gar)
Thanks. I just changed the fuel filter and the plugs and wires are two years old with 30k on them. I did just put fuel cleaner in it also. The mechanic is suppose to look at it under warranty. I have had this car since December 91 and in the last year is when things started to break. So in a way I feel lucky. Thanks for all the help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Northern CA
Re: optispark (Mr Mojo)
The Haynes is good for leveling your desk, the Helms manuals cost much more, but are full of info. Actually using teh Helms and the Haynes together may be better since the Haynes will actually show pics where the Helms shows diagrams and drawings.
You can never own too many shop manuals.
Haynes does have better pictures than Helms and they make decent undewear too. :jester If I had to choose between Helms and Haynes tho it would be a no-brainer. Helms.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
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From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Re: optispark (patmc1961)
I was in a shop the other day and a Trans Am was getting a new opti.
The opti had 123,000 miles and it didn't fail it was the seal behind the water pump drive that failed.
The shop owner said the only way he does an opti repair was to replace the plugs, opti, water pump, and wires all at once. That way if the car comes back he knows where he's at.
The opti had 123,000 miles and it didn't fail it was the seal behind the water pump drive that failed.
The shop owner said the only way he does an opti repair was to replace the plugs, opti, water pump, and wires all at once. That way if the car comes back he knows where he's at.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Re: optispark (patmc1961)
I sure hope they put it in right. I took it back to the shop and they are looking at the fuel injection now.
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From: winters ca
Re: optispark (patmc1961)
They fixed the problem. It ended up being a falty fuel injector. They replaced it for just the cost of the part. They were pretty upset about the whole thing also. So all is well now. I just hope nothing else goes wrong now. Patrick
