C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Error code 36 Optispark?

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Old Apr 25, 2005 | 11:02 PM
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Default Error code 36 Optispark?

Hey everyone, I'm getting error code 36 on my '93 LT1 Corvette 6 speed and it is also misfiring pretty badly at times. Most of the time it runs good yet, it just seems to come and go. Is error code 36 most definitely the opti or could this be a loose wire somewhere or bad sensor? If it is the opti has anyone installed one of those delteq coil pack systems?

Jesse
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Old Apr 26, 2005 | 08:21 PM
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My '94 manual says this code is set if "40 low resolution pulses occur before any high resolution pulses are detected." Both signals are generated inside the Optispark but the wiring to the PCM and the PCM itself are also possibilities. Since you are getting intermittent misfire it is most likely a problem inside the Opispark.

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Old Apr 26, 2005 | 10:02 PM
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Could bad spark plugs cause that? The guy I bought it from said the plugs hadn't been changed in 40-50k. Would that delteq coil pack ignition system be worth the $$?
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Old Apr 27, 2005 | 01:07 AM
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your screwed. I had a Code 36, was able to limp around for a couple weeks, but then just got worse and worse. The optical disc is getting crappy, before oyu know it its going to fail. You will need to replace the Opti as a whole.

When I replace mine two months ago and took it apart, the cap had rusted so bad that the rust had gotten into the disk (which is stainless) and covered it. Flecks of dust were getting stuck in the tiny slots that provide hi-res signal and causing the loss of signal.

I went the route of getting a new stock opti (got it really cheap from Forum member) sealing it completely up with RTV, and adding a DelTeq to remove the high voltage side as well. Works very well now.
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Old Apr 27, 2005 | 07:26 AM
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If I get a delteq will I still have to replace the opti as well?
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Old Apr 28, 2005 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by sterjess
If I get a delteq will I still have to replace the opti as well?
Yes
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Old Apr 29, 2005 | 12:14 AM
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Doesn't the delteq just use the low level signal and produce it's own high level though? So if the opti is getting code 36 for high level wouldn't just the addition of the delteq fix it? I guess I'm new to this but that's what it would seem to me. I'd think the high means the actually voltage coming from the opti, "cap and rotor" to the plugs or is this high level signal referring to something else? In the same thought I'm still wondering if bad plugs or wires would cause this if they're not firing. Does anyone know for sure if code 36 could come up for anything but the opti? Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to pull it out and find out it's something stupid like plugs or wires or something.
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Old May 1, 2005 | 09:17 PM
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Does anyone know this for sure? I'm also wondering why if it was the opti why it would work sometimes but then stumble, then come out of it again. If it was corroded terminals wouldn't it be a constant miss? Please help.
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Old May 14, 2005 | 12:12 AM
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Well, a new optispark later and it's runnin great. After going through this install though I'd have to say I wouldn't get a delteq. My cap and rotor were bad, but the bearing was also shot in the opti, so, it would still need replacing even if getting a delteq, anyone know if there's a way to eliminate the opti all together?

Jesse
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Old May 14, 2005 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by sterjess
Well, a new optispark later and it's runnin great. After going through this install though I'd have to say I wouldn't get a delteq. My cap and rotor were bad, but the bearing was also shot in the opti, so, it would still need replacing even if getting a delteq, anyone know if there's a way to eliminate the opti all together?

Jesse
Yes you can, by having your intake converted to accept a distributor. But then you are opening another can of worms because the PCM or ECM in your case needs the two signals to run the engine. Now you will need a aftermarket ECM to handlfe fuel managment. Better keep the opti........one more thing. I have heard of some rather ingenious machinists that have installed the optical sensors into a standard distributor. In that case could use the stock ECM.
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