1993 opti distributor
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Troy Alabama
1993 opti distributor
My '93 coupe gives me a error code 36. I recently rolled over 100K miles. I can't really afford the aftermarket solutions right now. This may sound like a dumb question, but does the stock '93 even have a distributor cap and rotor button? The engine seems to run fine. Any ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
I think a code 36 is a low-res pulse error code.
There are two sections to an opti-spark, and optical section and a high voltage section.
Problems in the high voltage section (cap and rotor) don't normally cause error codes.
If you are getting opti-Spark error codes, the problem most likely is in the optical section, which will require replacing the opti-spark.
Tom Piper
There are two sections to an opti-spark, and optical section and a high voltage section.
Problems in the high voltage section (cap and rotor) don't normally cause error codes.
If you are getting opti-Spark error codes, the problem most likely is in the optical section, which will require replacing the opti-spark.
Tom Piper
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 381
Likes: 8
From: NORTH WEST PA
Summit Racing sells a GM OPTI for under $400. I think it's $392 and if you want to vent it like the newer style it's about another $20 in parts. Just did my 92 so all of this stuff is still fresh in my mind.
Brian
Brian
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 0
From: royal palm beach florida
Originally Posted by Tom Piper
I think a code 36 is a low-res pulse error code.
There are two sections to an opti-spark, and optical section and a high voltage section.
Problems in the high voltage section (cap and rotor) don't normally cause error codes.
If you are getting opti-Spark error codes, the problem most likely is in the optical section, which will require replacing the opti-spark.
Tom Piper
There are two sections to an opti-spark, and optical section and a high voltage section.
Problems in the high voltage section (cap and rotor) don't normally cause error codes.
If you are getting opti-Spark error codes, the problem most likely is in the optical section, which will require replacing the opti-spark.
Tom Piper
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Call Chris May at Superior Chevy, 1.800.728.8267.
He is cheaper then Summit... and the harness for the vacuum is under $15.00.
Depending on age, you will need a new waterpump.
And yes, new optis come complete with rotor and button. You will need to remove the cap to do the venting and will want to seal the cap to body with RTV.
He is cheaper then Summit... and the harness for the vacuum is under $15.00.
Depending on age, you will need a new waterpump.
And yes, new optis come complete with rotor and button. You will need to remove the cap to do the venting and will want to seal the cap to body with RTV.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
There is an Ebay seller in Ga that sells them for $295.I bought one from her.To do the vent conversion I went with a 95 cap&rotor from Advance instead of trying to drill a hole.That being said my ex-mechanic screwed it up by stripping one of the cap threads so it sits in a box.I bought a Dynaspark and can powerwash my engine now. 
Last edited by Redeasysport; Aug 12, 2005 at 06:17 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 85
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Originally Posted by chrishoopes
Thanks everyone. What is the deciding criteria on changing the water pump? I'm on a shoestring, but she's been parked for 2 months I wanna ride!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 2
I bought one from a seller in E bay. She calls herself Partslady : lyddu@aol.com. She was very good at selling and there was supposedly a 1 year warranty. Mi optispark only lasted 200 miles and the rotor exploded. The opti was about $350. Tried to get in contact with her but will not bother returning the calls / emails.
It seems like a tipical salesman. So just beware of this sales lady.
I will get another cap and rotor but this time will rivet the rotor metal parts. Hope this helps you too in case you change opti.
It seems like a tipical salesman. So just beware of this sales lady.
I will get another cap and rotor but this time will rivet the rotor metal parts. Hope this helps you too in case you change opti.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
Likes: 9
From: Fort Knox, KY
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The general concensus here is, if you replace the Opti, do the pump, too. Unless you know for a fact the pump's got less than 60,000 miles on it.
That's because for the DIY'er, it's all labor to install the pump and opti once you hunk down the dough for the parts.
That's because for the DIY'er, it's all labor to install the pump and opti once you hunk down the dough for the parts.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by Kinkajou
I bought one from a seller in E bay. She calls herself Partslady : lyddu@aol.com. She was very good at selling and there was supposedly a 1 year warranty. Mi optispark only lasted 200 miles and the rotor exploded. The opti was about $350. Tried to get in contact with her but will not bother returning the calls / emails.
It seems like a tipical salesman. So just beware of this sales lady.
I will get another cap and rotor but this time will rivet the rotor metal parts. Hope this helps you too in case you change opti.
It seems like a tipical salesman. So just beware of this sales lady.
I will get another cap and rotor but this time will rivet the rotor metal parts. Hope this helps you too in case you change opti.
Have you considered LTCC?
Call and email that bitch until she replies. If she does not, take her to court. She has a published warrantee, and won't honour it. I would also bitch to eBay... they are getting much more sensative about this stuff.
See if you can file a "feedback" on her, too. However, most feedbacks are for shipping and initial product quality, not warrantee claims.
