Optical sensor from hell on 92 LT1
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,369
Likes: 73
From: The line waiting to see Santa Claus stretched all the way back to Terre Haute, and I was at the end, Indiana
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Optical sensor from hell on 92 LT1
Bought my wife (snowhite) a very nice 92 triple white vert with only 36K on the clock. Bought it in Houston and got it for a fair price. The car runs great with a few little age-related bugs...all easily fixed. However the first time I wash it (It's HER car, but I get to wash it), we get about 5 miles, eat lunch, and it WILL NOT RUN. Does't want to start, but it does. Runs rough, dies about a block later and will NOt start. A freind stops to help and uses compressed air and starting fluid to get it running. Got it home (cussing most of the way), and did some research. It seems that the general developed a 'more dependable' ignition system with an optical type trigger which does NOT like moisture in any form. (odd, since it is located directly beneath the water pump weep hole)
I saw an 'improved' optical cable in Zippers claiming that it was much more resistant to moisture. My questions is: How hard is this item to replace? I think I've read that you have to remove the water pump, belts and several other components. Anyone done one and have any tips?
I saw an 'improved' optical cable in Zippers claiming that it was much more resistant to moisture. My questions is: How hard is this item to replace? I think I've read that you have to remove the water pump, belts and several other components. Anyone done one and have any tips?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Originally Posted by 99mallett
Bought my wife (snowhite) a very nice 92 triple white vert with only 36K on the clock. Bought it in Houston and got it for a fair price. The car runs great with a few little age-related bugs...all easily fixed. However the first time I wash it (It's HER car, but I get to wash it), we get about 5 miles, eat lunch, and it WILL NOT RUN. Does't want to start, but it does. Runs rough, dies about a block later and will NOt start. A freind stops to help and uses compressed air and starting fluid to get it running. Got it home (cussing most of the way), and did some research. It seems that the general developed a 'more dependable' ignition system with an optical type trigger which does NOT like moisture in any form. (odd, since it is located directly beneath the water pump weep hole)
I saw an 'improved' optical cable in Zippers claiming that it was much more resistant to moisture. My questions is: How hard is this item to replace? I think I've read that you have to remove the water pump, belts and several other components. Anyone done one and have any tips?
I saw an 'improved' optical cable in Zippers claiming that it was much more resistant to moisture. My questions is: How hard is this item to replace? I think I've read that you have to remove the water pump, belts and several other components. Anyone done one and have any tips?
Yes, you have to pull water pump, belt, and belt tensioner off and slide crank pulley forward until it touches the steering rack in order to replace the opti. First time thru figure 5-8 hrs, some busted knuckles and 1/2 case beer. If you do plug wires at sametime (recommended) you also have to move p/s pump forward in order to route the d/s wires.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by aminnich
Dynaspark also making good unit, little pricey, but not out of sight. Don't buy some cheap version, there is too much work involved in replacing it and good unit (ac delco or dynaspark) is good for 100,000 miles as long as you dont hose it down.
Not an ac delco though. Dynasparks should last past 100k if installed properly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,472
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From: Toronto ONTARIO
Im not a mechanic. i do most of my work on my own mostly because i have a lot of time and want to learn. Ive done waterpump/optisparks many times (opti just twice mainly due to failure but waterpump like 20x switching back and forth with a stocker and electric). After doing it once or twice.. its so very easy. Honestly i aint kidding. If you know how to turn a wratchet its very easy.
remove intake hose, remove belt, coolant lines.. 6 bolts and waterpump (have a lil patience here all it requires is the right length sockets and a swivel head for one of the bolts), loosen 3 damper/crank pulley bolts about 1mm from the face of the pulley. crank motor over for 3 seconds (vibration will loosen pulley from hub). remove bolts and pulley should come off. voila.. there's your optispark.
remove intake hose, remove belt, coolant lines.. 6 bolts and waterpump (have a lil patience here all it requires is the right length sockets and a swivel head for one of the bolts), loosen 3 damper/crank pulley bolts about 1mm from the face of the pulley. crank motor over for 3 seconds (vibration will loosen pulley from hub). remove bolts and pulley should come off. voila.. there's your optispark.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Originally Posted by DYNASPARK
...Hose it down all you want Not an ac delco though. ...
Not an ac delco though. ...I test it about every six months by plugging the air supply hose from the air cleaner with a vacuum guage. Then, with a hand vacuum pump, I pull a vacuum on it and watch how long it can hold a vacuum. If it can maintain a vacuum for 15 minutes, I figure no water can get in.
If air can't get in, water can't get in.
I installed it about 7 years ago, and wash it all the time.
No problems with water intrusion.
Tom Piper
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,564
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock Georgia
Originally Posted by DYNASPARK
A Dynaspark retails at 599 plus shipping. A dynaspark will work totally submerged in water. Hose it down all you want Not an ac delco though. Dynasparks should last past 100k if installed properly.
Not an ac delco though. Dynasparks should last past 100k if installed properly.Corvette Stories
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