Without Pulling Crank Pulley
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: FUNKY TOWN TX
so dont believe...
so dont believe those posters that say the pulley has to come off to change the opti. It does not. It doesn't take a magician. Since it takes more than 5 min to get the crank pulley off...you might find a magician for that job. So I have seen posts on this board that recommend anything from beating the crank pulley off with a 2x4 to unbolting the engine mounts and raising the motor to access the pulley. Forget it. Leave the pulley alone. It is probably siezed to the crank anyway and will never come off. The opti can be changed without removing the crank pulley and I know this because it has just been done on my '94.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 781
Likes: 0
You must be referring to the crank HUB. The stock pulley/damper is held on with 3 short bolts and is only about 1/4 inch away from the Optispark. If you have an ATI damper, then there IS enough room to remove the Opti without touching the 'crank pulley'.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 500hp
You must be referring to the crank HUB. The stock pulley/damper is held on with 3 short bolts and is only about 1/4 inch away from the Optispark. If you have an ATI damper, then there IS enough room to remove the Opti without touching the 'crank pulley'.
Otherwise, I have to call 
on this one. 
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 16,487
Likes: 25
From: USA. Northern Virginia
The crank hub can stay on The balancer has to come off
Yes this I know...for I have changed an opti and live to tell the tail to all who will listen
It's not that bad a job, 5.25 hours in my garage with a bunch of buddies standing around drinking my beer as I do the work
I would have never made it with out their support
The balancer has to come off Yes this I know...for I have changed an opti and live to tell the tail to all who will listen
It's not that bad a job, 5.25 hours in my garage with a bunch of buddies standing around drinking my beer as I do the work
I would have never made it with out their support
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Always wondered about that but never tried to get the opti off with balancer on. I know the shops wouldn’t take it off if they did not have to. Did an opti in January and March. 
The first time it took me hours to get the balancer off. Quit the first day from flat out failure. 
Came back the second day, saw it slightly moved and with new motivation succeeded. 
Sanded the mating surfaces at the hub and slightly lubed. The second time it flat out fell off when I removed the last bolt. Guess next time I'll check it closer but I think it's got to come off also. 
The first time it took me hours to get the balancer off. Quit the first day from flat out failure. Came back the second day, saw it slightly moved and with new motivation succeeded. Sanded the mating surfaces at the hub and slightly lubed. The second time it flat out fell off when I removed the last bolt. Guess next time I'll check it closer but I think it's got to come off also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 7
From: Metairie Louisiana
opti
I'm interested in doing this on my 95. If there is an easier way I'm all 
. I'm considering changing my opti for the new msd model.
I already have the new wires and plugs what should I look out for when changing them this weekend.
Thanks
. I'm considering changing my opti for the new msd model.I already have the new wires and plugs what should I look out for when changing them this weekend.
Thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,620
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I did my wires when I did the opti the first time. Good luck in doing the left side, would like to know if you can. Removing the water pump and tensioneer gives you all the room you need. Perhaps you can just remove the tensioneer and see if that works out. 
Charge on!
Charge on!
