Opti spark question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,252
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley Kalifornia
Opti spark question
I've noticed many posts with LT1 cars having problems with the opti-spark getting wet and failing. I'm unfamiliar with it, but has anybody thought of maybe coating the unit (potting) in a waterproof plastic or RTV? ...and avoiding the expense of replacement? Just an idea. :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 882
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Opti spark question (GRX)
It's blown out of proportion if you ask me, especially if you have the later 95 and 96 style and don't wash your engine with a hose.
I figure think of it like a Honda with a timing belt, at 60-90,000 miles you change it as preventetive maintenance and its really not a big deal.
If you have to spend $500 every 5 years for a preventative maintenace item that is really not that big of a deal.
For guys that are really into clean and shiny engines I can see where it would be a little inconvenience but for me who really doesn't care if the enigne gleems, no biggie.
I figure think of it like a Honda with a timing belt, at 60-90,000 miles you change it as preventetive maintenance and its really not a big deal.
If you have to spend $500 every 5 years for a preventative maintenace item that is really not that big of a deal.
For guys that are really into clean and shiny engines I can see where it would be a little inconvenience but for me who really doesn't care if the enigne gleems, no biggie.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Victoria
Re: Opti spark question (GRX)
Agree with you totally C4 4Me - Vettes were mean't to be driven, engine bays get dirty if they're used - no garage queen here, do average 400-500kms per week. Every 3 months spend a day doing a cleanup in the bay just to keep it looking ok, but I don't go overboard to the stage where you can eat off it !!! - No hosing, all with elbow grease
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: phoenix Az.
Re: Opti spark question (GRX)
Well I just had a bad experience with my opti spark component getting wet 2 days ago I am not sure if I got lucky drying the area for about 24 hours with a heat gun and fan . I will change the unit out here in the next month or so. you can be sure that when I get the old unit off I will go over that sucker with a fine tooth comb you might say that I will reverse engineer it :smash: I will find out what the flaw in this part is before I istall the new unit and it may be as simple as rtv silicone or something altogether different.but rest assured I will find a solution to this problem because I do like a clean/spotless engine compartment I am very **** about this on any of my cars ,and it is not just for vanity although that is a big part of it for me but when you have a dirty motor it holds unwanted heat in it and God for bid :blueangel: if you ever break down for somthing simple you won't get all greased up and dirty the seats sterring wheel ect.but hey thats me
[Modified by starfighter, 9:51 PM 11/7/2001]
[Modified by starfighter, 9:51 PM 11/7/2001]
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Opti spark question (GRX)
There is a tech note that recommends sealing the cap and base cracks with RTV. The distributor has seals but they deteriorate after a few years. The waterpump usually leaks on the opti when it fails. The 92 - 94 non vented units have a locating tab on the timing cover and distributor and a flat surface on the distributor and timing cover that match. You could put RTV on that area and seal the shaft also. I don't remember what the back of the 95-96 unit looks like so sealing it might be different.
I have washed by engine many times but through luck never directed water behind the waterpump so I never had the problem.
I have washed by engine many times but through luck never directed water behind the waterpump so I never had the problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 31,976
Likes: 487
From: Guinness Its whats for B'fast JAWGA
CI 3-4-5-9 Veteran
Re: Opti spark question (C4 4Me)
I also agree with C4 4Me. I just had an opti go over 90k miles It went because the water pump went, and this was an early style. I have converted to the later opti since it had to be replaced. My 94 Z28 opti went 80k miles when the car was totaled.
I did wash the motor on both cars once each without problems. The opti isn't as bad of a problem as people think.
[Modified by 93Polo, 7:39 PM 11/8/2001]
I did wash the motor on both cars once each without problems. The opti isn't as bad of a problem as people think.
[Modified by 93Polo, 7:39 PM 11/8/2001]
