Optispark Problems -- uhh ohh -- help?
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Optispark Problems -- uhh ohh -- help?
So I made a boo boo with my 94 and think i got my optispark a little wet. The car started idling erratic and backfiring, the SES light would flicker on and off every time it would miss.
So I parked the car immediately and let it sit overnight. Hopped in the car in the morning and fired it up, idled pretty smooth for a while, drove on the freeway fine, didn't backfire, then pulled off the freeway, and it would idle erratically again. This time it would not backfire but it would idle at about 600 rpm, then jump up to 1500, then down to 400, sometimes it would idle too low and stall out.
Another day went by, its running a lot smoother, but still has erratic idle problems.
Any suggestions short of replacing the optispark? Today I pulled the 4 accessible wires off the optispark hoping if there is any water residue in it, it will drain.
So I parked the car immediately and let it sit overnight. Hopped in the car in the morning and fired it up, idled pretty smooth for a while, drove on the freeway fine, didn't backfire, then pulled off the freeway, and it would idle erratically again. This time it would not backfire but it would idle at about 600 rpm, then jump up to 1500, then down to 400, sometimes it would idle too low and stall out.
Another day went by, its running a lot smoother, but still has erratic idle problems.
Any suggestions short of replacing the optispark? Today I pulled the 4 accessible wires off the optispark hoping if there is any water residue in it, it will drain.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
It may not be your opti at all. You may have a ignition module waving good-bye.
First thing is, check for any codes. If your SES light has been on, there's a high chance there are codes stored. Post these and we can narrow things down.
First thing is, check for any codes. If your SES light has been on, there's a high chance there are codes stored. Post these and we can narrow things down.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
this may be the culprit... the computer wasn't mounted no the bracket, it was actually sitting on the engine cover, maybe when it would get warm it would start shorting? Didn't notice it until now, I just picked up this vette
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,264
Likes: 88
From: O'Fallon Missouri
That is typical of a dying opti. But, hopefully yours is just wet. Try pulling the opti wire harness and see if there is any corrosion or moisture.
Last edited by STL94LT1; Aug 29, 2009 at 01:08 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 0
From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
I have soaked my opti so many times and had your problem once and that was when the Accel opti I had on there basically fell apart, the top seal around the harness fell off.
I go through puddles all the time, some 4-5 inches deep and never have a problem, guess I am lucky.
It is probably your opti getting soaked by the water pump, I cannot see plain water getting in there once and ruining the opti. Unless it is either old and worn out or pump is taking a leak on the opti.
I go through puddles all the time, some 4-5 inches deep and never have a problem, guess I am lucky.
It is probably your opti getting soaked by the water pump, I cannot see plain water getting in there once and ruining the opti. Unless it is either old and worn out or pump is taking a leak on the opti.
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Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 9
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I think the problem is gone.. Overnight I disconnected the coil, the ICM, and one of the plugs on the bottom of the optispark as well as mounted the computer back on its mount (i really think this was the issue, computer would get to hot where it was sitting)
Drove her for a good 60 miles, no issues!
Drove her for a good 60 miles, no issues!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 5
From: Charlotte NC
I think the problem is gone.. Overnight I disconnected the coil, the ICM, and one of the plugs on the bottom of the optispark as well as mounted the computer back on its mount (i really think this was the issue, computer would get to hot where it was sitting)
Drove her for a good 60 miles, no issues!
Drove her for a good 60 miles, no issues!
JG
