bad optispark
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bad optispark
i think i have a bad optispark because i have a consistent miss at 4k rpms and simply wont rev past it. i have read that it could be a bent rod or bearing in the opti casuing a wobble not making a complete connection. so if i buy the msd kit with the new coil and everything will that be a fix to the problem? Also i found receipts from the previous owner and it looks like we had replaced the opti twice within a year or so. any ideas what could be causing it to fail? it is a 1992 lt1.
thanks
thanks
Last edited by MP6; Nov 14, 2009 at 04:44 PM. Reason: forgot year and engine
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 71
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From: Highland Park IL
You could be right that the rotor woble is causing the symtoms you mention. The best way to to diagnose the opti is to see if you have any codes (16 & 36 are the death blows to the opti). The opti will fail if it gets moisture from a leaking water pump or from washing the engine. Had the opti and water pump replaced in my 94 at a chevy dealer which failed within 7,000 miles. The bearing in the water pump was bad causing it to leak on the opti. Replaced with the MSD unit which is vented. Before you start taking things apart check for codes.
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You could be right that the rotor woble is causing the symtoms you mention. The best way to to diagnose the opti is to see if you have any codes (16 & 36 are the death blows to the opti). The opti will fail if it gets moisture from a leaking water pump or from washing the engine. Had the opti and water pump replaced in my 94 at a chevy dealer which failed within 7,000 miles. The bearing in the water pump was bad causing it to leak on the opti. Replaced with the MSD unit which is vented. Before you start taking things apart check for codes.
when you say check for codes are you reffering to causing the short under the dash to use the speedo as the read out? if so i did that and i had no codes show.
if i have a leaking water pump wouldnt it be pretty noticible or is it possible it would be a slow small drip?
thanks
Pro
Joined: May 2006
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From: Humble Texas
i think i have a bad optispark because i have a consistent miss at 4k rpms and simply wont rev past it. i have read that it could be a bent rod or bearing in the opti casuing a wobble not making a complete connection. so if i buy the msd kit with the new coil and everything will that be a fix to the problem? Also i found receipts from the previous owner and it looks like we had replaced the opti twice within a year or so. any ideas what could be causing it to fail? it is a 1992 lt1.
thanks
thanks
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
when you say check for codes are you reffering to causing the short under the dash to use the speedo as the read out? if so i did that and i had no codes show.
if i have a leaking water pump wouldnt it be pretty noticible or is it possible it would be a slow small drip?
thanks
if i have a leaking water pump wouldnt it be pretty noticible or is it possible it would be a slow small drip?
thanks
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 71
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From: Highland Park IL
Great idea on how to check for a leak. The seal or bearing the the waterpump shaft is what usually goes bad. It is really had to see even with a dentist mirror and light. Be careful checking when the water pump is hot which is usually when it is leaking.
Last edited by airplane50; Nov 15, 2009 at 11:52 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 71
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From: Highland Park IL
when you say check for codes are you reffering to causing the short under the dash to use the speedo as the read out? if so i did that and i had no codes show.
if i have a leaking water pump wouldnt it be pretty noticible or is it possible it would be a slow small drip?
thanks
if i have a leaking water pump wouldnt it be pretty noticible or is it possible it would be a slow small drip?
thanks
The water pump leak could be noticeable or may only leak when you are driving if the bearing or seal is bad. You may not see a spot on your garage floor or driveway because the antifreeze is leaking into the opti.
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From: vero beach florida
The weephole, is a hole underneath the water pump and is for water that weeps past the seals inside the WP and unfortunately it is right over the opti, so when the seals starts to go, you get coolant pouring onto the opti.
And then bye-bye opti, so it is a good idea when you replace the opti that you put RTV around the opti and connect a hose to the WP, so that any coolant that comes out of the weephole, does not get onto the opti.
And then bye-bye opti, so it is a good idea when you replace the opti that you put RTV around the opti and connect a hose to the WP, so that any coolant that comes out of the weephole, does not get onto the opti.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Richmond Virginia
i think i have a bad optispark because i have a consistent miss at 4k rpms and simply wont rev past it. i have read that it could be a bent rod or bearing in the opti casuing a wobble not making a complete connection. so if i buy the msd kit with the new coil and everything will that be a fix to the problem? Also i found receipts from the previous owner and it looks like we had replaced the opti twice within a year or so. any ideas what could be causing it to fail? it is a 1992 lt1.
thanks
thanks
A bad opti will usually set a high and/or low resolution code---basic things that can cause a miss under load would be spark plugs/wires and/ or bad opti cap or rotor. Plug wires don't like getting close to headers, if your car has them. Anyway just my 2 cents.
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