Help Please! Optispark install

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Mar 12, 2010 | 10:02 PM

cvette96

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Help Please! Optispark install

I have a 1996 Corvette Lt4.

I am trying to install the optispark. After messing with it for half an hour I found a thread that said the pin has to be positioned at 9 O'Clock. Is this really necessary, or can it be installed at any degree as long as it lines up?

Secondly, what size socket is it to manually turn the hub to 9 o'clock if i need to? For some reason, none of the sockets I have are working and I know I had used one before.

Mar 12, 2010 | 10:15 PM

aboatguy

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From: Slidell Louisiana

No you do not have to have the cam drive pin at 9 oclock

Try a 5/8"

Make sure you get the pin in the correct slot

Last edited by aboatguy; Mar 12, 2010 at 10:18 PM.

Mar 12, 2010 | 10:35 PM

cvette96

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This thing is just not going in? I have both lined up at 9 O'clock. Does this thing have to be to the micrometer or something? I just dont get why it is not sliding in???

Mar 12, 2010 | 11:04 PM

aboatguy

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From: Slidell Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by cvette96

This thing is just not going in? I have both lined up at 9 O'clock. Does this thing have to be to the micrometer or something? I just dont get why it is not sliding in???

It does not have to be to the millimeter, however, you have to be pretty close. Put a dab of grease on the end of the pin and see if it leaves a mark....if it doesn't slide in.. Did you lube the oil seal?

Mike

Mar 12, 2010 | 11:20 PM

cvette96

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I did not lube the seal.

This does not make sense. I've messed with this for two hours. There has to be something else causing this to not slide in.

Mar 13, 2010 | 06:11 AM

aboatguy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cvette96

I did not lube the seal.

This does not make sense. I've messed with this for two hours. There has to be something else causing this to not slide in.

Not much there for it to be something else....
Is this just an OPTI replacement or part of a head cam swap...

If its just opti replacement put the dab of grease on the end of the pin. Try to install and if it doesnt pop right in pull the opti and check for the location of the grease mark on your OPTI.

Mar 13, 2010 | 07:00 AM

Weav's Vet

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From: Sandhills of North Carolina

Also, you might try aligning the pin with it positioned at about 12 o'clock. I found I could align it better in that position. Good luck

Mar 13, 2010 | 09:17 AM

cvette96

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Ok, I feel kinda stupid but this may actually help someone else, especially if this is their first time replacing the opti. What was misleading to me is that when I took the opti off, it slid right out with absolutely no force. However, to get it back in (I'm guessing because the new O-rings???) it took a little "push".

So, everything is back together, here's a new question. I used blue rtv thermostat and waterpump gasket sealer on the waterpump gaskets. It states that it takes an hour to dry and 24 hours to cure. Should I wait 24 hrs before starting my car up? (I did start it very briefly before the waterpump was on to ensure the opti was on correctly).