optispark keyway not working, timing is off wtf
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
optispark keyway not working, timing is off wtf
I bought a new optispark from Advance Auto Parts for a 94 OHV P code motor but after putting everything together the car wouldn't fire up and I could tell the timing was wrong.
I believe the keyway is damaged or the "welded" splines on the new distributor are too small because I can install it in different positions by hand... I readjusted and now it runs but sounds/smells advanced.
Is there any way to use a timing light on this engine?
I was thinking of pulling the splined shaft from the old distributor (already loose) and installing the new one, would this work or would this cause more trouble (misaligned inside the distributor, bent pickup coil, etc)
I believe the keyway is damaged or the "welded" splines on the new distributor are too small because I can install it in different positions by hand... I readjusted and now it runs but sounds/smells advanced.
Is there any way to use a timing light on this engine?
I was thinking of pulling the splined shaft from the old distributor (already loose) and installing the new one, would this work or would this cause more trouble (misaligned inside the distributor, bent pickup coil, etc)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 207
From: Orlando FL
I don’t think you can use a timing light because timing is set by the PCM and there is no reference of where it should be and any adjustment cannot be made anyway. (It just might be fun to look at).
Have you compared the old and the new splines? If enough force is used it can go in incorrectly. But when properly aligned it goes in pretty easy. If the new shaft really is defective, I would definitely install the old shaft.
Have you compared the old and the new splines? If enough force is used it can go in incorrectly. But when properly aligned it goes in pretty easy. If the new shaft really is defective, I would definitely install the old shaft.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
You didn't get it on right. I almost screwed up a $600 Dynaspark Opti many years ago by not getting the filled spline on the opti aligned with the missing spline on the engine side.
Sorry, its take it off again. Fix the filled spline on the opti.
Rotate the opti so the filled matches the missing spline
The opti should slide right on and the last 1/4" it will "pop" on. then the bolts just hold it in place.
Sorry, its take it off again. Fix the filled spline on the opti.
Rotate the opti so the filled matches the missing spline
The opti should slide right on and the last 1/4" it will "pop" on. then the bolts just hold it in place.
