Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,620
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From: 20 forward gears to shift through in MD
Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered??
I routinely hear moans and groans about the Opti-Spark and although I haven't had any problems with mine (107k+ miles) I was wondering what others have experienced (problem wise) with theirs? Maybe, if this has been discussed previously, someone can point me to an old thread? Thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 873
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas tx
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Denney)
Well first of all it is apperent that you have not made the mistake of washing your engine without covering the opti :D. The problems are slight at first. Marginal hesitation on full throttle. Then it becomes worse to the point of backfiring and then "total system shutdown" It kindda attacks your car like a virus does the body :eek: . This can be solved a number of ways
1. If you have a 92-94 car : cost of opti=- between 365 - 545 (These are notorious for water moisture damage because the cap does not vent)
you can add the vent kit for 30 buck to prolong the life of your
labor nomally around $400 - 500... most replace the water pump while they are there
2. or you can upgrade to the 95? and 96 model. 150 - 200 dollar model. you will need to change your timing change cover and I think a spindle on the cam shaft.( I am not too sure)
I replaced mine at 70k. when it occured I thought I had thrown a rod or something :D
[Modified by 92LT1Roadster, 10:13 PM 4/29/2002]
1. If you have a 92-94 car : cost of opti=- between 365 - 545 (These are notorious for water moisture damage because the cap does not vent)
you can add the vent kit for 30 buck to prolong the life of your
labor nomally around $400 - 500... most replace the water pump while they are there
2. or you can upgrade to the 95? and 96 model. 150 - 200 dollar model. you will need to change your timing change cover and I think a spindle on the cam shaft.( I am not too sure)
I replaced mine at 70k. when it occured I thought I had thrown a rod or something :D
[Modified by 92LT1Roadster, 10:13 PM 4/29/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 1
From: Lake Ozark MO
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Denney)
Personally, I believe the Opti to be as or more reliable than any of the "conventional" distributor systems. You'll just hear more of a stink about in these forums (god bless the internet).
But this "old tech" has proven itself in my father's '85 300zx turbo (160K)which happens to use the same system. GM is a little slow on the uptake but will adapt to proven tech when the bean counters let 'em.
But this "old tech" has proven itself in my father's '85 300zx turbo (160K)which happens to use the same system. GM is a little slow on the uptake but will adapt to proven tech when the bean counters let 'em.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 4
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From: Uniontown PA
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Denney)
Speaking of this subject, I'm currently replacing the water pump in my 95 LT1 and was thinking of cleaning the engine while I'm at it. Any suggestions on what to use to clean it and how to properly cover the opti to prevent problems?
I made the mistake of hosing down the engine on my 94 LT1. It worked fine the day I cleaned it but on the second day, it did act like it had a virus and completely shutdown. She was fine though on the third day.
[Modified by 95RedRocket, 5:17 AM 4/30/2002]
I made the mistake of hosing down the engine on my 94 LT1. It worked fine the day I cleaned it but on the second day, it did act like it had a virus and completely shutdown. She was fine though on the third day.
[Modified by 95RedRocket, 5:17 AM 4/30/2002]
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 3,620
Likes: 2
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Dan Parker '96)
Personally, I believe the Opti to be as or more reliable than any of the "conventional" distributor systems. You'll just hear more of a stink about in these forums (god bless the internet).
Believe in Santa Clause too ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 7,339
Likes: 137
From: WilkesBarre PA
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (AquaMetallic94LT1)
I had a 95 with 32,000. Now the GS with 32,000 as well. When I had both motors apart I also took apart the Opti in them. Both were spotless inside and I have not had any opti problems.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Micco FL
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Denney)
Don't wash down the engine. If you need to clean it, do it by hand. When you wash the engine, or get water on the Opti-spark (92-94) you will experience hesitation and perhaps backfiring.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 700
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Denney)
Yep! I was one of the early adopters of the "clean your engine syndrome"
I was able to hop to the GM dealer and get it fixed. Now that I've discovered this EXCELLENT forum, I'm a much wiser and educated
vette enthusiast. Other than that mishap, the Opti has been very reliable
( crossing my fingers) with over 60,000 miles on it. I am planning on taking
a proactive role and replacing the unit. I just haven’t decided
on which route to take... early or later style. :)
Hank
I was able to hop to the GM dealer and get it fixed. Now that I've discovered this EXCELLENT forum, I'm a much wiser and educated
vette enthusiast. Other than that mishap, the Opti has been very reliable
( crossing my fingers) with over 60,000 miles on it. I am planning on taking
a proactive role and replacing the unit. I just haven’t decided
on which route to take... early or later style. :)
Hank
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Denney)
The concept of the opti is great, it's the execution that leaves a lot to be desired.
1. Location - under the water pump. A really good place for electronic and electrical equipment. To say nothing about how much fun new plug wires are.
2. Seals, they toast up nicely over time. Toasted seals don't.
3. Open vents, three of them. See #1.
4. Electronics plug with a split base. See #2.
Having said that, the 95-96 optis fixed all these problems. I don't recall anyone with the new one complaining about not being able to clean the engine or replace the opti. New plug wires are still an issue.
1. Location - under the water pump. A really good place for electronic and electrical equipment. To say nothing about how much fun new plug wires are.
2. Seals, they toast up nicely over time. Toasted seals don't.
3. Open vents, three of them. See #1.
4. Electronics plug with a split base. See #2.
Having said that, the 95-96 optis fixed all these problems. I don't recall anyone with the new one complaining about not being able to clean the engine or replace the opti. New plug wires are still an issue.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 790
Likes: 2
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (Dan Parker '96)
I agree with Dan. Mine had 102K on it with no problems. I replaced it this winter along with the water pump. New wire & plugs. The car DOES run better now, but I think it was the plugs and wires that did that. The old opti looked great inside, and the original waterpump wasn't leaking (and they were both original equipment). So I kep em! The new one's will probably fail.
Maybe I've got a "Wednesday car", but any distributor that works flawlessly for 102K+miles deserves a round of applause.
Maybe I've got a "Wednesday car", but any distributor that works flawlessly for 102K+miles deserves a round of applause.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 1
From: PA
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered?? (STL94LT1)
You will not experience any premature failures with an early Optispark if you spend $15 to $20 to properly seal and purge vent it. You do not have to procrastinate until it fails either, so you can experience the inconvenience of a AAA tow job. Most functional Optisparks can be modified to greatly extend their lifespan for reuse without replacement. You do not need to tear the whole motor apart and spend many hundreds in parts to convert to later style Optispark. That option is more costly, more complex and does not produce better results. Comparing the costs of the two vintages of Optispark distributors is misleading and a total fallacy. The later style does not bolt-on without other conversion componentry...including an expensive cam that's very difficult to install.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,473
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Opti-Spark, What problems have been encountered??
I washed my engine once and my car would start, but then die unless I kept hitting the gas. 2 days later everything was fine, not a problem since
