Just Behind the OPTI
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 60
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From: Malibu CA
Just Behind the OPTI
I'm not exactly sure how to ask this. I have a '96 LT4. Today I pulled the OPTISPARK with the goal of doing a preemptive strike and replacing it before it fails. ;) Now, just behind the OPTI there is what appears to be an oil seal. :confused: It's about 1 1/2 inches across and has a hard plastic like inner core through which the OPTI's drive shaft passes.
The question is this: What is this thing, and should it be replaced while I am in there putting in a new OPTI, and is it hard to do? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
The question is this: What is this thing, and should it be replaced while I am in there putting in a new OPTI, and is it hard to do? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Overpriced NJ
Re: Just Behind the OPTI (jkingsbury)
Not sure about the opti, but the water pump drive seal might be worth replacing. I switched out my opti and water pump and the seal went bad shortly after causing an oil leak. I had to pull the whole thing apart again to switch out the seal. It prys right out and costs a few bucks. If I had to do it again I would have switched it while I was in there the first time. The opti might be the same type of seal. Look to see if there is a slot to put a flat head screwdriver in there to pry it out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,928
Likes: 1
From: More cowbell...
St. Jude Donor '04
Re: Just Behind the OPTI (jkingsbury)
An oil seal is exactly what that is. You will notice, there is a ridge on the back of the opti, that fits in that seal perfectly. Check the integrety of that seal.. if it looks good, you can probably just reuse it. If not, you can get a replacement seal (I might have one laying around that I could send you, I'll get back to you about it). If you choose to replace it, you have to make sure you get that thing seated ALL the way into the timing chain cover, or you wont be able to reinstall your opti. If you are replacing it, you might consider taking off the timing chain cover, as it will be much easier to install with the cover off the car (but remember- this opens a whole new can of worms- removing the old gasket material from the front of the block is a major PITA).
-Mark
-Mark
