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Optidoctor
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 1,321
From: LeClaire Iowa
Optidoctor
As I have said in a few posts I am very very happy with the rebuilt opti I got from the optidoctor (Brad). It seems very well put together and well tested. My car runs better than ever. I know he posts on here and would like him to chime in on a few questions:
1. What does he do when he "Rebuilds"
2. When he rebuilds a non ventilated opti does he automatically update it to ventilated along with install directions.
3. How confidant is he that if he tests a used Mist. sensor that it will keep working.
4. What does he use to seal the case.
5. Does he offer a service to just TEST an opti.
6. Can he post pictures so the talented on here can rebuild their own.
7. Does he always replace the bearing or just check it.
8. Does he sell parts to rebuild your own.
I am going to send him an email to see if he will reply. I hope he does. Dan
1. What does he do when he "Rebuilds"
2. When he rebuilds a non ventilated opti does he automatically update it to ventilated along with install directions.
3. How confidant is he that if he tests a used Mist. sensor that it will keep working.
4. What does he use to seal the case.
5. Does he offer a service to just TEST an opti.
6. Can he post pictures so the talented on here can rebuild their own.
7. Does he always replace the bearing or just check it.
8. Does he sell parts to rebuild your own.
I am going to send him an email to see if he will reply. I hope he does. Dan
Popular Reply
Apr 24, 2018, 09:18 PM
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 31
I am happy to share some of my Optispark experience. It is a nice side business that I am hoping to slowly grow. I believe the key is accumulating Mitsubishi sensors for the future.
1. I disassemble and clean everything. Remove corrosion. Replace the bearing. Re-assemble with Loctite and sealer. Add ventilation capability to the older Optispark base plate (assuming the owner wants to add ventilation). Install MSD's rotor, cap and center section. Test it and make a video to show that it works.
2. I am happy to add ventilation to any of the 1st generation Optispark's that I sell. I do it for no additional cost. I think it is really important! Some do not want to modify the design and prefer to keep it as is. I respect their thinking, but as some one who has taken apart countless cores, you want ventilation.
3. The key is keeping the sensor dry and clean. Sealing and ventilation determine the length of time that the sensor is going to see the disk clearly.
4. It's a high temperature sealing product that is used in the petroleum industry. I researched the sealer for a long time. I did not want to use a silicone based sealant.
5. Yes, I have done this several times. It is very easy to do. I charge $40 typically, less if there is an interesting story associated with the need to test it.
6. I'm a DIY guy and i'm all for helping people out, but this is a bad idea. You will probably only need to do this one or two times in your life. Getting all the parts together and finding a method to press in a bearing without losing the timing is just too much trouble.
7. I almost always replace the bearing. Occasionally, I will get one that is like new and I will re-use it. My LT-1 has an ACDelco unit in it that I refurbished. It was only 8 months old when it died, so I re-used the bearing.
8. I have never been asked. I think it would appeal to very few people. These few people would be excellent help if you ever find yourself shipwrecked on an uninhabited island.
1. I disassemble and clean everything. Remove corrosion. Replace the bearing. Re-assemble with Loctite and sealer. Add ventilation capability to the older Optispark base plate (assuming the owner wants to add ventilation). Install MSD's rotor, cap and center section. Test it and make a video to show that it works.
2. I am happy to add ventilation to any of the 1st generation Optispark's that I sell. I do it for no additional cost. I think it is really important! Some do not want to modify the design and prefer to keep it as is. I respect their thinking, but as some one who has taken apart countless cores, you want ventilation.
3. The key is keeping the sensor dry and clean. Sealing and ventilation determine the length of time that the sensor is going to see the disk clearly.
4. It's a high temperature sealing product that is used in the petroleum industry. I researched the sealer for a long time. I did not want to use a silicone based sealant.
5. Yes, I have done this several times. It is very easy to do. I charge $40 typically, less if there is an interesting story associated with the need to test it.
6. I'm a DIY guy and i'm all for helping people out, but this is a bad idea. You will probably only need to do this one or two times in your life. Getting all the parts together and finding a method to press in a bearing without losing the timing is just too much trouble.
7. I almost always replace the bearing. Occasionally, I will get one that is like new and I will re-use it. My LT-1 has an ACDelco unit in it that I refurbished. It was only 8 months old when it died, so I re-used the bearing.
8. I have never been asked. I think it would appeal to very few people. These few people would be excellent help if you ever find yourself shipwrecked on an uninhabited island.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
6. Can he post pictures so the talented on here can rebuild their own.
Last edited by drcook; Apr 24, 2018 at 12:37 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 1,321
From: LeClaire Iowa
Because the % of people that really want to do that is not huge. Also when you add up the retail price of the MSD cap and rotor and a new bearing plus new hoses, filter, check valve and sealant the $280.00 does not sound so high. Also, if you rebuild your own (which if I had the parts I would try) you can't test it. Not a giant thing for me as I am retired and if I have to take it all apart it is not a giant thing just a pain. The base looks pretty all beadblasted (I know you can't really see it). Also, he might want to start wholesaling bearings, caps and rotors and sealant. Who knows. I will be interested if he posts. Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Brad became a MSD supplier so he could get the parts at a reasonable amount. But to wholesale them ? He would get caught up in that MSRP thing. Plus, given his volume, he would not be able to compete with Summit Racing. Especially once you add in their perks, Summit Bucks, $20.00 off a $100.00 mailers.
You know his cost is not going to be what Summit's cost is, given the huge amounts of merchandise they sell. Plus they will price match, ANYONE's that has them in stock.
It is like having the ZF-Doc post up detailed directions with pictures on how to rebuild a ZF transmission.
It is bad business to give away your practices and procedures for free.
You know his cost is not going to be what Summit's cost is, given the huge amounts of merchandise they sell. Plus they will price match, ANYONE's that has them in stock.
It is like having the ZF-Doc post up detailed directions with pictures on how to rebuild a ZF transmission.
It is bad business to give away your practices and procedures for free.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,019
Likes: 568
From: Conroe Texas
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 262
From: Park Ridge New Jersey
I wasn't sure about the MSD cap as some on here have voiced there concern. So I asked Brad about the MSD, here is his reply:
The MSD caps are really nice. They seal well because of MSD's O-ring design, look great and are very robust. The polymer that surrounds the high voltage terminals and wire traces in the face of the cap is custom made from DuPont for this application. It insulates completely and does not break down with time. The MSD rotor is superior to any other. The conductor is brass and the base is very robust. MSD uses more than 2X the material used in an OEM rotor. MSD has also offered me a nice discount for buying in bulk.
The MSD caps are really nice. They seal well because of MSD's O-ring design, look great and are very robust. The polymer that surrounds the high voltage terminals and wire traces in the face of the cap is custom made from DuPont for this application. It insulates completely and does not break down with time. The MSD rotor is superior to any other. The conductor is brass and the base is very robust. MSD uses more than 2X the material used in an OEM rotor. MSD has also offered me a nice discount for buying in bulk.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 1,321
From: LeClaire Iowa
Well, it appears (as is the usual case) that many people know way more about this than me. I love this forum as there are so many people who know so much and are willing to take the time to share. Thank you all very much!!! Dan
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 1,321
From: LeClaire Iowa
From reading his ads on ebay he does have a source for NEW Mitsubishi sensors for the early spline drive but must use tested used units for 95-96. If he does come on I will let him correct this if I am wrong. Dan
Last edited by Whaleman; Apr 24, 2018 at 06:18 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4,648
Likes: 1,059
From: N.E. Ohio OH
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Most everything you said in the first post made reasonable sense except about him giving away his techniques and such.
The only disagreement was in hoping he would give it away free.
Last edited by drcook; Apr 24, 2018 at 08:13 PM.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 1,321
From: LeClaire Iowa
If you found out a way to help pay for your Vette parts and also do a service to fellow car buffs at the same time, would you give it away for free ? I doubt that. Plus you can figure out he is not making a killing. He has to buy opti's from junkyards to have some on stock. Then buy the components, even if MSD gives him a discount, it still won't be at the level Summit or Jegs gets due to carrying all of MSD's components, not just the parts needed to fix Opti-sparks. Add in the cost of the packaging (he packages very well), the time to make a video for his customers to share their Opti functioning and he doesn't make a killing on us.
Most everything you said in the first post made reasonable sense except about him giving away his techniques and such.
The only disagreement was in hoping he would give it away free.
Most everything you said in the first post made reasonable sense except about him giving away his techniques and such.
The only disagreement was in hoping he would give it away free.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 31
I am happy to share some of my Optispark experience. It is a nice side business that I am hoping to slowly grow. I believe the key is accumulating Mitsubishi sensors for the future.
1. I disassemble and clean everything. Remove corrosion. Replace the bearing. Re-assemble with Loctite and sealer. Add ventilation capability to the older Optispark base plate (assuming the owner wants to add ventilation). Install MSD's rotor, cap and center section. Test it and make a video to show that it works.
2. I am happy to add ventilation to any of the 1st generation Optispark's that I sell. I do it for no additional cost. I think it is really important! Some do not want to modify the design and prefer to keep it as is. I respect their thinking, but as some one who has taken apart countless cores, you want ventilation.
3. The key is keeping the sensor dry and clean. Sealing and ventilation determine the length of time that the sensor is going to see the disk clearly.
4. It's a high temperature sealing product that is used in the petroleum industry. I researched the sealer for a long time. I did not want to use a silicone based sealant.
5. Yes, I have done this several times. It is very easy to do. I charge $40 typically, less if there is an interesting story associated with the need to test it.
6. I'm a DIY guy and i'm all for helping people out, but this is a bad idea. You will probably only need to do this one or two times in your life. Getting all the parts together and finding a method to press in a bearing without losing the timing is just too much trouble.
7. I almost always replace the bearing. Occasionally, I will get one that is like new and I will re-use it. My LT-1 has an ACDelco unit in it that I refurbished. It was only 8 months old when it died, so I re-used the bearing.
8. I have never been asked. I think it would appeal to very few people. These few people would be excellent help if you ever find yourself shipwrecked on an uninhabited island.
1. I disassemble and clean everything. Remove corrosion. Replace the bearing. Re-assemble with Loctite and sealer. Add ventilation capability to the older Optispark base plate (assuming the owner wants to add ventilation). Install MSD's rotor, cap and center section. Test it and make a video to show that it works.
2. I am happy to add ventilation to any of the 1st generation Optispark's that I sell. I do it for no additional cost. I think it is really important! Some do not want to modify the design and prefer to keep it as is. I respect their thinking, but as some one who has taken apart countless cores, you want ventilation.
3. The key is keeping the sensor dry and clean. Sealing and ventilation determine the length of time that the sensor is going to see the disk clearly.
4. It's a high temperature sealing product that is used in the petroleum industry. I researched the sealer for a long time. I did not want to use a silicone based sealant.
5. Yes, I have done this several times. It is very easy to do. I charge $40 typically, less if there is an interesting story associated with the need to test it.
6. I'm a DIY guy and i'm all for helping people out, but this is a bad idea. You will probably only need to do this one or two times in your life. Getting all the parts together and finding a method to press in a bearing without losing the timing is just too much trouble.
7. I almost always replace the bearing. Occasionally, I will get one that is like new and I will re-use it. My LT-1 has an ACDelco unit in it that I refurbished. It was only 8 months old when it died, so I re-used the bearing.
8. I have never been asked. I think it would appeal to very few people. These few people would be excellent help if you ever find yourself shipwrecked on an uninhabited island.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 31
Mitsubishi sensors
Im always on the hunt for Mitsubishi sensors. I drove up to GM country and purchased several boxes of unused Mitsubishi sensors for the Optispark I. It was a great find. I have not had any similar luck with Optispark II sensors. All of my Optispark II sensors are cleaned and tested, re-used sensors. It is clear to me that Mitsubishi stopped making new sensors long ago. I try to purchase used OEM or AC Delco rebuilds for $70 each in an effort to accumulate Mitsubishi sensors. It appears that some of the AC Delco rebuilds don’t have Mitsubishi sensors, so I take a loss some of the time.
Cruising
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 12
Likes: 31
mitsubishi sensors never die
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,762
Likes: 173
From: Citrus Heights CA
I am happy to share some of my Optispark experience. It is a nice side business that I am hoping to slowly grow. I believe the key is accumulating Mitsubishi sensors for the future.
1. I disassemble and clean everything. Remove corrosion. Replace the bearing. Re-assemble with Loctite and sealer. Add ventilation capability to the older Optispark base plate (assuming the owner wants to add ventilation). Install MSD's rotor, cap and center section. Test it and make a video to show that it works.
2. I am happy to add ventilation to any of the 1st generation Optispark's that I sell. I do it for no additional cost. I think it is really important! Some do not want to modify the design and prefer to keep it as is. I respect their thinking, but as some one who has taken apart countless cores, you want ventilation.
3. The key is keeping the sensor dry and clean. Sealing and ventilation determine the length of time that the sensor is going to see the disk clearly.
4. It's a high temperature sealing product that is used in the petroleum industry. I researched the sealer for a long time. I did not want to use a silicone based sealant.
5. Yes, I have done this several times. It is very easy to do. I charge $40 typically, less if there is an interesting story associated with the need to test it.
6. I'm a DIY guy and i'm all for helping people out, but this is a bad idea. You will probably only need to do this one or two times in your life. Getting all the parts together and finding a method to press in a bearing without losing the timing is just too much trouble.
7. I almost always replace the bearing. Occasionally, I will get one that is like new and I will re-use it. My LT-1 has an ACDelco unit in it that I refurbished. It was only 8 months old when it died, so I re-used the bearing.
8. I have never been asked. I think it would appeal to very few people. These few people would be excellent help if you ever find yourself shipwrecked on an uninhabited island.
1. I disassemble and clean everything. Remove corrosion. Replace the bearing. Re-assemble with Loctite and sealer. Add ventilation capability to the older Optispark base plate (assuming the owner wants to add ventilation). Install MSD's rotor, cap and center section. Test it and make a video to show that it works.
2. I am happy to add ventilation to any of the 1st generation Optispark's that I sell. I do it for no additional cost. I think it is really important! Some do not want to modify the design and prefer to keep it as is. I respect their thinking, but as some one who has taken apart countless cores, you want ventilation.
3. The key is keeping the sensor dry and clean. Sealing and ventilation determine the length of time that the sensor is going to see the disk clearly.
4. It's a high temperature sealing product that is used in the petroleum industry. I researched the sealer for a long time. I did not want to use a silicone based sealant.
5. Yes, I have done this several times. It is very easy to do. I charge $40 typically, less if there is an interesting story associated with the need to test it.
6. I'm a DIY guy and i'm all for helping people out, but this is a bad idea. You will probably only need to do this one or two times in your life. Getting all the parts together and finding a method to press in a bearing without losing the timing is just too much trouble.
7. I almost always replace the bearing. Occasionally, I will get one that is like new and I will re-use it. My LT-1 has an ACDelco unit in it that I refurbished. It was only 8 months old when it died, so I re-used the bearing.
8. I have never been asked. I think it would appeal to very few people. These few people would be excellent help if you ever find yourself shipwrecked on an uninhabited island.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 698
Likes: 162
From: Huntington WV
Here is a potentially silly question but my 94 is getting ready to turn 60k miles and is bone stock. Car runs perfect so should I leave well enough alone or consider removing and cleaning my original Opti and adding ventilation?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 1,986
From: St. Charles MO
Leave it alone. If it ever craps out on you, THEN you should add ventilation. If you want to want to buy a good one (especially an Optidoctor one) to keep on the shelf as a contingency, that would make sense. But there is absolutely no credible reason to fix what isn't broken when the OE part is still working.