Any new Optispark Solutions ???
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: Omaha ne
Any new Optispark Solutions ???
I currently have two dead optisparks, 
one lasted about 2 years with limited use and the replacement about 15 minutes. I have spent many hours researching this on several forums.
I have read all the bad (most of which are older postings) and wondered if there is anything new in the recent years that might be more of a permanent solution. Any experiences/ comments/ suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks in advance
TJP440
one lasted about 2 years with limited use and the replacement about 15 minutes. I have spent many hours researching this on several forums.I have read all the bad (most of which are older postings) and wondered if there is anything new in the recent years that might be more of a permanent solution. Any experiences/ comments/ suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks in advance
TJP440
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,648
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From: NEwhere Ohio
I currently have two dead optisparks, one lasted about 2 years with limited use and the replacement about 15 minutes. I have spent many hours researching this on several forums.
I have read all the bad (most of which are older postings) and wondered if there is anything new in the recent years that might be more of a permanent solution. Any experiences/ comments/ suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks in advance
TJP440
one lasted about 2 years with limited use and the replacement about 15 minutes. I have spent many hours researching this on several forums.I have read all the bad (most of which are older postings) and wondered if there is anything new in the recent years that might be more of a permanent solution. Any experiences/ comments/ suggestions would be appreciated
Thanks in advance
TJP440
You arent going to pay $50 for it like people want to. But IMHO id rather pay $400 for an oem one vs $50 for 3. You arent going to find these at the dealer anymore. They sell remanufactured in china ac delco optisparks. They replace bearigs, seals, but re use the donor’s optical sensor. Though id rather have one of those with a used mitsubishi sensor vs. a new chinese sensor.
So if oem is so good why did It fail then? The 92-94 had a design flaw that is easily corrected by adding a custom vent.
the 95-96 fail if vent gets clogged / seals shrink allowing moisture intrusion
i was told optidoctor installs mitsubishi sensors into msd optisparks and is a quality non oem replacement. Good luck
Last edited by dizwiz24; Jun 16, 2019 at 12:20 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 67
Likes: 12
From: Morganville NJ
I'm going for my 1st optispark swap out.
I bought a new Gates water pump, plugs, wires. Going to tear it down and send to opti-doc for rebuild.
I have a '93 LT1 with 64k on it. I don't want to have to do this more than once.
I bought a new Gates water pump, plugs, wires. Going to tear it down and send to opti-doc for rebuild.
I have a '93 LT1 with 64k on it. I don't want to have to do this more than once.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1,307
From: LeClaire Iowa
If you arent buying NOS OEM optisparks (with mitsubishi optical sensors) - then you can expect this cycle to repeat itself . Yes, you can find nos optisparks on ebay, or forums like this if you know what to look for.
You arent going to pay $50 for it like people want to. But IMHO id rather pay $400 for an oem one vs $50 for 3.
So if oem is so good why did It fail then? The 92-94 had a design flaw that is easily corrected by adding a custom vent.
the 95-96 fail if vent gets clogged / seals shrink allowing moisture intrusion
i was told optidoctor installs mitsubishi sensors into msd optisparks and is a quality non oem replacement. Good luck
You arent going to pay $50 for it like people want to. But IMHO id rather pay $400 for an oem one vs $50 for 3.
So if oem is so good why did It fail then? The 92-94 had a design flaw that is easily corrected by adding a custom vent.
the 95-96 fail if vent gets clogged / seals shrink allowing moisture intrusion
i was told optidoctor installs mitsubishi sensors into msd optisparks and is a quality non oem replacement. Good luck
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Melbourne Fl.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1,307
From: LeClaire Iowa
I do the test on the line that sticks into the rubber intake boot. I thought this told me vacuum was good all through the system. Is this wrong? Thanks, Dan
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: Omaha ne
Well I took the plunge and went with Optidoctor based on the suggestions here, other forums and what appears to be an impeccable reputation. I really didn't want to jump on the Torquehead unit due to the wiring, programming etc. Thanks to all that responded and I'll report back if there are any issues
Thanks again
Thanks again
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 175
Likes: 11
From: Omaha ne
Last edited by TJP440; Jun 16, 2019 at 07:40 PM.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 671
Likes: 171
From: Birmingham, Alabama
Well I took the plunge and went with Optidoctor based on the suggestions here, other forums and what appears to be an impeccable reputation. I really didn't want to jump on the Torquehead unit due to the wiring, programming etc. Thanks to all that responded and I'll report back if there are any issues
Thanks again
Thanks again
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 713
Likes: 62
From: Melbourne Fl.
Some Optispark housings are not perfectly sealed so not getting a vacuum at the intake boot doesn't necessarily mean there isn't vacuum provided to the Optispark. In your case all is well. But if others that don't see a vacuum at the intake boot then they should check to see if there is vaccum at the hose going to the Optispark from the engine.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1,307
From: LeClaire Iowa
Some Optispark housings are not perfectly sealed so not getting a vacuum at the intake boot doesn't necessarily mean there isn't vacuum provided to the Optispark. In your case all is well. But if others that don't see a vacuum at the intake boot then they should check to see if there is vaccum at the hose going to the Optispark from the engine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
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From: Question Government