C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

opti-spark

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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 07:42 AM
  #1  
Mike67C's Avatar
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Default opti-spark

What are the symtoms of a failing opti-spark? I have an erratic idle and a miss at higher RPM's. I have replaced the plugs and wires, the fuel filter and checked for vaccum leaks.
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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 07:56 AM
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Default Re: opti-spark (Mike67C)

Sounds like the opti or at least the cap
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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 10:12 AM
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Default Re: opti-spark (Mike67C)

Hey Mike, you have some homework to do. Look back in this tech/perf. community and you'll see that it has all been talked about before. If you don't know how to use the search function, goto forums>help&feedback>and post your question on how to search.

The standard questions for your opti: how many miles on the opti, is your coolant leaking up front, any oil leaks up front, etc.

Checkout the tech tips also.

Where is my manners? welcome to our forum Be careful, it will lead you down the road to spending more and fixing more things on your Vette than you thought possible. BTW, I like your choice of color on your C-4.

:flag :flag :flag


[Modified by Strick, 10:17 AM 7/28/2003]
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 06:43 PM
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Default Re: opti-spark (Strick)

I can also add that if it is the opti, it'll get noticablely worse as the car gets hotter.
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 08:52 PM
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Default Re: opti-spark (R94 LT 1)

I can also add that if it is the opti, it'll get noticablely worse as the car gets hotter.
:iagree:
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 09:05 PM
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Default Re: opti-spark (Mike67C)

sure sounds like the opti.

I would not bother replacing just the cap... it's a waste of labour.

Also, check the ALDL for a code 16.
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 02:29 PM
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Default Re: opti-spark (Rex Ruby)

I know this might sound like a crazy way to check-out a failing opti-spark but I could not open my automatic garage door using the remote if my Corvette was running. Turn off the Corvette and the remote would open or close the automatic door just fine. I had no idea at the time that the opti-spark was the issue since the Corvette seemed to running just fine. I even wrote Pat Goss's Garage column about the problem with the remote. I ran into two other guys at the repair shop I use that were experiencing the same problem with their garage door remotes. We all installed new opti-sparks and our garage door remotes work just fine and the Corvettes run great. I have no idea if testing your opti-spark in front of a garage's automatic door opener with the remote will tell you your opti-spark is going bad or not but I was happy to find a solution to the non-working remote and happy to replace the opti-spark before it left me dead in the road miles away from home. I would replace the water pump and belt at the same time as the opti-spark. :crazy:
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 02:38 PM
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Default Re: opti-spark (Bill Wilson)

Bill W.

That does sound like a crazy story. But, if it really works, it is an easy way to check for a failing opti. :skep:
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 02:40 PM
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Default Re: opti-spark (Bill Wilson)

It was probably interferring with the 900mhz frequency band of your remote. You should patent that and make a tool that works similarly for a couple bucks and sell it to LT-1/4 owners :lol: .... seriously!
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Old Jul 31, 2003 | 12:45 PM
  #10  
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Default Re: opti-spark (Bill Wilson)

Add me to the list. Over the past four months, my 1994 LT1 has experienced a number of the Opti-spark symptoms as described in this forum. During this same period, most of the time I have to switch off the engine before the remote will open/close the garage door. So, I think I will do the Opti change out and quit messing with batteries and remotes.
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