Need Advice on opti spark
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 653
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From: Northern New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'08
Need Advice on opti spark
After a lifetime of waiting, I finally bought my Corvette in November.
Its a 93 with 28K miles.
I keep reading posts about optispark problems & have a few questions.
1. Do I need to do any kind of preventative mtce?
2. Should I just do nothing and wait till it fails?
3. Is there an averave mileage where the problems start?
thanks for your help
Its a 93 with 28K miles.
I keep reading posts about optispark problems & have a few questions.
1. Do I need to do any kind of preventative mtce?
2. Should I just do nothing and wait till it fails?
3. Is there an averave mileage where the problems start?
thanks for your help
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,030
Likes: 6
From: Maryland
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (ruby9246)
1. No--just DON'T wash your engine compartment. If you must clean it, do so by hand and without allowing liquid anywhere close to the waterpump /opti area.
2. Yes. I replaced mine at a convenient time and I got a bad part (brand new) from GM. I wish I had just left mine alone.
3. Average--maybe 60k? But it helps if you drive the car. With 28k miles, you may be in trouble for that reason alone. Drive the car at least once a month at highway speeds.
2. Yes. I replaced mine at a convenient time and I got a bad part (brand new) from GM. I wish I had just left mine alone.
3. Average--maybe 60k? But it helps if you drive the car. With 28k miles, you may be in trouble for that reason alone. Drive the car at least once a month at highway speeds.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 0
From: Olathe, KS USA
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (ruby9246)
I would'nt mess it now, but when it does fail I would vent it as-per the Corvette Fever Tip http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758 using the GM vacuum harness # 12558921.
As said before don't get it wet.
As said before don't get it wet.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (ruby9246)
there are a number of options... but considering the mileage, you may have a problem sooner, than later.
sad to say, but the opti does not do well sitting for long periods.
They seem to have a time clock in them, too. So don't be surprised if it fails. Hate to be the bearer of bad news... just didn't want you to think you are off the hook.
sad to say, but the opti does not do well sitting for long periods.
They seem to have a time clock in them, too. So don't be surprised if it fails. Hate to be the bearer of bad news... just didn't want you to think you are off the hook.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,080
Likes: 0
From: Corvette valley Georgia
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (sothpaw2)
1. No--just DON'T wash your engine compartment. If you must clean it, do so by hand and without allowing liquid anywhere close to the waterpump /opti area.
2. Yes. I replaced mine at a convenient time and I got a bad part (brand new) from GM. I wish I had just left mine alone.
3. Average--maybe 60k? But it helps if you drive the car. With 28k miles, you may be in trouble for that reason alone. Drive the car at least once a month at highway speeds.
2. Yes. I replaced mine at a convenient time and I got a bad part (brand new) from GM. I wish I had just left mine alone.
3. Average--maybe 60k? But it helps if you drive the car. With 28k miles, you may be in trouble for that reason alone. Drive the car at least once a month at highway speeds.
I think I hold the record 114000 miles and the same opti unit!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (grapeknutz)
I think I hold the record 114000 miles and the same opti unit![/QUOTE]
We had one in the shop the other day a 92 with 122K. Lasted a long time but cost him dearly as the water pump drive shaft splines rusted so bad we were beginning to think they cam was going to come out with it.
It took quite a bit of extra time to force it out gently enough not to damage anything else. It was quite the adventure and a good example of why they call them labor time GUIDES, not bibles.
In three years of working next to our corvette specialost, I can tell you one thing the average means nothing it is a crapshoot for every vehicle. There may be an average but the variables represent a pretty wide spread.
Congratulations on your Corvette and enjoy :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 88,774
Likes: 700
From: L.A river under the Los Feliz Bridge
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'17
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (ruby9246)
My opti spark lasted until 39k in my 95. But they usually last until about 60k or so. I would wait until he starts to go out. They aren't cheap.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 38
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From: Centerville PA
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (anjdog2003)
How do they fail? Just quit or start missing, hard starting etc.
Is there a cap or rotor that need replaced? Just bought a 92 with 43,000 on it and thought I would redo the ignition with wires and plugs etc
Is there a cap or rotor that need replaced? Just bought a 92 with 43,000 on it and thought I would redo the ignition with wires and plugs etc
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (ruby9246)
Do the vent conversion and then don't worry about it. In constant use they have been known to go 200,000 miles. Keep good plug wires on it and change your plugs on schedule as well. I'm changing mine right now at 93,000 (I don't really know if it's original or not) because I am doing a cam change, electric water pump conversion, etc. and so I have it out anyway.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 10
From: Nashville TN
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (Corvette Kid NC)
Mine lasted to 95k miles, but I think the reason it gave out was because I tore the seal on the water-pump drive shaft because I was not aware you had to put something over the shaft to not tear the seal. During a cam change. It still lasted about 10k with oil being dripped onto it constantly.
If you do the vent mod, make sure you get the vent lines on correctly. My roommate just blew up his opti('97 Camaro) because he hooked the vent tubes up the wrong way.
If you do the vent mod, make sure you get the vent lines on correctly. My roommate just blew up his opti('97 Camaro) because he hooked the vent tubes up the wrong way.
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Re: Need Advice on opti spark (kman0066)
If you do the vent mod, make sure you get the vent lines on correctly. My roommate just blew up his opti('97 Camaro) because he hooked the vent tubes up the wrong way.
