Opti for sure. I had a simular situation with my 94 a couple of months ago, same symptoms
Problem when engine gets hot - any advice
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 66
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From: Edmonton Alberta
Problem when engine gets hot - any advice
My LT1 does not seem to be running properly when it gets really hot. Usually it only get to about 200 degrees but when driving around town on hot days it gets up over 220. That is when it starts giving me problems. It seems like it misses at low RPM's (1000-2500) as if it is almost going to stall. It's difficult to describe but when I give it gas it jerks and seems to miss and has no power until the RMP's get to around 3000. If I turn the car off and let it cool down it is ok until the temp gets back up to over 220. Other than that the engine runs fantastic with no problems and it is giving me great mileage(>30) on the highway. The only common factor is that when it acts up the temp is always at about 224. I've tried seaching for other posts with this problem and have not found any. If anyone can tell me what might be going on I would greatly appreciate it.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by ybslow
My LT1 does not seem to be running properly when it gets really hot. Usually it only get to about 200 degrees but when driving around town on hot days it gets up over 220. That is when it starts giving me problems. It seems like it misses at low RPM's (1000-2500) as if it is almost going to stall. It's difficult to describe but when I give it gas it jerks and seems to miss and has no power until the RMP's get to around 3000. If I turn the car off and let it cool down it is ok until the temp gets back up to over 220. Other than that the engine runs fantastic with no problems and it is giving me great mileage(>30) on the highway. The only common factor is that when it acts up the temp is always at about 224. I've tried seaching for other posts with this problem and have not found any. If anyone can tell me what might be going on I would greatly appreciate it.
I have to ask, what is the mileage and tuneup history? that might be a good start.
Heat related sounds like it could be vapour lock. Which leads me to think you could be dealing with a bad fuel pump or filter.
remember, these are closed fuel systems, so the fuel that returns to the tank is warm, then hot. So the fuel is rather hot after some drive time. this will amplify any fuel pump related problems.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 743
Likes: 4
From: Guyton GA
I am guessing you have a preignition problem. It could be carbon build-up or maybe you need a cooler range sparkplug. Are you using permium fuel? BTW vapor lock doesn't apply to fuel injected engines with a pump in the tank.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by merrick
I am guessing you have a preignition problem. It could be carbon build-up or maybe you need a cooler range sparkplug. Are you using permium fuel? BTW vapor lock doesn't apply to fuel injected engines with a pump in the tank.
the tank heats, the pump heats, the fuel delivery becomes debatable.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 66
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From: Edmonton Alberta
The engine has 80,000 miles on it. It had a thorough tune up at about 65000 miles (1 year ago) by the previous owner. I'd have to check the log to see exactly what was done.
I always use premium fuel.
This problem has only happened on two occassions, once in May and again last weekend.
I do a lot of highway driving so I'm wondering if the carbon build up has something to do with it.
I always use premium fuel.
This problem has only happened on two occassions, once in May and again last weekend.
I do a lot of highway driving so I'm wondering if the carbon build up has something to do with it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,117
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From: DFW TX
"when I give it gas it jerks and seems to miss and has no power until the RMP's get to around 3000."
This description you give is the way mine acted when the Opti went out. More specifically, it only did it under heavy loads. ie, not in first gear at the low RPM, but in most other gears at low RPM when the gas pedal is pushed down. Jerks hard and kind of backfires?
This description you give is the way mine acted when the Opti went out. More specifically, it only did it under heavy loads. ie, not in first gear at the low RPM, but in most other gears at low RPM when the gas pedal is pushed down. Jerks hard and kind of backfires?
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1
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From: Coronado Ca
Was it really the OPTISPARK??
Hi all,
I'm also experiencing the same problem even after installing new cap and rotor, TPS and O2 sensors. I'm at my wits end!
Incidentally, I had a new OPTISPARK put in about 3 yrs and about 54K miles ago - does it seem right that the OPTISPARKs go out only after that long? Thanks 
I'm also experiencing the same problem even after installing new cap and rotor, TPS and O2 sensors. I'm at my wits end!
Incidentally, I had a new OPTISPARK put in about 3 yrs and about 54K miles ago - does it seem right that the OPTISPARKs go out only after that long? Thanks
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