Is Your Opti-Spark Failing?

LT1 owners have dealt with the Opti-Spark distributor for 11 years now, but there is still much confusion regarding the causes and symptoms of a failing unit. Tapping into the PCM with a scan tool is a good way to start, but sometimes no codes will be set. Before diving into the Opti-Spark, be sure to verify that your grounds are good and the coil and wires are not the source of the problem, as they are much easier to change.

Symptoms:

* Car suddenly dies and won't restart
* Starts but immediately dies
* Extended cranking to start
* Rough idle
* Sputtering
* Backfiring
* Trouble reaching higher rpm
* Black smoke from exhaust
* Poor performance with car warmed up
* Weak plug wire spark
* Codes 16, 36, and 42 may be set

 

good info Moff

 

Ya sticky that

 

Thank You my Brethren.

 

You definatly get a Rep Point for that one... the symptoms are just the start. Now if you have a bad opti... there is a controversial decision on how to repair it.

You can look in this thread to educate yourself on what way you want to go to make that repair.

 

I know, and on goes the debates that make us all unique. I have always been a do it yourselfer who luvs to put one over on the system/stealership. I have always rebuilt my opti for $150.00 and will continue to do so. I'm not saying that's what others should do by any means. It's just one of my many pet peaves...

 

Moff did you buy the rebuild kit from Parts Direct, or did you get the kit at NAPA? The cheapest I've seen for a rebuild kit was like $200 for my 93, but it's a sealed opti so they're a little more...

 

New guy here. What kind of noise, if any, will a bad bearing in the opti make? I have a noise in the front of the engine. It's not the water pump(electric) or any pulley's. I removed the belt and ran the engine, still makes noise.

 

Welcome to the site. Mine had a bearing failure and I didn't hear anything.

 

Thanks for the welcome. I have already gotten some good info from just browsing through.

 

Where in texas are you?

 

I live in Cypress, which is NW of Houston

 

ahh nvm was gonna see if I could meet ya somewhere an have a look.

 

I was thinking the same thing. Oh, well.

 

well i have a 94z w/ 30k on it, and it does alota sitting in the cold damp northeast, and i think the opti got damp from the sitting, and it causes the car to run a little bit rough, will an extended drive on a highway cure this, thanks.

 

Its possible, do you have any error codes?

 

naw no check engine light, but do you think a good long drive will fix that?

 

Hook an air compressor up to the vent hose and blow the moisture out. Maybe even rig up a hair dryer.....That should get rid of any moisture.

P.S. I bought an AC Delco cap and rotor for $158 from O'Reilly's auto parts yesterday.

 

Just because the SES light isn't on doesn't mean there aren't any codes.

 

ah ic well on the 94 there isnt a vent hose any other ideas.