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Optispark issues

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Old 10-16-2012, 09:25 PM
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Exclamation Optispark issues

My Z28 Lt1 had a leaking front crank seal.

While replacing the crank seal, I went ahead and pulled timing cover and replaced that seal (carefully not moving anything).

I also replaced water pump seals and thermostat.

I had trouble putting the optispark back on, it did not seem to fit very well.
I thnought it slipped onto the splined shaft coming out of the timing cover just fine, but it was a bit forceful.

Went to crank the car, and it started but ran very badly, sounded like timing off.

i disassembled the car once again back down to the Opti, once i removed the Opti the splined shaft that feeds into the back of the opti from the timing cover pulled all the way out of the timing cover, and it is STUCK in the opti.

I dont really have the money for a new Opti, so i am hoping i just put the splined shaft in wrong and can remove it and repair this goof.

Question: Has anyone experienced what i have described? and if so what did you do? And what is the correct position for this opti hook up please?


Have been without the car running for 4 days now.

Kinda regret touching the thing, but my oil seal needed replacing badly.

Any help and/or advice would be appreciated.

I have a 1995 Camaro Z28 LT1 Automatic.

***Also i see a vent hookup on the bottom right of my Opti, but cannot find the hose that fits it. Anyone know where that is as well?
Old 10-17-2012, 11:33 AM
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*** SHAMELESS PLUG WARNING ***

In my latest book we talk about how forcing the optispark gear into place will cause you to damage it beyond repair because it essentially breaks the little splines on the gear.

I hate to say it, but you're going to have to pull it back off and see if the gears are stripped or smashed... if that's the case, you'll have to replace it.

My $.02, get the 24X system and be done with it.



Here's the book via amazon digital copy
Amazon Amazon

/Shameless plug.
Old 10-17-2012, 05:24 PM
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Angry 24X opti replacement

Where can i find the best price on the opti spark 24X replacement?

Anyone have a good hook up diagram of this conversion?

Saw the optispark replacement for like $260, how much is this 24X conversion?


ANY help appreciated.


i haven't got the spined shaft out of my opti yet, it is stuck pretty good. I would assume its screwed up because of how good it's stuck. I am headed out there to get the splined shaft out now.

Thanks for the advice dude, i was really hoping i didn't foul this up after all the time spent replacing all those seals and gaskets, lesson learned. SLOW DOWN!!!
Old 10-18-2012, 09:50 AM
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Sounds like you forced it on there in the incorrect clocked position, some of those are keyed and will go on wrong if you push it too hard.

Here's their ordering page for the 24X system.

http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonn...omponents.aspx
Old 10-19-2012, 07:23 PM
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Lightbulb valve noise?

Just put a new opti on, installed water pump and radiator.

1995 Camaro Z28

cranks and runs but at high idle sounds like valve noise.

i checked the radiator hoses and the passenger side bottom radiator hose which runs to TOP of water pump feels like it doesnt have and fluid in it.

i noticed that the small hose below the overflow was cracked and leaking, i will have to replace it tomm.

Is the rattling noise i am hearing being caused by no water reaching the block, because it is not properly bled?

if so what is the proper bleeding procedure for Z28 camaros 1995?
Old 10-19-2012, 08:24 PM
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You should check out the LT1 section of this forum for opti and other LT1-specific questions. When I had my 97 Z28 it was a huge help in keeping my car running.

I had a bunch of opti problems and I considered going with the 24x conversion but it was a little more complicated and expensive than I wanted to deal with and I just got sick of the issues and traded it for a LS1.
Old 10-19-2012, 10:11 PM
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Angry spark knock?

A friend told me that perhaps i have the opti on 1 tooth off somehow.

He says my symptoms are like spark knock, throwing the time off.

Like setting a distributor except this opti doesnt turn to set, it has splined teeth using a optic eye to read a rotor inside and determine the valve location and control other things i cant remember. It's asking alot out of a sensitive box.

I'm getting this rattle, and the car has less power.

I am thinking the opti isnt set correctly. Wish some of you had similar experience with these issues, probably 2easy for the right guy.

LOL, 2 time tearing down front to get to the opti. Experience

I Will have my Z back this weekend purring, and post pics and fix.

ANY help appreciated, just not stoooopid help. lol
Old 10-22-2012, 02:43 PM
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Originally Posted by camaro________man
A friend told me that perhaps i have the opti on 1 tooth off somehow.
That's typically what happens when you push it on too hard.
Old 10-23-2012, 12:46 PM
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I had a 95 and mine had a vacuum line to the optispark, I think they added that because the 93 and 94's were sealed and had problems cracking from carbon gases



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