kalebm22

iTrader: (2)

when an optispark fails do you need to replace the full distributer or will the cap and rotor fix the problem?

MyOlina

I'm pretty sure if the actual distributor goes out it gives you a check engine light. If you are just having hesitation, staggering, misfiring symptoms than you can probably get away with just the cap and rotor. I actually just got finished replacing my cap and rotor last night. I had no check engine light coming on and the cap and rotor seemed to do the trick. Just to do the cap and rotor you will need an e4 external torx and a t8 torx.

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

i disagree. most will tell you to replace the whole thing. yes the cap and rotor do wear over time but the opti sensor itself is the culprit for most problems, not the cap and rotor

shbox

It depends on what the problem actually is. If the opti is a high mileage one, you are probably better off replacing the whole thing.

dirtynorth

Mine only messes up and misfires when its wet outside any other time its fine except for a little bit of a rough idle. Which i think is caused by my recent emisisons deletes. But im not sure. Should i replace the whole thing or just the cap and rotor do you think??

Z28Camaro30Ann

iTrader: (15)

Did you delete the emissions only, or did you tune it out of the computer too? And I was having huge misfire problems and all MULTIPLE times.

First time turned out to be the SP wires hitting the header...
Second time was the Cap and Rotor...
Third time was SP Wires again...
Fourth time was the distributor...
Fifth and final time was the SP Wires...

This all happened within a month and a half...

I ended up saying F it and went with the MSD Distributor, MSD Cap/Rotor, and MSD 8.5mm OTVC SP Wires. Been 2 months now and NO problems whatsoever!

RamAir95TA

iTrader: (2)

I second replacing the whole thing. Many times it is difficult to tell what the culprit is when one starts failing.

MyOlina

So it doesn't give you a check engine light when something is wrong with the sensor ? I wonder why i was told that...grrr

Z28Camaro30Ann

iTrader: (15)

I got a check engine light but it wasnt for any sensors...it kept telling me I was getting a P0300 "Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire" when my capand when my distributor went out...when I burned through the SP wires I got a P0305 "#5 Cylinder Misfire"

Those were the only SES lights I got

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

P0300 and P0336 can be caused by a bad opti or a bad coil or both.

I agree with those who said to replace the whole unit. Make sure you get a genuine AC Delco/Delphi opti.

kalebm22

iTrader: (2)

well i replaced the opti with an accel distributer, and it fired up a little rough but then it idled good and ran better then ever. but after i turned it off the car had trouble starting and acted like it wasnt getting enough fuel. what would be causing this? bad fuel filter maybe?

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

well you bought a crappy brand opti. accel is garbage

ss.slp.ls1

iTrader: (36)

^Agreed.

OP, If you suspect a fuel issue, test your fuel pressure.

jcleaver17

made the mistake of buying an opti from autozone, now after changing it 3 times in a year, i went down and got an O.E. opti... see how that goes