LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Opti-spark problem

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Old Sep 26, 2009 | 09:53 PM
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Default Opti-spark problem

i installed a new opti today along with plug and wires. I had installed a new ICM and coil earlier this week.
now car is getting fire to plugs but will not start. i have not removed the plugs to c if they are firing. they are NGK TR55's.
anyone have an idea wtf is wrong?
thanks
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Old Sep 26, 2009 | 10:34 PM
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It would be nice if you provided car info in a signature. Opti could be on wrong, plugs wires on wrong...
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Old Sep 26, 2009 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by scook179351
now car is getting fire to plugs but will not start. i have not removed the plugs to c if they are firing.
make up your mind.
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Old Sep 27, 2009 | 01:42 AM
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been throgh this issue before and ended up being my coolant temprature sensor on the water pump, before u change anything just unplug that sensor and clean it with electronic cleaner then reconnect it again and see...it would be a good idea to have it scanned,,, ignition might not be the issue
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Old Sep 27, 2009 | 07:28 AM
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I tested firing to the spark plugs with a inline tester. Lights when cranked over if there is power to the plug.
I didn't think that the opti could be put on wrong because of the way the spline is keyed. But i know that anything is possible.
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Old Sep 27, 2009 | 10:11 AM
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i would ensure the plug wires are not mixed up and on the wrong terminals on the opti. its an easy mistake to make and would make sense if its firing but not running.
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Old Sep 27, 2009 | 09:00 PM
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Default opti trouble

Originally Posted by B4CZR2
i would ensure the plug wires are not mixed up and on the wrong terminals on the opti. its an easy mistake to make and would make sense if its firing but not running.
i am having a similar problem with 95 trans am.it will crank over fine but wont start and it just backfires.we checked the wire on the coil and its getting spark but we checked the wire to the spark plug and no spark.do you think its the opti thats bad?cause i recently had the motor rebuilt and never had any problems before
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Old Sep 27, 2009 | 09:41 PM
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Originally Posted by scook179351
I tested firing to the spark plugs with a inline tester. Lights when cranked over if there is power to the plug.
I didn't think that the opti could be put on wrong because of the way the spline is keyed. But i know that anything is possible.
People force it on wrong all the time. The key should make it foolproof, but it's not. If you are careful, it goes on right.
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Old Sep 28, 2009 | 12:57 AM
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yea u gotta be really carefull installing it...to where it sets on just right...
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by monchis
yea u gotta be really carefull installing it...to where it sets on just right...
ya it turns out i did have the opti on wrong.i figured it out after doing lots of studying on the internet.but after i put it on its still not starting.im checking the firing order again tomorrow but im almost certain its right.but it just cranks over but backfires when you hold the throttle down
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 08:02 PM
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fuel pressure?
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by forgedlt4
fuel pressure?
how would i go about checking that?and you think it could be the valve lash? we tried one way but im not a hundred percent sure if its right.we didnt mark the balancer when we took it off
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Old Oct 2, 2009 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by 95redt/a
how would i go about checking that?and you think it could be the valve lash? we tried one way but im not a hundred percent sure if its right.we didnt mark the balancer when we took it off
push the schraeder valve on the intake after you turn the key to the "ON" position a few times, also listen for fuel pump whine. if you have pressure, it will spray out pretty hard. (or put a tester gauge on it)


if you dont know what that valve is, its like a valve on a tire, and i believe on 95s, its on the front drivers side of the intake. it will be under a plastic cap.
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