Optispark takes an Optidump?
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Optispark takes an Optidump? Well, I'm thinking the old Opti finally took a dump. After the car sat for a couple of weeks, I went out to fire her up... crank, crank, crank... nuthin'. After cranking a couple of times, the car coughs and smokes through the intake. I'm thinking either the cap and rotor died, or the Opti itself died. 
I guess what it really comes down to is should I go ahead and try replacing the cap and rotor with a nice new MSD set, or just say fuggit and replace the entire unit with a new GM part (I've heard horror stories about cheap replacements)?
Car is a 69 Nova with a 96 B-Body (Caprice) LT1. FYI, I did notice that after my swap into the Nova, the exhaust smelled extra rich and the plugs are getting gas fouled like the F/A mix isn't gettting lit completely.
Yes... I checked the coil and it tests out good.
I guess what it really comes down to is should I go ahead and try replacing the cap and rotor with a nice new MSD set, or just say fuggit and replace the entire unit with a new GM part (I've heard horror stories about cheap replacements)?
Car is a 69 Nova with a 96 B-Body (Caprice) LT1. FYI, I did notice that after my swap into the Nova, the exhaust smelled extra rich and the plugs are getting gas fouled like the F/A mix isn't gettting lit completely.
Yes... I checked the coil and it tests out good.
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 111
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From: FORT WORTH
such a problem with these. happens all day. had the same problem here. after long tube and mod setup gone wrong . switched to a gm performance opti no problems since. i spent days trying to trouble shoot and half a day fixing all is well now. switch it.or go coil packs, 300 or 800 dollars you budget.....
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: POULSBO WA.
I have heard more horror stories about anything other than the origanal parts. I went with the GM piece, and have had no issues for 20k miles...IMO spend the extra money go with origanal and do the job once.
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Yeah, that's what I've heard as well... Go GM or wait for it to bite you in the ****.
I figure I'll just replace the entire Opti not just the cap and rotor while I'm in there. The engine has just over 130K, so "cheap" insurance. Speakingof cheap, the cheapest I've found the new GM Opti for $320. Any place to get 'em cheaper? I figure that $320 is the going rate...
THat 130K miles is just breaking the engine in, she's been babied her entire life.
I figure I'll just replace the entire Opti not just the cap and rotor while I'm in there. The engine has just over 130K, so "cheap" insurance. Speakingof cheap, the cheapest I've found the new GM Opti for $320. Any place to get 'em cheaper? I figure that $320 is the going rate...
THat 130K miles is just breaking the engine in, she's been babied her entire life.
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I decided to just get rid of an optispark all together! EFI Connection 24x is your friend! LOL. Expensive, but by far the best solution for the inferior opti. The funny thing is, I have never had an issues with my opti, but I keep watching my friends drop left and right. Figured the 24x was a good insurance policy. You can only be lucky for so long. At least you have options and it sounds like quite a few people are having good luck with GM replacements.
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You can go with the MSD cap and button but MAKE SURE you put some loctite or something of that nature on the 2 small rotor button screws or they WILL come out eventually. Mine came out so when I finally figured out what was wrong I put them back in and made sure there were really snug. Fine for a little while and BOOM they came out again. So I put loctite on them and no problems since. I would check the opti for grinding or anything that felt loose and make sure your seals are good, if so keep it and get the cap and button.
