I just installed a accel opti-spark in my 95 LT1. It fires and then dies, not firing properly. Now I did align the knoch correctly and the firing order is right. I can tell I'm not firing right because after I attempt to start, I get a smell of gas. What the hell is going on here? I also installed a accel super coil with new 8 MM wires. Plugs were replaced recently.

 

Always best to ask questions before you buy junk well documented to be junk. Don't think I have ever heard of anyone successfully running the Accel opti and the coil is at best wasted money.

Check to see if there is spark.

A LOT of guys have sworn they had the firing order right when they did not.

 

I did look up the firing order and did it to the tee. I even rechecked it again afterward. Are you saying the accel opti is garbage?? Why don't you tell me the firing order?

 

Is it too late to return the Accel optispark?

 

The factory Delphi opti is the best one to get.

 

No. I got it from Summit Racing and I spoke with them today. I can return for exchange or refund. Is the accel that bad?

 

The opti caps have the positions in raised numbers on the cap. Simply connect the right number to the right plug. How is firing order going to help you? It isn't like a regular cap where you install the plug wires by firing order.

 

I know it has raised numbers on the cap. IS THE ACCEL OPTI JUNK OR WHAT? I'm kinda pissed off already, just busted my *** changing this thing to find my car not starting. It is sparking, because it does start for a second and then dies. Its like not all cylinders are firing.

 

Personally, I would return the Accel opti and get a Delphi, if possible. The ACDelco optis are all re-manufactured now, unless you happen to stumble across new old stock. Even so, that would be preferable to the Accel opti. Just my opinion.

 

OP

Accel, or any brand other than AC Delco or Delphi Optis are not recommended. They have proven to be problematic. Not saying every one, just noting the failure rate of the off brand stuff when it comes to Opti's is considerably higher than the AC Delco or Delphi. Using a MSD Cap & Rotor on a OEM opti is recommended if you just need to replace cap & rotor

It is assumed you installed the opti right in terms of lining it up with the cam dowel pin and the plug wires you installed are correctly rounted

so this would point to a failed, not surprisingly, new Acell Opti. Return it to Summit for a refund. Get a AC Delco (likely will be refurbished) or a new Delphi Opti

given you did Acell opti, wires and coil at the same time....you could try just putting your stock coil on and see if that resolves your problem......to rule it in/out.......unless you are confident the coil is working

 

Is your check engine light on?

 

I'm pretty sure the opti is my problem. I will return for a refund and get a stock unit. I don't know what kind of shape my original is in, I wanted to replace the whole thing. I guess I'll open the old one up and see if a cap and rotor will do it.
Thanks for your help.

 

if your old Opti was working and the shaft does not wobble you can just get a new cap & rotor. Those are wear items just like any distributor

 

I too bought an Accel opti and it did not work properly. Send it back if you can. Like ****** said, rebuild your original opti. Just buy a new cap and rotor. I think the weak link in the opti is the optical eye. If the optical eye is not the Mitsubishi brand then more than likely it is junk. That has been my experience.

 

I bought my car with a new Accel opti and my car is breaking up after 4500rpms I am not saying that's the problem but I have basically looked at every other angle I have one more thing to check but I am leaning at it thou

 

Another report of a bad Accel Opti on my uncles '93. It always had a miss of some sort from the get-go. Put a new Delco on it and never had a problem again.

 

ok everyone, the accel was the problem. i ordered and installed a delphi opti and she started right up. anyone with an accel and having issues, replace it with a delphi or ac delco. accel is not worth the hassle or money. thanks for all your inputs on this matter.

 

I just had a friend of mine over for the morning helping me diagnose my no start condition. I was told that I needed to replace the opti. We saw spark but it doesn't appear to be firing at the right time. We have consistent spark at the coil.

Is there a way to diagnose whether I just need a new cap and rotor versus replacing the whole thing? My problems started after the car has sat a ton over the past 4 years; I drove it maybe 20 miles .

 

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#opti_test

^ There's the testing procedure. FWIW...I like to see if the car will start up briefly BEFORE putting the water pump back on after a new opti is installed (You might get a dud ); you don't want to have to do it twice.

 

Also always check that the opti is seated right on the right spline. And I hope on your Delphi or Delco you just bought you remembered to take it apart and loctite everything. Even a good opti can have stuff come loose and fail premature.

9 years strong on my loctited MSD here.