How does oil get into an OPtispark?
TECH Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 112
the long 4 pin connector that goes into the top of the Opti does have a accordian rubber seal on it. Dialectic grease helps to seal it even better
But yeah the Opti is not a 100% sealed unit and oil or coolant can get in it from TC seal, wp or china wall casket/seal leaks
But yeah the Opti is not a 100% sealed unit and oil or coolant can get in it from TC seal, wp or china wall casket/seal leaks
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,668
Likes: 5
From: Central Kentucky
Well I am going for broke. I cleaned the opti up and RTV'd the **** out of including the plug on top. Hooked a vacuum pump to it. It does not hold a continuous vacuum but rather has a slow bleed down. Not sure if even a new opti is absolutely air-tight.
If it does not run right. Im just gonna replace it. Will know this weekend. Thanks again guys.
If it does not run right. Im just gonna replace it. Will know this weekend. Thanks again guys.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,668
Likes: 5
From: Central Kentucky
An update guys.
Turned out my original Delco opti likely was not bad afterall. I ended up getting an Advanced Auto Parts Opti w/ lifetime warranty for $112 and decided to roll the dice. Car still ran like crap.
I replaced the plugs even though they looked fine and then OHM checked the plug wires. Number 7 was giving a very flaky reading so I pulled the boot of and clearly the conductor was not well crimped at the terminal. I re-crimped it and the OHM check went as expected.
Car is now running good again and I will just hope for the best with the AAP Opti. But so far so good. I also noticed one other very nice benefit. I now have perfect 128/128 BLMs at idle. They used to be slightly split down around the 122-124 range.
While I was in there. I also replaced the water pump for the Hell of it since the original one was so old and obviously the Opti seal in the timing cover.
Thanks for all of the assistance.
Turned out my original Delco opti likely was not bad afterall. I ended up getting an Advanced Auto Parts Opti w/ lifetime warranty for $112 and decided to roll the dice. Car still ran like crap.
I replaced the plugs even though they looked fine and then OHM checked the plug wires. Number 7 was giving a very flaky reading so I pulled the boot of and clearly the conductor was not well crimped at the terminal. I re-crimped it and the OHM check went as expected.
Car is now running good again and I will just hope for the best with the AAP Opti. But so far so good. I also noticed one other very nice benefit. I now have perfect 128/128 BLMs at idle. They used to be slightly split down around the 122-124 range.
While I was in there. I also replaced the water pump for the Hell of it since the original one was so old and obviously the Opti seal in the timing cover.
Thanks for all of the assistance.
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,668
Likes: 5
From: Central Kentucky
One thing that hurts me is its heavy. I once weighed it on a truck scale and race weight was 4040 pounds. I guess the duals, 9" rear, stereo equipment and spare add up to a couple hundred or so. Its really all fun street car now days.
It ran 12.5 @ 114 w/ a 2.3 60ft IIRC many years ago but I could not launch it for ****. Im sure a good driver could come real close to 11's like you say.
It ran 12.5 @ 114 w/ a 2.3 60ft IIRC many years ago but I could not launch it for ****. Im sure a good driver could come real close to 11's like you say.
TECH Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,985
Likes: 112
Oil can enter Opti through either the cap/base area or through its bearing. Good cap and O ring with a skim coat of dialectic grease resolves any oil entry through cap/case seam. Bearing wear though will allow small amount of oil to enter that way. Periodic cleaning of inside of opti is required if that is happening
As mentioned, vacuum harness has check valve...although if clogged or reversed will cause condensation to build up inside and kill opti
As mentioned, vacuum harness has check valve...although if clogged or reversed will cause condensation to build up inside and kill opti
Teching In
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Plaesant hill, CA
tbh... they weak oil thought the pressed fit shaft due to heat changes.. I have been told to put a small amout of silicone under the distributor rotor.I did this back when i did an ignition upgrade.