MSD Opti... car won't start
 

Alright, so I finally installed my new MSD Opti, head gaskets, and electric water pump. Went to start it, and it won't. Fires for a second, looks like it revs to about 1500, then dies. Tried it a few times, same thing every time. Has an odd smell, too. Can't identify what it is, though. Car sounds sorta funny for the time its on, but can't tell what it sounds like. Has been a month since its fired, so I know it needs to move the oil around (already coated the rockers and everything). Anyone have any ideas as to why it won't start? Opti is brand new. From what I've been told, you can't really install it the wrong way. If anyone can give me some suggestions, I'd really appreciate it. Need to be on the road in the morning, if at all possible. Thanks in advance!

keep the key turned let the oil pump to the top so it builds compression.. check all the wires for opti to and the vent tubes

Tried... sorta starts. Sounds like a vacuum leak, but I checked, and they are all good. Even the one to the opti. Funny thing is, when I pulled out the original opti, I noticed that the vacuum and vent lines to it were disconnected.. turns out, they have been for nearly a year. Now the new one, with vacuum line, won't run.

The third try, it wouldn't fire at all. 4th try, I held the throttle open... it tried to rev up, but I shut it down when it hit 2500... was shaking and stuttering like no tomorrow. Didn't sound too healthy. Still has a somewhat odd smell to it, but not too bad... the exhaust smell in the garage pretty much covers everything else up. Anything else? All the wires look good.

Recheck all your plug wires and coil

try new plugs

Plugs are good... wires all appear to be good. What should I check with the coil?

well when i first got my car the plugs were all fucked up and caused the same problem would start goto 1k and 2.5k if i did pedal into it just putting it out there im sure u dont want todo a plug change.. the coil I forget how to test that thing

Alright, thanks. I'll pull the plugs and wires again when I get back in town Monday. I'll check the gaps, but what should I use to clean them? Anyone know how to check the coil?

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

http://shbox.com/1/coil_testing.jpg

If the car is starting and just dying, then I doubt it's a bad wire. But that's the first thing to check since it's free. If it was a bad plug/wire, you would probably just have a misfire.
I'd go back through all the steps and make sure everything is connected

Is the MAS air hooked up and pluged in?

It sounds like you might have a bad fuel pressure regulator or a bad fuel pump. I had the same problem, mine was the fuel pump. :bang: :bang:

On your MSD there is a screw to control the timing. It is supposed to be factory set, but in the process of installing it, it is possible that you indavertently moved the setting out of adjustment. Get a long screw driver and reset the screw to the factory timing. If you still have the same problem you have likely either installed your spark plug wires incorrectly or you have somehow installed the distributor in the wrong position (and yes, it can be done if you aren't careful). If none of this works look at the fuel supply.

Werd! I had to adjust the screw on mine to get it to run correctly. Check the screw turn a round in each direction, see if that helps.

im having the same problem with mine

anyone??

Just got home... will try it either late tonight, if not tomorrow... I'll let you all know what happens.

i got mine had a open plug for vacumm

...its often the little things that get ya..

I bought one for my 96 ss and they dont come ready to install. Turn the timing srew so it seats and then turn it two times out. You should be able to get to it with a short sockets and a wobble.