Opti Spark Problems

**dkishton1486** · 01-12-2006, 01:02 PM

What are the signs of an opti spark going bad? Its seems like mine is going
Thanks

1BADLT1 · 01-12-2006, 08:08 PM

Why do you think it is going bad you tell us whats wrong and we can see if we can point you in the right direction.

**oneBADDz** · 01-12-2006, 09:29 PM

From experience I find that the main sign of an opti going bad is just owning one. . .

Nah, what's it doing? Give us some details as 1badlt1 said

**dkishton1486** · 01-13-2006, 05:45 AM

Well its ok when its cold but once it warms up it starts to hesitate really bad and misses bad. Its fine when im in nutural but when im in gear it does it.

**BIG D's SS** · 01-13-2006, 05:49 AM

Originally Posted by dkishton1486

Well its ok when its cold but once it warms up it starts to hesitate really bad and misses bad. Its fine when im in nutural but when im in gear it does it.

You my friend have a bad optispark. THat is the first sign of it going bad. Go ahead and get a new optispark and crank seal. They are bad to get oil in them and it breaks them down causing them to miss fire. We had about 5 of them go bad on the cars here at work.

**dkishton1486** · 01-13-2006, 05:56 AM

Question, Now ive had my car on a lift and seen the Opti how hard is it to change? What all has to come off if anything?

**BIG D's SS** · 01-13-2006, 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by dkishton1486

Question, Now ive had my car on a lift and seen the Opti how hard is it to change? What all has to come off if anything?

I know that the balancer has to off. Go to www.installuniversity.com I'm sure there is a write up on it there.

**dkishton1486** · 01-13-2006, 06:12 AM

I looked on the site and I cannot find a write up of it

**BIG D's SS** · 01-13-2006, 06:16 AM

I can't exactly remeber what all has to come off withoutlooking at one. I know the balancer and maybe the water pump. I can't remember. If your gonna do it yourself then learn as you go. Nothing too hard except the balancer.

1BADLT1 · 01-13-2006, 09:26 AM

Hmm i nver did an opti spark but i know the water pump has to come AIR pump has to come off of course your intake duct and the balancer.

**oneBADDz** · 01-13-2006, 09:44 AM

Yep, water pump, air, balancer. That's all the big stuff, just intake tubes, hoses etc beyond that. It isn't really that bad

**dkishton1486** · 01-13-2006, 09:47 AM

Could this be done in a driveway on a jack or no?

**oneBADDz** · 01-13-2006, 09:48 AM

absolutely

**dkishton1486** · 01-13-2006, 09:53 AM

Ok sorry for being a bother but about how long hour range and 6 or a 12 pack of beer?

**oneBADDz** · 01-13-2006, 10:41 AM

Depends how mechanincal you are. I can do it in an hour or hour and a half, might take upwards of 4-5 if it's pretty much an experiment for you. The more beer the more successful you will be and faster!!!

**GOODZ/BADZ** · 01-13-2006, 01:09 PM

Would'nt a bad Opti through an SES code?

1BADLT1 · 01-14-2006, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by GOODZ/BADZ

Would'nt a bad Opti through an SES code?

Yes and no, i dont know of any code for the opti but it will thrown a misfire code.

**dkishton1486** · 01-14-2006, 06:02 PM

What would be the easiest way to find out if there is a misfire code?

**oneBADDz** · 01-14-2006, 06:55 PM

the ses light would be flashing

lee1rbc · 01-14-2006, 08:37 PM

The opti is directly connected to the timing plate so you nd to remove wtr pump, crank pulley, air pump + brackets and radiator fans. You can get away with leaving the alt on. http://www.fierolt1.com/lt1_95_up_OptiReplace.htm Just make sure you buy a new GM opti and not a rebuild. The first time takes about 7 to 8hrs with hand tools and a floor jack. The third time I replaced mine I was done in 3 1/2.