Fuel and Ignition Fuel Pumps and Systems, Ignition and Spark Systems

optispark problem

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Old 10-12-2014, 05:55 PM
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optispark problem

So I just finished a cam swap and went to install the opti and it won't seat all the way against the engine. The dowel is lined up with the correct hole and the dowel pin is stock length. Idk why it won't seat. Please help. Tia
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Old 10-12-2014, 08:30 PM
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Re: optispark problem

The pin height is about .65"?
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Old 10-12-2014, 08:46 PM
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Re: optispark problem

Yes
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Old 10-12-2014, 09:22 PM
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Re: optispark problem

Did you check the alignment against Shoebox's photo?
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Old 10-12-2014, 11:09 PM
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Re: optispark problem

Sure did
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Old 10-13-2014, 06:37 AM
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Re: optispark problem

For a 1993, I thought the dowel length was .375" I didn't think it was longer until the vented opti's?

Mike
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Old 10-13-2014, 07:58 AM
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Re: optispark problem

According to his profile, he has a 95 engine.Too bad it isn't in the sig.
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Old 10-13-2014, 08:01 AM
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Re: optispark problem

He doesn't have a signature, and he speaks about the dowel pin going into the hole in the back of the Opti. That would make his engine a 95-97. But the "93" in his screen name is confusing.

I've suggested several times that he add a "signature", but he has chosen not to add one, making it difficult to help him.
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Old 10-13-2014, 09:51 AM
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Re: optispark problem

It's all in my signature. Don't know why my signature isn't coming up. It is a 95 engine in a 93 body. The dowel pin is .675" and the opti only goes halfway on
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Old 10-13-2014, 09:58 AM
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Re: optispark problem

Apparently when you post on the mobile site it doesn't include the signature.
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Old 10-13-2014, 02:54 PM
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Re: optispark problem

Use the full site.... my post immediately above was done from an android phone - no problem with the signature.

Are you measuring the length of the dowel pin from the surface of the cam nose, or from the outer surface on the cam sprocket?

Courtesy of Shoebox"

http://shbox.com/ci/ci289.jpg
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Old 10-13-2014, 03:12 PM
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Re: optispark problem

I feel like an idiot. I was measuring from the sprocket. How do I go about getting this pin to the right length without taking the engine apart again? I appreciate the help guys.
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Old 10-13-2014, 03:52 PM
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Re: optispark problem

From Shoebox's site:

Before you install the cam, it is a good idea to check the dowel pin length. Compare the new length to the old and make any adjustments if needed. If the dowel pin is too long, it can ruin a vented optispark in a short time (non-vented optisparks aren't driven by the dowel pin). Some have said GM specs indicate that the dowel should be .620" long (protrusion from the front face of the cam) for the vented optispark. Others have said it is supposed to be .685". Mine was actually .650" and still was in no danger of bottoming out in the optispark drive (I'm thinking .685" might be the max it could be).

Here you can see the difference in the Comp Cams dowel (right) to the original. The CC pin was .840". That would put pressure on the back of the optispark and destroy it in a short time. If you have any doubts about the length, use some modeling clay (even PlayDoh :-) ) to test fit the opti and check the clearance. Comp Cams advises you to check all clearances.

If you don't want to change the pin, it can be dressed down by a grinder with relative ease.
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Old 10-14-2014, 08:00 PM
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Re: optispark problem

So I grinded it down to the correct size and it still won't go on. Its seating on the bolt heads and cam pin. So I don't see why it won't go on all the way
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Old 10-14-2014, 08:04 PM
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Re: optispark problem

Did the pin "mushroom" when you ground it down?
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