LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

Bad opti-spark?

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Old Apr 22, 2014 | 01:39 PM
  #1  
abarton9's Avatar
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Bad opti-spark?

I have a 97 Camaro z28 and I have had a series of repairs done on it including
fp & sending unit,
Opti
New Crank Sensor
new radiator
egr
brakes
wheel bearings
starter
water pump

Now that all of these things have been done (most recently the opti) the check engine light wont turn off and is spitting me out 3 codes 1371, 335 & 336. I erased them and they came back about a half hour later. Someone mentioned it might be a bad opti because it is duralast brand. Any suggestions
Old Apr 22, 2014 | 02:22 PM
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Injuneer's Avatar
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Re: Bad opti-spark?

Welcome to CamaroZ28.com!!

P1371 indicates loss of the low resolution pulse signal from the optical cam position sensor in the Opti. Does the engine shut down at random? What, if any, symptoms are you encountering, other than the SES light and the codes?

When P1371 sets as an active code, the PCM sjhuts down the fuel system. The other two codes are for the crankshaft position sensor, but the PCM references the Opti pulse signals to determine it the duty cycle on the CKP is within tolerance.

Anything other than a genuine Delco or Delphi is a crap shoot.
Old Apr 23, 2014 | 09:21 AM
  #3  
TedH's Avatar
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Re: Bad opti-spark?

Welcome to the board. Sorry to hear your problems. See Injuneer's advice above.
Old Apr 24, 2014 | 09:41 AM
  #4  
abarton9's Avatar
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Re: Bad opti-spark?

The reason I had the opti replaced was because it completely just shut down on me on the highway one time in traffic. After I got it replaced the only problem I have noticed is sometimes when I am stopped at a stop light it sometimes will drop its idol slower as if it will quit but has never turned off.
Old Apr 24, 2014 | 09:58 AM
  #5  
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Re: Bad opti-spark?

Could easily be the result of an inferior Opti replacement. You need an AC Delco or Delphi replacement.

Since this has become a tech thread, let's move it off "New Member Introduction".
Old Apr 28, 2014 | 09:06 AM
  #6  
abarton9's Avatar
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Re: Bad opti-spark?

Ok well I checked with the garage that did the replacement and he said he already thought of that and put another new one in and it didn't help at all. What else could it be?
Old Apr 28, 2014 | 11:38 AM
  #7  
Injuneer's Avatar
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From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
Re: Bad opti-spark?

Check both ends of the short Opti harness from the gray connector on the bracket on the passenger side of the intake manifold to the Opti. Look for corrosion, bent pins, a damaged locking clip or damaged wire insulation.

With the generic brand Opti's it's entirely possible to get 2 bad units in a row. Since it never actually shuts down, it's possible the problem is an erratic high resolution pulse signal. As long as the signal doesn't disappear, it won't set P0372. But it will cause erratic idle, cause the CKP codes to set, etc.
Old Apr 29, 2014 | 07:08 AM
  #8  
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From: Severn, Md.
Re: Bad opti-spark?

I recently purchased a new Cardone Select Optispark for my 96 Z28, and its perfect. Runs great. $250. Comes with a new harness.

I agree with Injuneer, the AC / Delphi units are more dependable, I just couldn't see spending $550 on one - so I took a chance. Plus the Cardone was every bit identical in casting marks as my original GM unit.

I'm keeping my original to rebuild one rainy day if a kit is available.

Good luck.
Old Apr 29, 2014 | 08:44 AM
  #9  
Injuneer's Avatar
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Re: Bad opti-spark?

Good luck with the Cardone.

You can get a vented Delco or Delphi for less than $550.
Old Apr 29, 2014 | 10:55 AM
  #10  
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Re: Bad opti-spark?

Rockauto sells brand new vented Delphi Optis for about $280.
Old Apr 29, 2014 | 11:22 AM
  #11  
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From: Santa Rosa, CA
Re: Bad opti-spark?

If you buy when Amazon is the actual supplier you could get a new Delphi CZ20003 vented Opti for about $260. Right now they're about $330 as Amazon itself does not have them in stock. I paid $256 for mine 2 months ago and so far it's working perfectly.
Old May 2, 2014 | 09:51 AM
  #12  
squarehead's Avatar
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From: Petaluma, Ca
Re: Bad opti-spark?

Amen to Injuneers recommendation to use the OEM opti. I have had trouble with my aftermarket optispark (Summit). From my research the money you pay extra goes to sealing the input shaft bearing so the venting vacuum is not lost drawing air in through the input shaft. Loss of vacuum is not the worse problem; it is the possibility of drawing contamination into the opti through the shaft bearing/seal.
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