I'm in the missle of change my cap/rotor, water pump, sparkplugs and sparkplug wires on my 1995 Trans Am. It has been suggested that I change the crank seal, cam/water pump outlet on my timing cover. Does anyone have any first hand expirience on this? Mine does not leak on either seak at this point. Can I introduce a problem in doing so? How about no changing them? Are they difficult to do?

Also, while pulling the Opti unit out I found one of the two plastic rings on the Optispark shaft broken. I assume these are dealer items only? What are they for?

Last but not least, does anyone have any tricks to simplifying the sparkplug and wire swap? I have the alternator off but I really didn't gain much access to the passenger side plugs (driver's side is done). Any good tips or tricks you might have?

Sorry for all the questions and thanks again for taking the time for the replies.

 

If the seal isn't leaking I wouldn't worry with it. I'm not sure about the two plastic rings being dealer items or not. Just something you need to research be calling a couple of auto parts stores. As for tips on spark plug change: I change mine from the bottom. The drivers side is pretty simple. Takes me about 15 min. The passenger side is a different story. I drop the exhaust and change them from the bottom also. Spark plugs 3,4,&6 aren't too bad but #2 is a pain b/c of the A/C compressor lines. My recommendation is to use a small fine toothed 1/4" drive rathet with a 1/4"-3/8" adapter. Makes life a lot easier.

 

I would never pull the opti without replacing it. Not that you're going to do damage to it or anything, but better safe then sorry. Besides, they're not that expensive. As for the shaft, the new opti should come with a new one.

 

I think he is asking whether or not to change the seals. Not whether or not to change the opti.

 

yea, well if your there, you may as well change the damn opti out

 

Can you only change the rotor and cap in the opti? Because I was under the impression he is changing the opti.

 

Yes you can change just the rotor and cap, but I would just replace the whole thing and be done with it. Thats just me though

 

I know... Let me rephrase what I said. If you pull off the opti. replace BOTH seals. they are cheap and it would be stupid to risk it.