Hello all, I have been reading these boards the last few weeks getting some info from here. Well it was time for me to sign up so I can start asking questions about a recent problem that I have.

On my Optispark, the rotor exploded inside the cap. The Optispark was used with 28000 miles on it, I had just got it from a friend that never had it apart. I installed it and my car ran great, for a day... On my way home yesterday it just quit. Took it apart today and found the rotor had exploded. The rotor screws are still tight.

What would cause this? I was not driving hard, my RPM's were about 1800 when this happened.

 

Stress cracks no doubt. I usually hear ignition rotors explode when the engine gets over revved.

 

My buddy had the same thing happen he was getting on it and all of a sudden the car just died. The rotor had come apart in his 10k mile opti.

 

'cause it did not want to stay together anymore.

 

Mine came apart at 6300 RPM in 2nd gear in the burnout box at the track.. made QUITE the backfire lemme tell ya

 

What years are the two cars? Early optis and late optis are not interchangable without modification.

 

I've had three failures. One rotor had the copper contact held by only one plastic rivet. Now I drill and install my own rivets. SO far, I've had good luck. All have been gm replacement opti's. I'm running an MSD ignition, and, I think it gets hot in there. Plastic rivets don't hold (especially @ high rpm). And, what wrench fits those small rotor fasteners? Can't find anything that fits.