Exploded rotor, why?
 

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.

Re: Exploded rotor, why?
 

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

Re: Exploded rotor, why?
 

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.

Re: Exploded rotor, why?
 

'cause it did not want to stay together anymore. :shrug:

Re: Exploded rotor, why?
 

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

Re: Exploded rotor, why?
 

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

Re: Exploded rotor, why?
 

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.