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

having some problems

Old Dec 27, 2008 | 08:42 PM
  #16  
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If you've already decided to swap the Opti, its not really clear why you asked for help.
Old Dec 27, 2008 | 09:53 PM
  #17  
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Well I was going to do that anyway since it's basically not going to cost me anything but it would be nice to have help figuring out if it's something else so while I'm already working on the car I can take my time and check other things out as well
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 05:31 PM
  #18  
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The opti was full of oil. How the hell does that happen? I replaced the seal on the timing cover and there wasn't any oil at all on the back of the opti. I just don't know how oil could get inside.
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 05:57 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by 97sscamaross
The opti was full of oil. How the hell does that happen? I replaced the seal on the timing cover and there wasn't any oil at all on the back of the opti. I just don't know how oil could get inside.
Which seal did you change: the shaft seal, where the Opti's shaft pokes through the timing cover, or the Opti housing O-ring, where the Opti's housing mates up to the timing cover? I'm guessing you mean the shaft seal, but since you said there wasn't any oil around the back of the Opti, it's not likely that oil could have dripped down from the top of the engine and leaked in.

See if there's free flow in the vent hose going from the Opti to the intake elbow. If not (or if someone removed the restrictor from the vacuum line going to the manifold, as I foolishly did on my vented MSD retrofit), the Opti's internals will be under significant vacuum. As I just discovered upon taking mine apart, the seals (at least the 93-94 seals) are not up to the task of sealing oil against much differential pressure. Shoebox also points out that the vacuum can cause distortion of the whole Opti housing, which means parts can start running into each other. (Fortunately I seem to have escaped this; maybe the MSD is a more rugged part. I'd certainly hope so, for the $500 I paid!) If it turns out there is a vacuum problem, check for any scuff marks on the pickup wheel or other critical parts.

While you're at it, make sure there's no oil in the vent hose. I just read a couple of posts about people putting too much oil on their K&N filters, which then made its way into the Opti.

Last edited by dbrunner2; Jan 1, 2009 at 06:00 PM. Reason: Found more relevant information
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 09:37 PM
  #20  
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There's no oil at all on the front of the motor, the fresh air hose has free flow though it, and the oil inside it is definitely motor oil. The seal I replaced was the one on the timing cover.
Old Jan 1, 2009 | 11:49 PM
  #21  
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If the oil isn't entering through a hose connection, it has to be getting in through the seal somehow. Can you see any grooving of the Opti shaft where it contacts the seal, or was the new seal put into service without first coating it with oil or grease? Either one of these could prevent it from working properly. If the shaft's still okay, you can probably clean out the Opti (electronics cleaner spray seems like the best bet), install a new seal, oil it up, and put the Opti back on. If the shaft is grooved, you should probably try to get a warranty replacement.
Old Jan 2, 2009 | 10:11 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by Pinksletsrace
I have a 1995 z28 LT1 and this is the problem. The engine temp runs at about 180 degrees which I asume is normal, but the problem is my heater only blows a little warm. Let me re-phrase that it blows VERY little warm. I put in a new thermostat thinking that might solve it but still freezing my rear off. Can anyone please help.
You will have better results getting help, if you start a new thread for your problem. It's not likely that anyone is going to be responding to a question about poor heater performance, tacked on the the end of the thread about distributor problems. Post the poor heat question in the "General 1967-2002 F-Body Tech" forum.

Sounds like your heater core is plugged up, or the vacuum system for the HVAC flapper doors is not working. Both of those problems have been discussed in numerous threads on the forum I recommended you post in.
Old Jan 4, 2009 | 05:25 PM
  #23  
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I got a replacement and got the car going again. It's just wired because the old opti didnt' have a drop of oil anywhere on it. When I put the new seal in i put a little oil on it and took some emry cloth to the seal surface on the opti to help break the seal in. I did it just like any other seal of similar type and wen I inspected the seal this time it looked in great shape and leaft a nice polished ring on the opti seal surface. My mind is boggled lol
Old Jan 26, 2009 | 04:31 PM
  #24  
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Ok now the car is having similar issues again only now when the engine is under load at low rpm like when I'm leaving a stop light going into 1st gear I get a really bad miss. It gets worse when I'm in a higher gear. I have a random misfire code p03100 if memory serves right. I've checked my plug wires for good connections and right order about 4 times now. Could I seriously be looking at another opti just a few weeks later? The car ran perfect with the replaced opti up until just about a week ago.
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