Replacing the distributor on my 95 lt1 and have a question .....when at tdc the opti dowel should be on the left and when the opti is seated to the dowel pin behind the opti does the rotor inside need to be pointing at plug#1? Also when I checked tdc the arrow on the hub should be at 12 oclock? then I just line up the arrow on the balancer and tighten?

 

When the hub is at TDC, the dowel pin can be at 3 o'clock (for cyl #6) or 9 o'clock (for cyl #1).
Don't be concerned with the rotor position, it will not line up with the dowel pin.

http://shbox.com/1/opti_back.jpg

Yes, the TDC marks on the hub and balancer should be lined up when mounting the balancer.
That's the only way it can be mounted since the bolt pattern is not symetrical.

 

ok so the rotor position on the fron does not need to be pointing at plug #1?

 

No it does not. Just line up the dowel pin with the slot in the opti.

http://shbox.com/1/opti_cyl.jpg

 

Just make sure you slide the CORRECT hole in the back of the Opti over the dowel pin. If the Opti doesn't seat all the way, it's probably in the wrong hole, or not in a hole at all. The absolute worst thing you can do is pull the Opti down tight using the bolts, and forcing the pin into the wrong location. We had someone last week who decided to hammer the Opti down with a block of wood.... major mistake.

 

In general, any type of force other than pressing it on by hand is asking for trouble. You risk internal bearing damage along with damaging the optical/rotor assembly in some fashion. Just something to be aware of....

For the 95-97 units, the biggest trouble I had was the o-ring on the shaft that goes into the cam. If I recall, there is a step in the cam that can make it tough to get the o-ring to insert. Motor oil on the inside of the cam hole, opti o-ring, and shaft solved that problem. The opti should be completely flush with the timing cover(without any bolts holding it to the cover). If there is a gap of any type, then something is not right.

I had considered leaving the o-ring off, but after thinking, I decided that would be a major mistake as the o-ring appears to help keep the opti assembly aligned correctly. You would not want that shaft beating around on the inside of the cam.

 

everything went well distributor slid right in and positioned itself on the dowel. now that its all back together still getting no spark. checked for spark at the coil and a plug wire nothing????? so I m getting no spark and my fuel pump is not coming on wich was just replaced also> I am however to jump the fuel pump from the wire from pcm pigtail and hear it come on. Any suggestions on anything else to check? also replaced icm.

 

Clear the PCM, try to start the engine, and scan it again for codes, looking in particular for the codes for the Opti's cam position sensor.

Also check the Opti harness connector to make sure there are no damaged pins and no corrosion.

Then do this:

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And, a question - what brand Opti did you install?

 

I installed a Cardone select distributor. of the reviews I read they have brass connection so better overall connection. I was ready to purchase oem one but the gm dealer told me they didn't make them anymore and wanted to charge me 560 for a remaned one. I did see Delphi ones and accel but didn't have 300-500 to spend. And I am about to do that test on the opti now very confusing because all of that is kind of out of my league but I did buy a multimeter so I'll give it a try

 

I would also check the pcm ign fuse. My fuse had some connection issue there before and car would crank but fuel pump not kick on. Fuel pump would prime at the prime connector but never checked for spark. Assume I also did not have spark because after prime it would still not fire at all. Sometimes even though we cant afford a part we also cant afford not to use it. Hope its not the opti.


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update....I removed pcm ignition fuse and let sit for 30 seconds. reinstalled and all of a sudden a fuel pump I replaced a yr ago started priming. So far so good with all of the help u guys have given here, this is a great site and u all are very helpful. It wants to start but just not . Got a quarter tank of gas so tomorrow I will fill it with super and add some star tron to it see if that helps, gas in there is over 2yrs old. Guess I will also check for spark tomorrow as well.

 

I also meant to add that after several times of priming the system and trying to start the security light came on and stayed on with no start for a few hrs is that normal?

 

No, the security lamp staying on is not normal and the car will not start with it on, unless it came on when the engine was already running.

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