Just got my brand new opti and when I went to install it I spun the rotor part that buts up to the cam. When I did this I heard a deffinate grinding or catching noise inside of the opti every time I spun it around. The noise happens in the same spot every time, where the keyed hole lines up with the wire connector on the opti. If this is bad it will be my third bad opti from the factory. Is this just because it is new or should I send it back??????? Thanks

 

Where did it come from?

 

It came from Jason Cromer. the first one that I got came with one of the opti ends busted off...probably not his fault, though it could have used some more packing. The second opti was bad which I proved through compression/leakdown tests, checking out and replacing injectors, multiple sets of plugs and wires and a new coil even though it passed the checkout on your web page Shoebox. The one that I just Got in the mail had a deffinate grind or catching noise, I didn't know what to do so I took it to the dealership and some guy told me that it sould be OK. He thought that the noise was the "restrictor" or some "R" word like that that I can't remember now. I went ahead and installed it yesterday hoping that it is OK like the man said. I'm tired of messing with this car and not being able to drive it. If it acts up after I get it back together than I guess I'll start the testing all over to see if I have to send it back. Just don't want Jason to think that I'm doing somethig wrong here you know. Thanks

 

topic back from zee dead!!!! Can anyone confirm that this is normal? I just sent an opti back that did this, got a new one, and it ALSO does this...... normal or no? i have yet to install the new opti.

 

Pull the cap off and see what's rubbing inside. Probable the rotor scraping on the plastic back-plate.

WD

 

i'll have to do that... But what are the chances... two brand new optis.... one not made by GM and one that is a genuine ac delco....

 

I had a brand new gm opti fail in a 2 week period. I knew what the failure was, but, sent it back to Summit for a new one (also a $90 tow charge!). When I received the new one, I took a chance and modified it. Voided the warantee, but, it's been pulling for about 2 years now with an MSD ignition. Opti is expensive, but, you never know what your going to get. A very poor design. I also don't like the filter on the vented unit (eliminated). Very restrictive to air flow.

The only way to understand opti is total dissection. The phasing of the rotor and cam drive pin is held by a mechanical press fit! So many opti manufacturers, you never know what your getting.
B.

 

By removing the cap you can normally determine what the actual problem is.

A loose or damaged rotor is easy to spot. Also, inspect the center cap contact and terminal posts on the cap.

Next you need to remove and examine the strobe wheel plate to ensure it isn’t bent, warped or has any debris on it (in the strobe holes). If the optical sender/receptor module is defective, you won’t be able to see that, however, you can check for debris in the module’s strobe slot.

Once the opti is apart, you can check the shaft and hub to determine if the shaft bearing is loose (has too much play).

WD

 

Well, since I posted that almost THREE YEARS AGO ...I'll let you know that mine is still working...Knock on wood! I didn't mess with it at all as far as modifying it or opening it up to inspect it. Just a note, I've only put about 2,500 miles on the car since then, so I can't give you any long term results. It was a tough decision for me to install that opti with it making that noise every time I spun it by hand but it worked out for me. Good luck.

 

I opened it, it looked ok, so i installed it and the car is fine now. Looks like the other new opti i got was just defective.

Thanks guys