Well I am now on my 3rd opti spark in 3 years and was curious if the older non vented ones are better and could I use it on a 96? Ive put about 60000 on it myself and Im averaging a new opti every 20,000 miles or so??? Please help me !!!!

Thanks,
Rich

 

where are you buying these optis?? I have heard that the Autozone ones are prone to dying... if thats what you got get a Gm original and you should be ok.

 

Ditto...plus the vented ones are better and to change them you have to get new timing chain, cam and a few other things!

Do a search for Jason Cromer and you can get a vented one for around 220 shipped and you should have any trouble after that!

 

He wouldn't have to 'change the cam' [you DO have to change it to go 'unvented to vented' tho]but yes, the timing cover, and cam gear would have to be..

Also the vented are a better unit.. early ones [besides being unvented] have a weak bearing...
I agree, try a real GM unit.. if that still fails, you have other issues[too long a cam dowel etc]

 

Damn you guys are fast! I dont know what they installed but the chevy dealership has done them all (two different shops )! When the first one went up it was under warranty but they got me for another thousand dollars of needed (LOL) work. I needed my car for work and just said OK DUH!!! I was just trying to avoid having to continue to do this every 20,000 or so? I commute 60 mile a day for work alone.

Is Jason the one at a dealership in Florida? If so I have already purchased from him, very nice guy.

Thanks again,
Rich

 

go with vented for sure. The non-vented can get water in them, with no vent, the water canted escape and then severe rusting occurs. My gm dealer told me the optispark has a lifetime warranty if they install it. Autozone and o'reily's optis have lifetime warranties. Something to consider. hope that helps. -Michael

 

Consider having the vac harness checked out, that goes to the Opti. There has to be a cause for replacing 3 units in 3 years.

 

It might be a dumd question but...what is a vac harness? Sorry for the ignorance : )

Thanks,
Rich

 

Vaccum lines that run from the Opti to the intake manifold and has a check valve on it. (little white disc). A second line goes to the intake bellows attached to the Throttle body.
A damaged check valve or leak can cause the rotor in the opti to become damaged due to excessive contact.

 

So do you think that it could be a loose hose? The problem started the day I picked my car up from the dealership, it was getting a new thermostat installed. Maybe they didnt get something back on tight enough? Hopefully its that easy
: )


Thanks again,
Rich