opti failure.. (#5)
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 226
From: western maryland
I don't think so myself.....the cam seal....maybe...but even then....
Are you sure you are installing them correct? There are two o-rings on the back shaft of the opti(on the '96's). The second o-ring can be a pain to seat in the cam. I had to use oil and wobble it into the cam. If you don't do this correctly, it will put continuous pressure on the rotor which may cause it to fail early. I went for 70K+ miles on one opti....been on the car since it got it back in '99. I only replaced it(along with water pump, cover seals, etc), because I was doing a cam swap.
btw, I use only a GM opti.
Are you sure you are installing them correct? There are two o-rings on the back shaft of the opti(on the '96's). The second o-ring can be a pain to seat in the cam. I had to use oil and wobble it into the cam. If you don't do this correctly, it will put continuous pressure on the rotor which may cause it to fail early. I went for 70K+ miles on one opti....been on the car since it got it back in '99. I only replaced it(along with water pump, cover seals, etc), because I was doing a cam swap.
btw, I use only a GM opti.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,068
From: Kernersville, NC
both msd's held up better than stock jobs mainly because mine is a 94 with a non vented opti from factory. the msd is the only vented distributor for mine, and ill stick with that. the seals you are talking about are for the later setup. mine is a spline drive, not really any seals. everything has been done correctly, but i noticed today that there was actually a little oil sitting on top the opti. how in the world does that happen?
Is your water pump drive seal above it ok?
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Joined: Nov 1998
Posts: 71,094
From: Hell was full so they sent me to NJ
To convert to an AC/Delco vented Opti, he would have to change the cam (deeper pilot hole), the cam sprocket (no splines) the timing cover (larger hole for back of Opti) and the harness extension (longer connector).
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Joined: Sep 2004
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You could modify an OEM yourself
Then there's this:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
Registered User
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 2,068
From: Kernersville, NC
Then there's this:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 548
From: Mantua, NJ, USA
Some people have managed to get the MSD to work reliably. Definitely better then the Accel (avoid at all costs). MSD keeps ironing the bugs out, as people find new problems. The current problem seems to be the rotor screws falling out. You have to Loc-Tite them before you install the unit. Still questonable whether the MSD is worth the extra $$$$$$$$.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 226
From: western maryland
thats weird you say that. the rebuilt msd im putting in does that somewhat when you spin the rotor. probly not a good idea to install?
only does it if i put a light bind on the shaft while turning it.
oh water pump seal is fine
Last edited by wheelliftnpony; May 22, 2009 at 11:23 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 548
From: Mantua, NJ, USA
You better call MSD if that is happening before installing. Mine was one of the very first units they sold and the issue was supposedly fixed since then. Don't install it. Call them.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 123
From: El Paso, TX
can a leaky front main cause opti sparks to fail? i will be putting my 6th one in this week (2nd MSD).. and that small oozing leak is the only thing that has remained the same through all of them. vacuum lines have been put in correctly, fresh air hose, and i am very careful not to get it wet at all.. they go like clockwork.. about every 10-15k miles. thanks for any help, chris
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 226
From: western maryland
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