Seems that most people who have optispark failures especially with non-vented ones have leaking water pumps. Seen it posted alot on this board and it suddenly hit me. It's not a good idea to plug the hole but why not 'move' it? I was thinking of maybe making the hole a little bigger, tapping it for a small fitting and running a short length of tube away from the water pump in case of failure. Anyone ever do this? Figured it couldn't hurt.

As far as washing your motor, can't help with that...but as long as you change your hoses when they show signs of needing replacement, and dont pressure wash your engine, I think it would be ok!

Oh well, my creative mind at work again!

 

Someone had mentioned this before but no one has tried it.

 

I guess I'll be the first. Dont wanna mess up a new opti, and it couldn't hurt since I'll be down there anyway for some more modding

Something else I've been thinking of is a cover for the opti. You can't seal it because water will not be able to drain, and it needs to stay cool. All the wires make it a PITA too. I was looking at where water was most likely able to get in and think I might have a way to lessen the chance it'll get on the opti itself. Can't say it wont happen but I know it'll help out alot. When I get it done I'll show some pics...but I wont be home for 2 months

 

How about installing a cup of sorts (plastic?) under the weep hole. If a leak did occur the cup will hold a small amount, you could even get a sensor and wire it to sensor (like a moisture sennsor) and drill a hole in the bottom of the cup, with a hose to redirect excess coolant as it leaks.

Crazy Idea. I know.

 

i'm pretty sure i saw a pic of someone who tried it. all they did was fit a barb fitting in the weephole and attached a tube to it. then they ran the tube down to the petcock area. i don't see why it wouldn't work.