so i just had to replace my opti(again). now with opti water pump and balancer back in place when i start it it runs for 5 seconds or less and then dies. i am leaning toward a low charge on the battery but dunno if it could be something else. any other ideas about what my problem could be? i double checked my plug wires at both ends, opti harness ohms out just fine, its a brnad new gm opti from jegs. if th ebattery charge doesnt help i will check for spark fromthe coil. any help?

 

If the battery is able to start the car, then I doubt it is related to that. If you really think it is voltage related, put a volt mete on the battery and see where you're at when it is running. I would be checking fuel and spark. Put a F/P gauge on it and be certain it is maintaining pressure. Also put a timing light on one of the cylinders and see if it is maintaing spark when it starts to die. Should also check to see if the PCM has any codes stored.

 

those would both be things i would do if i had those tools, haha. i am a relative newbie when it comes to working on cars but i have learned a ton in the year i have had this car. turns out i was just sucking too much air without the elbow and intake on. there was also a squeaking while it was running which i think (hope) is just the h2o pump since i hadnt put any coolant in yet. i really need to invest in a fuel pressure guage at least sometime soon. this is my 3rd time changing out the opti and each time there is something new. thanks

 

Make sure you connect all sensors that were unpluged and make sure there is no air leaks through the intake elbow. Also sometimes the air flow sensor on cars will kill the engine if they are not hooked up, they will idel for a bit then just shut down. Really doesn't sound like a huge problem, just check your intake elbow and sensors.