96ta(nick)

What part of the opti generally goes bad? Is it the rotor or what?

shoebox

It varies. It could be any part of it. If it throws trouble codes, it is going to be related to the optical section. The cap and rotor are wear and tear items. The bearing can also give out.

wwarnke

What should be done to the OPTI as a PM, or tune up?

WS Sick

Clean and replace the rotor, make sure you have locktite on its screws. tThe cap if wore or cracked should be replaced as well.

wwarnke

Any special brand to buy, or just go to Advance Auto Parts or Pepboys?


What about the coil? Should I replace it as well?

Do I have to remove the water pump for the cap and rotor?

Holy S%&*!!!

I just looked at advance auto parts online, cap and rotor $250 is this right?

mzgp5x

I had two (2) opti's go. In both cases, the rotor disintigrated. The opti portion was OK. With high energy CD units, the heat will cause the plastic to get soft. The Copper contact is sonic welded. When the copper contact gives way, mayhem. I built my own rotor assembly. Make sure you have a good vent source.
_______
97 383ci/ D1 15 psi MSD6a 8202 coil.

wwarnke

so, if i wanted to freshen up my opti, what should i do, and how much $$ should i expect to drop?

WS Sick

I bought the cap and rotor from autozone for less than 200$

bdc95ta

you have the non-vented right might what to upgrade and give Jason Cromer a call.
-b

ABA383

I got a cap and rotor from a local dealer for $130..Most dealers hate the cheaper prices of GMpartsdirect.com and will match them or come close. There are also several seals that should be replaced since you're still taking off the water pump...My cap was burned on the inside and the rotor was worn badly (with only 30,000 miles on it)...BUT looking back on it I should've spent the $279 from Summit and got a whole new Opti-spark. Its pretty much the same amount of work to do both, and then you're good for awhile. And now that you've taken off your water pump you might as well do the CSI, Meziere, or the Summit electric, or a new stock pump, because as soon as you button everything back up, your tired old water pump will fail and leak antifreeze all over your new ignition...Its Alan's (Murphy's) Law...
--Alan

wwarnke

I love driving my car, but...........

DAMN! Parts are freaking expensive, and a pain in the *** to get to!!!!

Not to mention the cost of tickets and the wrath of my wife!!!

ABA383

The wrath of the wife....moment of silence....

wwarnke

yep,

Improper turn signal
Exhibition of acceleration
Speeding
No insurance


all at one time. Wife was not very happy, especially since she was in the car with me.

But, I must be a smooth talker, got out of all of them, well, had to pay 90.00 worth of court fees.