Car wont start but it will turn over. I'm getting fuel but no spark from plugs. Trying to figure out what is causing it, could it be the opti, icm, or ecm? I have no clue and don't wanna just start pulling stuff. What should I get tested or pulled first to figure it out or does anyone have experience with this? Thanks I'm in the dfw area in Carrollton. My email is cboss45@attbi.com Need help.

 

Opti: could be...
icm: wha?
ecm: doubtful

The LT1 shouldn't be much different than any other SBC. Pull a plug and leave it connected to the plug wire and lay it on the exhaust manifold while the engine is turned over. If it sparks, look at the color. It should be *BRIGHT* white. If it not, then you have further narrowed that the problem is in the ignition.

For better answers more specific to the LT1, post this in the LT1 tech section (if you haven't already)

HTH!

 

Make sure the coil wire and lead are not corroded that happened to me once

 

There is a cap and roter inside the opti that needs to be replaced, at least thats what the chevy dealer told me when my car wouldn't start. Replaced that and the opti and the car ran fine.

 

I've heard its not even worth replacing the rotor and cap, to just go ahead and replace the whole opti to avoid further problems, how much would a new cap and rotor cost compared to a new opti. Keep in mind I'm on a tight budget right now with some credit issues heh. But whats the cheapest I could get a new opti without buying a used one off ebay.

 

I would say since you have to take most of the front of the engine apart you should go ahead and change the opti. Im sure you could get one of ebay for around $100 but not sure. Opti sparks are VERY sensitive and it would be hard to be sure that the used opti is good. While your in that area you should get an electric water pump.

 

SVTbasher - You need to see if spark is getting up to the opti. You need to pull the wire off the coil and check it. If spark is making it past the coil, its likely your opti.

You are correct: its not worth replacing anything but the complete opti. You can get them for around 200 for a vented (95-97), or 300 for a 93-94 from Dal Slaughbaugh (wholesaler of GM parts - totally legit). Do a search for his contact info if you need a GM part. A dealer will charge you in excess of $450 for the same part.

I will be in DFW this evening. If you still have trouble I'd be happy to take a look and attempt to point you in the right direction.

Ryan

 

Hey 96-Speed that would be great if you could take a look, seeing as how I havent figured out for sure what I need. I guess I'm really just trying to assure myself that its the opti I need to replace before I spend the cash since I'm low on that right now heh. I live in Carrollton will pm you my address, if you can make it by before 5:30 or so would be great.

 

SVT: I won't be leaving Houston until that time, so I wouldn't be able to take a look until Friday or sometime during the weekend. Go ahead and shoot me a PM or email rtr350@yahoo.com if that's ok.


Ryan

 

Oh hey, well thats cool too, I'm free all saturday I believe, and most likely sunday. Work 9-7 Friday so weekend would probably be better. Are you pretty familiar with problems like these or at least diagnosing them?

 

Pretty familiar . We will get it figured out. Saturday or Sunday would be better for me as well.

btw..I cleaned out my PM box.
Ryan

 

http://csce.uark.edu/~jgbertr/rb/4th...html#opti_test

Try that .

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...light=dal+opti

Do a search in the LT1Tech section and you should be able to figure it out.

Ryan

 

96-speed Email me at cboss45@attbi.com Would like to see what time you could make it out tomorrow to help me with the car. Write back asap!

 

Make sure it's not something simple , the pink wire at the coil should be hot with the key on , and the pink wire with the black tracer at the icm should also be hot with the key on. ANY water in the opti is trouble , if you don't have a vented opti , now's the time for one !! Ed

 

I've got a vented opti, question though whats the easiest way to check the coil to make sure its fuctioning properly? Other than what you said about certain wires being hot.