92 Optispark Recall

[SPIKE]

Greetings from SKEETERVILLE(Louisiana) This thread is to inform those of you that do not know of the NHTSB INDUCED factory RECALL ON 1992 LT-1 optispark distributors. The recall code number is 92C11. This recall was issued on Feb 1, 1992. I do not know if ZR-1's are included. This recall directs all Chevrolet service departments to replace the ORIGINALLY INSTALLED optispark distributor with the new improoved vaccuum vented optispark at no charge for parts or labor. I am informed that there is no time limit on this recall. To find out if your 92 Corvette is eligible for this service update (or if it has already had the service performed) call your nearest Chevy dealer and speak with the service supervisor, give him the recall code 92C11 and your VIN number. I hope this helps some of our members with " SPITTIN' N SPUTTERIN' VETTES"...

 

[Rob]

We have a copy of the Campaign Bulletin here in the Knowledgebase:

http://corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/question.php?qstId=313

 

[SPIKE]

RECALL CAMPAGIN

Rob, I should have known to check for this info at CAC before making the effort of posting it. However, I bet that there are many new members, like myself, that are unaware of this kind of info at CAC and where to find it. thanks SPIKE

 

[Rob]

Re: RECALL CAMPAGIN

Rob, I should have known to check for this info at CAC before making the effort of posting it. However, I bet that there are many new members, like myself, that are unaware of this kind of info at CAC and where to find it. thanks SPIKE

No problem. Just click those tabs at the top of this page and there's a whole world at your fingertips.

 

[SPIKE]

Humble opinion

In my humble opinion for what it's worth, I think CAC is lucky to have you around, Rob...Thanks again and do you have any answers for my latest post questions? Spike

 

[Rob]

Thanks Spike.

I'll check out your other posts and see if I can offer any help.

 

[Doutdoor]

I sure wish I had known about this after I bought my 92 LT1 a little over a year ago. Soon after I received the car it started missing terribly. I couldn't get it through the emissions testing and finally took it to a repair shop. $1200 later for a new water pump and optispark. Live and learn I guess.

Dave

 

[SPIKE]

Dagg Nabbit..

Dave..Don't feel like a buffoon.. I have owned very many Corvette's since I bought my first one in 1966 and I still don't know everything about them, their warranties and recalls, thats why I made the post about the recall as soon as I found out about it. The recall seems to be old news around CAC, however, I didn't know to look in the right places on the site since I'm a very recent new member. My 92 has been idling rough ever since I bought the little beauty but was not giving any other problems. I had an idea that the optispark was my problem and I was checking around on the net for a new optispark when I happened to run across the recall on Autozones web site. I called my Chevy dealer gave him my vin #, he called back in a few minutes and said my car was eligible for the replacement. I am replacng the water pump also as a precautionary measure..they have to remove the existing water pump anyway. My car has 59,000 miles and My water pump is not leaking but it IS 11 years old. Sorry you missed the opportunity on the recall, $1200 buy's a lot of gas for cruisin'... Spike

 

[c4cruiser]

Unfortunately this recall only covered the first 7664 cars. My VIN is twice that number!!

 

[SPIKE]

Just Dumb Luck

Dave... I squeaked into eligibility by only 739 builds, thats less than 10%... WHEW!!! I have also decided to have the plug wires replaced and install new Splitfire Triple Platinum plugs while the cars is in for the recall service. This way I will truly Know that if my miss at idle is still appearent, I will have to look for a vaccuum leak, fuel delivery problem or a weak sealing head valve. Since the old thermostat has to be removed as part of the proceedure I will also supply the mechanic with a new 160 degree unit. My engine temp was running higher than I like last summer with the AC on, maybe this will help to some degree. Later.. Spike

 

[Mako]

Re: Just Dumb Luck

have the plug wires replaced and install new Splitfire Triple Platinum plugs while the cars is in for the recall service. This way I will truly Know that if my miss at idle is still apparent

Keep in mind the thermostat sets the Coldest temp your engine will run at, while the rest of the cooling system determins the Hottest it will get up to. A 160* 'stat won't help an over heating problem *unless* the current 'stat is malfunctioning.

Inspect the space between the AC condenser and the radiator. That space is prone to collecting a lot of road junk, which piles up and kills off air flow over time.

For a stock setup, a 180* 'stat is just fine, a 160 is abit too cold IMHO.

The opti replacement along with new wires and plugs will almost certainly fix any idle miss problems. You have a good handle on what to look for if it doesn't.

Personally I feel the double and triple electrode plugs are a gimmick designed to remove money from your wallet. The additional electrodes shroud the flame kernel excessively and are magnets for carbon fouling.

I recommend Autolite APP-106 double platinum (plat. on both electrodes) over any of the "trick" plugs on the market today for an extended milage plug. I run these in my supercharged 383 LT1with very good results.

Note also the stock LT1 AC/Delco platinum plugs are a poorly manufactured part. The tiny platinum disk on the electrode is prone to being blown off the plug entirely due to poor bonding.

Every set of AC/Delco plugs I've pulled from an LT1 has had 3-6 of the plugs missing the platinum disks. That's a poor enough record in my book to not install them in my car and recommend to others they also not install them.

CYa!
Mako

 

[vms4evr]

Unfortunately this recall only covered the first 7664 cars. My VIN is twice that number!!

Is its build number that last 5 digits of the VIN number? My last 5 digits are 05923. Does that mean 5,923 Vette built?

Graham

 

[CKA_Racing]

Re: Re: Just Dumb Luck

Every set of AC/Delco plugs I've pulled from an LT1 has had 3-6 of the plugs missing the platinum disks. That's a poor enough record in my book to not install them in my car and recommend to others they also not install them.

CYa!
Mako

Funny though how I have mentioned the same thing plenty of times and not many people believe me. I had four plugs with only 20-30,000 miles missing the tiny buck. That's 100%. :eek

 

[SPIKE]

Mako..Thanks for the good advise. Your information made sense to me, I rushed down and retrieved the Splitfires from my Chevy dealer and traded them in for the Autolite APP-106's, got a $17.42 cash refund also. Checked the plenum while I was there and did not find any obstructions. You are very correct, a lower degree thermoustat would not lower operating temperature, the thermoustat doesn't COOL anything it helps to WARM up the engine. In traffic on a 90 Deg. plus day (we avg.70% humidity here in La.), with the AC on my LT-1 runs about 225-230 degrees, at speed it will maintain 200-215, is this about normal? Thanks again for taking the time to give me your RIGHT ON advise. Spike

 

[Mako]

Mako..Thanks for the good advise. Your information made sense to me, I rushed down and retrieved the Splitfires from my Chevy dealer and traded them in for the Autolite APP-106's, got a $17.42 cash refund also. Checked the plenum while I was there and did not find any obstructions. You are very correct, a lower degree thermoustat would not lower operating temperature, the thermoustat doesn't COOL anything it helps to WARM up the engine. In traffic on a 90 Deg. plus day (we avg.70% humidity here in La.), with the AC on my LT-1 runs about 225-230 degrees, at speed it will maintain 200-215, is this about normal? Thanks again for taking the time to give me your RIGHT ON advise. Spike

Glad I was able to help ya out Spike

Your temps sound normal for a stock LT1. You can get the temp down by reprogramming the PCM to turn on the second fan at a lower temperature. This is a Good Thing to do in my book.

You can also install a fan override switch in the dash or consol somewhere and use that to force the fan relay to turn on. Lotta drag strip racer boys do that to help cool the engine down in between runs.

Hmm, $17 bux sounds just about right for a big bowl of etufe and a brew the next time I'm down your way

CYa!
Mako

 

[SPIKE]

You got it Bro and I'll throw in a few pounds of spicy Cajun boiled crawfish and fresh fried filet of 'gator. Try to make it down in time for the ROADKILL STEW FESTIVAL in May.... AAiiee!! Thanks again... Spike

 

[vms4evr]

Well I checked and mine is 5923 and fits within the 1-7664 so I'm calling the dealer in the morning and requesting it. There is no time, mileage, or owner limit on the TSB.
It'll sure surprise the heck out of me if they actually do it and I get a free Optispark out of the deal, installed no less... I've 90K on the odometer now so it sure couldn't hurt.
One question though. If they say they will do it. I have the SLP air filter setup, custom chip, TB bypass, 160deg stat. Do I need to return the car back to completely stock in order to get them to work on it? Or do they have to just replace it and not give me grief about the mods?
Graham

 

[Mako]

...work on it? Or do they have to just replace it and not give me grief about the mods?
Graham

Those mods are so mild that it'll be no problem at all. Leave 'em be.

When they have to pull blowers off, it's then they tend to get a little bit testy, but with that simple line up on your engine, it's all smooth sailing.

CYa!
Mako

 

[vms4evr]

Well I spoke with the person who handles the warranty service and all. She said no problem. Just leave the TSB in the car when you drop it off with a note that it is a no charge service. The service manager will get it done. So it goes in tomorrow morning. I called their parts dept last week figuring that they wouldn't have the opti in stock and I would end up loosing the car for a few days. Well sure enough they didn't. So I told the parts guy the deal and he verified with the warranty dept and ordered the part last week so it would be here in time for the repair. Good thing I checked with the parts dept...
Graham