Distributor on 95

[Torch Red]

Hello

My 95 has only 20,000 miles and the distributor requires replacing. The shop mechanic indicated that this is a common problem. The cost for the part and the electrical harness is over $900 US or $1500 Canadian.

I have two questions.

1. Could/should the part be rebuilt?
2. Am I being scammed by the dealer?

Thanks for the info...

 

[Rabbit]

I can't say if your being scammed or not.

Get a hold of Jeff Koop at Superior Chevrolet, 800 728-8267. He shud be able to help you with the opti-crap price.
Worth a try.

20,000 mile isn't much. Do/did you have a waterpump failure or something?

 

[CKA_Racing]

Harness? You don't replace any harness when replacing the optispark. The opti will run you on average US$299 to US$380 for the part. Labor should be around US$400. What else is he doing do it that requires a harness? What harness is it? You sure he is not talking about the spark plug wires? I recommend you have him replace the wires while he has the opti out. Don't let him charge you for full install labor of the wires though since the opti is out already. Labor to replace wires normally can cost US$300 because it's very tight getting in there plus the cost of the wires $100 more or less. You can do it yourself though it requires some cursing and swearing getting your hands in there.

 

[Torch Red]

Hello

Thanks for the information!

 

[sumoboy]

It does sound like alot but they are expensive to replace. Did they say why you have to replace it? Do you know that your not to get it wet or wash the engine like you would others.

 

[compyelc4]

torchred,

There DEFINITELY is a harness to be considered when replacing the opticrap. The harness in question carries the ECM and opticrap signals to and from those devices. When your water pump fails it is quite easy for water to enter the optispark. Typically that is between 2 different circumferential seals that separate the 3 sections of the optcrap. If water or moisture does enter it travels everywhere within the opti. One area of infiltration, once it gets inside, is up to the bottom side of that harness that you see running into the white plastic harness receiver at the 10:00 position on the rear of the opti. Unfortunately corrosion builds up on the opti pins and female connectors on the harness. In both of my cases (yes, I've replaced 2 opti's in my first 20,000 miles on my '95!) those harness connectors were corroded. The first time the dealer replaced the opti he failed to replace the harness, even though he claimed it was corroded. Guess what, my '95 ran flawlessly for about 1,000 miles and then started to fart and poop again. The dealer then replaced the harness that I thought had been replaced the first time ($125 for that crappy little $10 harness; labor included.... 3 min. installation time). That mess cost me about $900, towing charge included. Well, due to a leaky water pump that they said was not the culprit, the second opti failed in the next 4 months. Guess what....same corrosion inside the new opti and yes, another corroded harness! This time I replace the water pump ($129 lifetime guar.), Opti (from gmparts direct for $277) and tool a needle and some carb spray to the corroded harness (could have done that myself the first time and saved that $125). I believe I have finally fixed the beast. Oh, almost forgot.... when the dealer replaced either opti #1 or #2 they crimped the fresh air vacuum hose running from the front of the manifold. I believe this made the leaking water pump problem worse because that fresh air line is absolutely necessary to help purge moisture from the opti.

PS - As additional insurance I would ask the mechanic to show you the bottom of your existing water pump before he puts that baby back on. The water pump must be removed to replace the opti. I will bet that it IS leaking, either from the weep hole or the drive bearing; probably both.

Hope this helps. I'm still mad as hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CKA_Racing]

Sure there is a harness that connects to the opti, that's a given. . But this is the first time in five yrs I've heard of it being replaced by anyone that does not have a blown water pump.
The car is not even apart yet, so how does he know it needs to be replaced? Is the harness something that should be replaced regardless?

 

[compyelc4]

<< Is the harness something that should be replaced regardless?>>

Certainly not! If the terminals (especially at the opti end) of the harness are not corroded I see NO reason to replace. I wonder if the mechanic mentioned the replacement as a POSSIBILITY in case water had intruded the opti.