HPG
Well-known member
Can you tell if it is still original by just looking. Can you see the unit, I know it's near the water pump. 1993 Vette
Opti Spark question
- Thread starter HPG
- Start date
soxx35
Member
the opti is located right behind the water pump not sure if you can tell if it is orgininal or not but it is in a terrible place
rj
rj
R
RubyDropTop
Guest
I would not say that the OptiSpark is "behind" the water pump, as it is actually located beneath it. As far as originality goes, I know of no way to detect an original water pump from a GM replacement. Most of the water pump can be seen, it's not really hidden.
EricVonHa
Well-known member
The easiest way to see is to closely examine around the water pump gasket areas. Your best bet is to do this from the pass. side as the driver's side is quite crowed. Look for extra amounts of Permatex that has ooozed out from the surface where the pump meets the block. Most mechanics are extra careful as a leak upon re-assembly is a no no. Better to overcoat the gaskets than to under-coat.
Also, If you look at the heads of the waterpump bolts you should easily be able to tell if someone has been wrenching on them. I only use air when I do those bolts (they are quite long) and it's a biyatch to get at them depending upon the degree of disassembly of other accessories surrounding the area. In other words, if the pump has been removed, you should be able to see that the evidence of that process.
To really see if the opti has been replaced? Well, pull the pump, then you'll know. Again, a quick examination under a lot of light will tell you if it's been removed. The timing bolt/opti bolts are very fine and bruise easiliy (scratch, etc) Hope this helps.
Also, If you look at the heads of the waterpump bolts you should easily be able to tell if someone has been wrenching on them. I only use air when I do those bolts (they are quite long) and it's a biyatch to get at them depending upon the degree of disassembly of other accessories surrounding the area. In other words, if the pump has been removed, you should be able to see that the evidence of that process.
To really see if the opti has been replaced? Well, pull the pump, then you'll know. Again, a quick examination under a lot of light will tell you if it's been removed. The timing bolt/opti bolts are very fine and bruise easiliy (scratch, etc) Hope this helps.
compyelc4
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 1, 2002
- Messages
- 609
- Location
- Dayton, Ohio
- Corvette
- '95 LT1 Coupe, Comp Yell; C6 Roadster, Vel Yell
HPG,
No. Replacements all look the same. You can place an orig and a replacement (used of course) side by side and they will look identical.
No. Replacements all look the same. You can place an orig and a replacement (used of course) side by side and they will look identical.
- Thread starter
- #6
HPG
Well-known member
OK, thanks, I may be looking at a Ruby or any LT1 with a opti spark My luck lately, it would crap out after I purchased the car. Maybe I'll just keep my 88
compyelc4
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 1, 2002
- Messages
- 609
- Location
- Dayton, Ohio
- Corvette
- '95 LT1 Coupe, Comp Yell; C6 Roadster, Vel Yell
HPG,
Just look for waterpump leakage. If none you're okay. If leakage get it replaced AND if engine runs well to begin with I would not sweat the opti. Those things last a long time if your pump stays in good shape.
Just look for waterpump leakage. If none you're okay. If leakage get it replaced AND if engine runs well to begin with I would not sweat the opti. Those things last a long time if your pump stays in good shape.
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