And I trust your knowledge. With that in mind I guess I'm pulling the opti.

Thank you Fred

 

If anyone ever asks you for a good shop in SLC UTAH and you want to preserve your reputation, do not recommend Premier Automotive.

 

Fred

I have everything off but the distributor. How do I check to see if it was installed correctly??

 

Not easy. You have to insure the "odd" tooth on the splined shaft is installed in the correct slot:

http://shbox.com/1/93-94_opti.jpg

 

Ok so i have to remove it. Now when you say "oddl" tooth you're talking about a spot on the shaft that is the male part of the assembly right? "Tab A in slot A" kinda thing?? Meaning there are 2 positions it can go into and you're talking about inside the distributor??

 

Look at the pic link posted just above by Fred. It shows you exactly what he is referring to.

 

As Rob notes, I posted a link to show you EXACTLY what I was talking about. If you aren't going to read the posts carefully, AND check the attachments, I can't really help you.

 

Ok I see it. Sorry I was at work and missed the link. It looks like there is only one slot in the gear. I already knew that. So how can it be indexed wrong?

 

I've replaced the opti on this engine myself twice. I know what the gear looks like but I still don't understand how it can be installed wrong. That is what I am asking about and trying to understand. So far I don't have the answer to that question. You say "correct slot" leading me to believe that there is an "incorrect slot".

 

I never thought it could be done but, with damage, an opti can be put on wrong! Thanks premier automotive!

 

So, are you saying it was put on wrong? Because we know it can (forcibly). The incorrect slot is anything other than the correct one.

 

I actually have my old unvented Opti in a box here on my desk at work. Every time this subject comes up, I look at the splined shaft, and look at how it fits into the back of the Opti (same "odd slot" arrangement as the cam sprocket) and I wonder how it happens. It can only be done by force..... yet it happens all the time.

Hopefully you have solved your problems.

 

Yes I'm saying it was forced in wrong. The shaft is damaged because of it. I am very confident that this is THE problem! Thank you Fred shoebox and everyone else who pitched in thier 2 cents!

 

They must have tried to assemble it, and found the Opti was not seating against the timing cover. So they forced it against the cover by strong arming the three bolts that hold it on.

 

That's exactly why I thought also. When I put it on during reassembly of the engine, I played with it untill it "fell" into place then installed the bolts. Wasn't that tough. Tonight I ordered the MSD. Should be here by the 14th. Also got a new elbow and heater hoses coming. Should be cruisin next weekend!!