[MarkyMark]

My Bad. Detailed my 94 coupe in preparation for winter storage. Pressure washed the engine compartment (ran for 10 minutes after). Then detailed the rest of the car and fixed a few things. Went to start the engine; turns over but no spark. It's obivious I got something wet. But what? I blew off everything with compressed air three times. I fired up the torpedo heater (garage is at 100 degrees). Not quite sure where to go from here. Any ideas? Do you think after time, things will dry out enough for engine start?

 

[Slicktop]

Probably got moisture in the optispark distributor. If so there is no way to dry it out without removing it and taking it apart.

 

[vetteoz]

Pressure washed the engine compartment

There are reasons why you don't do that on a LT1

http://www.theformulasource.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16824

http://www.impalassforum.com/vBulletin/showpost.php?p=2319087&postcount=9

 

[MarkyMark]

Nice. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Done this many times before on other vehicles. This might be one of those situations where I say, "I'll never do that agian!" Looks like this is going to be a real P.I.T.A. Thanks to the both of you. I now have starting point. Great links, very helpful.

 

[mat helm]

I too have pressure washed many engines. My routine is to warm it up and leave it running during and well after using the pressure washer. But what you can't do is use it like you would a sandblaster. I think the idea is to not subject it to much more than it would see going down the road at 70 in a blinding rain storm, which means keeping your distance with the wand. I use westley's tire cleaner, and mostly use the pressure washer to clean the rubber n plastics. You can get some of the grease n crud build up, but only after you've hand scrubbed it lose. I've never had an issue, but you are always taking a chance.

One thing to consider in you instance, is you maybe found a weak point in your opti spark that would of left you broke down on the side of the road in a rain storm.

btw, you could try spraying down the opti with some WD40. It was made to displace water in this exact instance. It also contains no oil, so no eating away on the electronics.....

 

[lostvette]

Starting!

I have a 88 With a Hei ! & all the storys I've Heard!.... about OPTI SPARK SUCKS ! igsfly:

 

[MarkyMark]

Starting issue

As I was tracing the ignition leads, I found possibly a related/un-related problem. The number 5 lead was resting against the exhaust manifold. As I was inspecting it, the lead seperated. Certianly was a break-down waiting to happen. What are your thoughts? Do you think I have two problems? Optispark and the #5 lead??

 

[mat helm]

One lead grounding out won't keep it from starting, so I'd say you have two...

 

[crossflag]

One lead grounding out won't keep it from starting, so I'd say you have two...

I agree, While recently checking for clearance with roller rockers under the covers I pulled 4 plug wires while my buddy tapped the engine over. The engine still started! A few years back I did my opti in doing the very same thing! Also did in the knock sensors on my 04 silverado by washing the engine. On the bright side, instead of storing your car you now have A winter project! :food-smiley-019:

 

[crossflag]

Probably got moisture in the optispark distributor. If so there is no way to dry it out without removing it and taking it apart.

These are not worth while taking apart with all the work to get to them.
I recomend changing the water pump while your at it

 

[awnuts]

Thats why I use a rag with a cleaner on it to wipe the gunk out of my C4. Yes I have to agree you got the optispark wet and theres no choice but the replace it. I do reccomend getting a OEM version.MSD and Accel make them and a ton of chinese knock offs on Ebay. From all the reading I've done the Delco is the best to get. Now the dealer selld it for like 800 bucks but you can shop around.I found this which I think I'm going with myself.

http://www.gmpartsoutlet.net/

They sell for 500 here.Plus 30 core charge. And its a GM part so I'm thinking longevity and dependable. The optispark is the most problematic thing on the LT1. I got mine wet pulling the top radiator hose.Another thing is the water pump if that blows it takes the opti with it.So I'm going to replace the pump because I'm thinking mines original to the car.

 

[MarkyMark]

Optispark: what to do?

I've been messing around way too long. The engine dried out enough to start. Runs like crap. I have resolve to change the optispark. The question I have is: Is it sufficient to change the rotor and cap; or should I change the whole assembly?

 

[Slicktop]

Think that you have to open it up to see what is going on. If the cap is full of condensation then just replacing it and cleaning everything up might work. However, it is so much work to take the opti spark out I would probably just replace it and then trade the car in for something that does not have an LT1. I hate cars that have chronic design flaws.

 

[MarkyMark]

Changning the Opti, having trouble with harmonic balancer

Moving forward with my Optispark replacement, I got everything off but the crankshaft harmonic balancer is being stubborn. The three bolts for balancer to flange have been removed. I've done a little prying and tapping, but no luck. Not much room for a puller. Does anyone have any tips for removing balancer on LT1? Factory service manual wants you to pull engine mounts bolts and lift engine up (I would prefer not to do). It does reference some kind of pulling tool, but is non-specific.

 

[Slicktop]

This thread covers balancer removal (hammer it off with blocks of wood) and hub removal (use a puller). Only remove the balancer to do the opti spark. Good luck:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-...you-remove-the-harmonic-balancer-lt1-lt4.html

 

[crossflag]

Moving forward with my Optispark replacement, I got everything off but the crankshaft harmonic balancer is being stubborn. The three bolts for balancer to flange have been removed. I've done a little prying and tapping, but no luck. Not much room for a puller. Does anyone have any tips for removing balancer on LT1? Factory service manual wants you to pull engine mounts bolts and lift engine up (I would prefer not to do). It does reference some kind of pulling tool, but is non-specific.

Loosen the bolts a good bit but do not remove. next you will need a 2x2x6 inch block of wood and a hammer, from under the car tap on both sides untill it breaks loose. leaving the bolts in will keep it it from flying off. them remove the bolts and lay it off to the side out of your way as there is not enough room to pull it out. If your not sure of the age of the waterpump I would replace it also. If your aged waterpump starts leaking it will surely take out the new opti again.

 

[awnuts]

Also if theres an autozone near by they rent pullers for cheap. I rented a power steering pump pulley tool it was like 5 bucks for 3 days.

 

[MarkyMark]

Project Completed!!

8pm New Years eve...project completed! Idles and "revs up" great. However, with 12" of snow and salt/slush covered roads I'm just going to have to wait on opening "her" up. Thanks to all for advice and help. Ended up doing the following:
1. New MSD Optispark assembly
2. New spark plugs and wires
3. New water pump
4. New throtle body coolant hose
5. New serpentine belt
6. New direct-fit DeWitt 2 row aluminum radiator
7. New air filter element
Hit the $1,500.00 mark...oh well...part of owning a Corvette. If anyone would like to contact me for project details, don't hesitate to send me a personal message. I think I have one other issue that needs attention. At 228 degrees only one of the two electric fans kicks on. Specifically the left one. I'm going to hit the manuals, but does anyone know at what time the right fan kicks on? Or should kick on?

 

[[email protected]]

I believe the secondary fan usually comes in about 8-10* after the primaries or when the A/C high side reaches the preset high pressure level

 

[crossflag]

Money well spent, your good to go now!:driving: