First of all, I read a lot about Opti problems and how many smart people advocate different types of Opti Sparks. There doesn' seem to be an overall agreement as to which Opti gives the best performance and offers the best water resistance. Therefore, I came up with an idea to keep Opti Sparks dry under wet conditions so we don't have to worry anymore. See the attachment for my genius idea and let me know what you think. Keep in mind, this idea is in develpment and is not quite complete, but you should get the idea.

Now, for my problem...

About ten days ago, my Opti was KIA by me via an accidental water discharge and my car wouldn't start. I was initially in denial and asked Craby for help, even though I pretty much knew it was the Opti. I disconnected all of the connections to the Opti and blow-dried them (I borrowed the blow-dryer from someone else). I also put electric grease on all of the connections, except for the harness, but the car still wouldn't start. I tried to start it again about a week later with no success.

I ordered a new opti and its currently on its way. A day after I ordered it, the car started. I haven't driven it all and I don't know if all of the cylinders are firing properly.

Is the car safe to drive now? Does the answer to the previous question depend on something? If it is good to drive, should I replace the Opti anyway or should I keep the new Opti as a backup? Thanks for the help.

I have a '94 Z28 A4

 

That idea just may work, I'm surprised nobody else has come up with that.
As long as you have a new opti coming, you might as well replace the old one. What all got wet anyway, did the plug wires and ignition module also get hit? If the opti got well soaked and that was the problem, then you'll have corrosion forming inside, if you don't already have some. The only way of knowing what the inside of the opti looks like is by removing it and looking. What kind did you buy? I recommend converting it to being vented if the new one isn't updated.

 

Thanks for your help. The Opti itself got wet along with some of the plug wires that connect to it. Some water came out of two of the wires after I unplugged them from the Opti. I don't think the ignition module got wet. The upper radiator hose leaked water from where it connects to the water pump.

I ordered one of the non-vented Optis from thepartsladi on Ebay and was planning on putting thread lock on the screws, electric grease on the connections, and sealing it with silicone around the outer seam (while leaving the 3 holes open at the bottom). I guess I could try to vent it. I read that you have the MSD Opti that allows you to vent it. I teetered between which kind of Opti to get after reading several posts because I have found posts that slam any given brand of Opti. There were enough smart guys (i.e. Shobox & others) who advocated the 2nd gen Opti to convince me to buy that one, especially since it was also at least $150 less than most of the other brands. I hope I didn't make a bad choice, but I guess time will tell.


Here are some discussion threads on the Opti from thepartsladi:
http://www.z28.com/forum/engine-tech...-bad-opti.html
http://www.corvetteforums.com/forum/...ead.php?t=3544
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt...optispark.html
http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt...opti-guys.html http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt...partsladi.html

Here are some threads discussing the MSD Opti (for & against):
http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=714726
http://www.z28.com/forum/1463179-post16.html
http://www.z28.com/forum/engine-tech...optispark.html

 

The main cause of problems in the opti is due to internal corrosion. The electronics are packaged toghether with the high voltage spark distribution. High voltage sparks generate a lot of ozone. Ozone is even more reactive than oxygen, and slowly attacks everything inside the opti. Venting helps by removing the ozone and moisture, but sooner or later the elctronics die. Water getting inside the opti makes things worse. I tried the hair drier trick once, the car started but never ran properly till I replaced the opti

 

The vent holes in the bottom don't help much for preventing trapped moisture problems. GM updated to the vented opti for a reason, they (and owners) saw the problem. Moving air through the unit will help to prevent corrosion caused by having stagnant damp air inside. Since you're gonna have the opti in your hand anyway, that would be a real good time to make yours vented.
Here's a good write-up: http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html

 

Okay, I will replace the Opti. I read the article from the link provided by Camaro 69 and I think I will give that a try. My main concern is if the Opti I bought is defective, I will not be able to return it after the modifications. Of note, the '96 revised vacuum harness in the article was superceded by part 12558921. Also, the article was dated Feb '09, but I found a post of someone who linked to that article in '04 - Maybe it was revised in '09, but didn't mention the new vacuum harness to use - weird.
http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9883

I appreciate the advice.