Optispark Installation
Senior Moderator
January 2010 ROTM Winner
January 2010 ROTM Winner
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,306
From: The 'Burbs of Chicago
Don't bother, the cat isn't going to glow if it's empty, the catalyst is gone. That blows that test.
How about an exhaust sniff test, does your nose or your burning eyes tell you the engine is running rich?
How about an exhaust sniff test, does your nose or your burning eyes tell you the engine is running rich?
Not sure how I would check for fuel in the oil. Someone else suggested it's dumping too much fuel which I thought would account for the glowing exhaust? I've tested the fuel pressure several times, the last time just a few minutes ago and it's down to about 39psi with the key on, was about 40-42 a couple of days ago. I also pulled a vacuum on the pressure regulator and the fuel pressure dropped so it looks like a weak fuel pump at the very least.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,614
From: under the hood
ahhhhh, mystery vehicles because we have no clue what was done to them
ALDL OBD1 OBD cable OBDI OBD2 engine codes
buy the cable
LT1 PCM Tuning - Welcome!
use his service
the vehicle might have a modified fuel trim level programmed in it by a prior owner. There is nothing wrong with getting the computer flashed to a confidence level point and then see what issues are there
Personally, I'm a dog who refuses to chase his own tail
ALDL OBD1 OBD cable OBDI OBD2 engine codes
buy the cable
LT1 PCM Tuning - Welcome!
use his service
the vehicle might have a modified fuel trim level programmed in it by a prior owner. There is nothing wrong with getting the computer flashed to a confidence level point and then see what issues are there
Personally, I'm a dog who refuses to chase his own tail
April 2011 ROTM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 22,001
From: Tokeland, Washington
ROTM Winner's Club
it does sound like the opti is not right, how can it run fine then not and then find that the opti is 180 off. dont think it can run fine 180 off. im wondering if po upgraded to a newer vented opti that does not have the spined shaft or the timing gear does not have the needed spines and its slipped after a short time.
Senior Moderator
January 2010 ROTM Winner
January 2010 ROTM Winner
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 18,306
From: The 'Burbs of Chicago
Yeah, that deal with the 180 off didn't make sense to me either. An engine won't run with the timing off like that, no matter what type of distributor you have. The hub on the newer style opti won't fit through the older style timing chain cover, the hole is way too small. Something seems weird.
4th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,614
From: under the hood
Yeah, that deal with the 180 off didn't make sense to me either. An engine won't run with the timing off like that, no matter what type of distributor you have. The hub on the newer style opti won't fit through the older style timing chain cover, the hole is way too small. Something seems weird.
