How to test an optispark cap

[Tinbender59]

Howdy y"all, I am getting ready to install a "different" Opti-no-spark in my 95 Z28, since it is a used one I thought ( as an electronic tech) I have access to the tools to check this dog out. I first completely disassembled and cleaned the Opti, including the sensor. (I know there is no set system to clean the sensor, but I tried my best. "SAFE LITE AUTO GLASS CLEANER" Then I reassembled the Opti and tested the Optics - easy test, plug it into the system, under hood, turned the key to on, spin the opti shaft, and listened to the injectors fire. All is good there!! Then I used a MEGGER at workto test for arcing, the ACCEL cap Is good to go, no traces of arcing, but the Duralast from Oreilly has 6 out of 8 arcing internaly, and it "was running" so I was told???? I guess that tells how much you can trust people.

here is a cheap MEGGER can't speak to the quality http://www.ebay.com/itm/Digital-Insulation-Meter-Resistance-Tester-BM500A-1000V-1999M-Megohmmeter-Megger-/281820294946?hash=item419dcc6f22:g:6VQAAOSwnOJWFI8 u

this is what I used http://megger.com/eu/products/ProductDetails.php?ID=122&Description not a cheap unit, but I don't own it so it cool

Anyonethat works on these Opti systems needs one of these, I just found a bad cap with out the hassle of installing it.

http://[URL=http://s578.photobucket.com/user/lloydmace59/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160825_175255785_HDR_zpscv10aamv.jpg.html][IMG] (http://[URL=http://s578.photobucket.com/user/lloydmace59/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160825_175255785_HDR_zpscv10aamv.jpg.html][IMG)

that is 34.8 meg ohms at 1000vdc, and the coil puts out 20,000vdc, that is basically a dead short to 20,ooovdc

[GaryDoug]

As an EE, I would say that a megger is ok for some leakage tests, but I doubt it would be good enough to fully test for the kind of arcing that can occur inside the cap. For that you would need a Hipot test unit with at least 20KV output. And those aren't cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-220V-AC10KV-DC20KV-Withstand-Hi-Pot-Tester-2674A-Withstand-Voltage-Tester-/311503366841?hash=item48870c2ab9:g:y3EAAOSwnH1Wa6q A

[Tinbender59]

NICE!! tester!! you are correct if it were a new cap I suppose?? but both of mine are used and the one has carbon tracks I'm guessing??? If you have a miss, this will tell you if it is the cap - to some degree