optispark tracing marks inside the cap

[timopajala]

I took the opti out today and found that it has like burn marks inside the cap, no melting etc but color has changed in the cap where it has started to melt or something like that. In one point the melting part makes contact to another plugs terminal, so there could be missfire there or something like that. Is it common in these distributors that this happens? Its brand new dist, about 1000mails on it and its ac delco reman.

[guppymech]

You could've gotten a defective cap that had the insulation break down between the conductive ink pathways. The optispark cap is known to not tolerate high secondary voltage because of the pathways. Do you have a MSD coil or ignition booster? One or more of your plug wires could have high resistance causing the cap to see higher than normal voltage. Can you return the opti for warranty? I would do that first, if not the MSD cap and rotor kit is supposed to be very good.

[timopajala]

I had msd coil at first but i changed it after 500mails or so. That could have made the problem. I read about the issue after my cap had broken. It think That its the insulation problem what you mentioned. Theres no More insurance left so thats not an option but im gonna but ltcc system on it so no need for New cap anymore. Only working opti sensor needed and That i have. Thanks for the reply

[Injuneer]

That's called "carbon tracking". Indicates that the high voltage has found a path through the plastic, or across the surface of the plastic, and can bypass the plugs. Anything that causes a higher voltage to be required to fire the plug can cause that - excessive gap, high compression, high cylinder pressures, damaged wire conductor, etc. Will contribute to misfires and roughness.

[timopajala]

Well that tracking has made my car stutter so one problem is gone after ltcc swap I noticed the markings right after i take the cap out, they are not as bad as my friend camaro had, there were almost holes inside the cap

[Injuneer]

I've been using only the optical module in the Opti and 8 LS1 coils for 15 years. No problems of any kind. Same vented Opti I installed in 2000, and the engine has peaked at 8,000 RPM a few times (not intentionally) and no problems. Not an LTCC and not running a factory PCM, but I know Bob Bailey's stuff and it is good.

[timopajala]

I bougt my set from this Forum and its used. 6-8 years old kit. I dont have it yet, shipping takes time and its winter in here i started doing some sheet metal work, few rusted spots under the car.