What Did You Do To Your Car Today?

[Revelations]

Actually, the OptiSpark wasn't that bad. The problem was always moisture related. Either by a leaky water pump, washing the engine, or driving in a deep puddle. The unit became vented after 95 I believe and that allowed it to dry itself rather than hold the moisture and self destruct. But yeah, wasn't the greatest I guess lol.

[RRocket]

GM really had their ignition systems figured out, always have been best of the lot in that area for some reason.

Not sure I agree with that when I was doing Corvette shopping...

Be a little more specific...If you're talking about LS based engine corvettes then I disagree, something needs to be really wrong for an LS to misfire. Tons of trucks running the same setup with huge miles and no maintenance. If you're talking LT1 Corvette, then yeah, the whole Optispark debacle is relevant - but that's 5 years and one engine that was only in performance cars (and some rare big boats).

Yep, definitely Optispark. And "only" 5 years on their halo car. No biggie! LOL 😆

And C5 had ignition switch failures which were a known issue. My buddy went through 2-3! LOL 😆

He now has a ZL-1. No ignition issues on that one!

[Bridgecity]

My Dad has had two cars with the Optispark system (both '94 Roadmasters), and both failed.  I don't recall the reason for the first failure, but the second one went out when it was soaked with oil.  I'm assuming the camshaft seal was leaking, but mechanic said that was fine, so I dunno.

Either way, the system is pretty notorious for failure.

[Firm]

I think the biggest fault of the system is it's location, it's directly below the water pump on the front of the engine....So if you've got a leaky water pump, or an oil leak in the area, it gets soaked and fails - like any distributor. As rev points out, later versions were better vented to help with the issue, but still, if it got drenched in oil or coolant it's likely going to need to be replaced. Easily remedied with with fresh Opti, and plenty of improved aftermarket units to choose from. That said, I've owned 3 LT1 cars, I am mindful of the problem, and have never had an issue.

LT1 isn't exactly a pedestrian engine though; F-bodies, Corvette & Roadmaster/Fleetwood. All the GM trucks of the era got the TBI or Vortec versions which were bulletproof. It was a fairly high-performance setup for it's time pushing 300hp in the Vette and 275 in the Camaro/Firebird. Keeping in mind, the Ford 4.6 of the time made 215hp. Even the much more advanced Lexus 4.0L or the Caddy N*, both of which were DOHC 32 valve units, made 260 and 300 respectively. The LTI setup really squeezed a lot of performance out of a very old engine platform and traditional tech.

[Tortoise]

I'm again reminded why you shouldn't own a TDI outside of the warranty.  Well, at least an undeleted one.

I brought it to the dealer for a check engine light, it ended up being a fault related to the exhaust pressure control valve position. They ended up replacing a catalyst and exhaust pipe section because a flap was seized.  The part alone is around $1200.  Would have been a $2k repair after it was all said and done.

....and when I was driving home, the steering column started making a noise.  Then, a few error codes appeared. Looks like the clockspring failed, so it's going back for another warranty repair.

I saw the new Tiguan, and I think it looks good. Shame about all the screens inside.

[Blueprint]

I'm again reminded why you shouldn't own a TDI outside of the warranty.  Well, at least an undeleted one.

I brought it to the dealer for a check engine light, it ended up being a fault related to the exhaust pressure control valve position. They ended up replacing a catalyst and exhaust pipe section because a flap was seized.  The part alone is around $1200.  Would have been a $2k repair after it was all said and done.

....and when I was driving home, the steering column started making a noise.  Then, a few error codes appeared. Looks like the clockspring failed, so it's going back for another warranty repair.

I saw the new Tiguan, and I think it looks good. Shame about all the screens inside.

Sometimes I really miss my 2015 Golf TDI, and then I read stories like that. IF fgc THEN extended warranty !

[Tortoise]

Yeah, I love the car.  And there's nothing left like it on the market.  But it's ridiculous that an 18 year old Highlander is easier to keep on the road than an 8 year old Golf.

[Gurgie]

Yeah, I love the car.  And there's nothing left like it on the market.  But it's ridiculous that an 18 year old Highlander is easier to keep on the road than an 8 year old Golf.

Seems like a 19yr old 911 (Gurgie knocks on wood) is easier to keep on the road than an 8yr old Golf 

Do like your Golf though & the TDI does drive nice when there's no issues.

[Blueprint]

Washed and waxed the Crosstrek yesterday before it spends the next two weeks in manufacturer's yards. Still love that car, only 18,000 km in exactly 3 years thanks to "the hobby". I left it in the garage, have the doorjambs and door bottoms left to wax. Driving it to a conference in Quebec city next month so it's going to get some highway exercise.

[TheHire]

Dealing with some health issues that are going to keep me down for a couple of months as well as in the process of moving, so put everything away for the season

[Blueprint]

Dealing with some health issues that are going to keep me down for a couple of months as well as in the process of moving, so put everything away for the season

Sorry to hear that - get well and try to get some rest through the move!

[Gurgie]

Dealing with some health issues that are going to keep me down for a couple of months as well as in the process of moving, so put everything away for the season

Sorry to hear that - get well and try to get some rest through the move!

^what he said 

[Careener]

Yes, all the best.

[Blueprint]

Waxed the CX-90. Paint got all cloudy 

[RRocket]

New Vreds today!!