How to change your OPDA

[TEZZA]

Foxwell NT510 Elite (Chrysler) will do a Cam Crank relearn.

 

[05LJRub]

Foxwell NT510 Elite (Chrysler) will do a Cam Crank relearn.

Can you explain to me what this is actually doing? Does this change to exact amount the Jeep has to be at TDC?

 

[TEZZA]

Can you explain to me what this is actually doing? Does this change to exact amount the Jeep has to be at TDC?

I assume that it applies a correction to the PCM which allows the crank and cam/opda sensor signals to be correctly synchronized.
The fitting procedure would allow a margin of error that the relearn compensates for.

 

[ChadH]

Of all these OPDA issues I have read about there is one unanswered question I still have so far. Aside from having a 06 TJ at 138K miles and 06 LJ with 65K miles and likely the original part. Yes replacements will be on the way next paycheck.

However - has anybody who has done the updated replacement gone back in to check for any excessive gear wear? I haven't seen where that's been discussed and it all seems to revolve around the OEM part with the known failure. That's great information, but I would be curious to know if anyone has put eyes on their Crown replacement after 10, 15, or even 100K miles just to see how it looks.

 

[rasband]

Of all these OPDA issues I have read about there is one unanswered question I still have so far. Aside from having a 06 TJ at 138K miles and 06 LJ with 65K miles and likely the original part. Yes replacements will be on the way next paycheck.

However - has anybody who has done the updated replacement gone back in to check for any excessive gear wear? I haven't seen where that's been discussed and it all seems to revolve around the OEM part with the known failure. That's great information, but I would be curious to know if anyone has put eyes on their Crown replacement after 10, 15, or even 100K miles just to see how it looks.

I was having some issues with P0344 - so I had mine out again after 25k miles or so to inspect it and didn't notice any noticeable wear. Mine is a garage queen though, so racking up miles is slow.

 

[Toro]

One of the most common issues with the 4.0 engine in the later model Wrangler TJs is the OPDA (oil pump drive assembly). The factory OPDA is designed with two oil impregnated bronze bushings separated by an oil seal. The upper bushing is cut off from lubrication by that seal, resulting in premature failure. Over time, radial movement develops in the shaft. Eventually, the complete assembly and camshaft will fail.

Jeep / Chrysler is well aware of the OPDA issue with these cars as they issued the E05 recall for some of the 2005 model 4.0 engines due to premature oil pump drive gear wear. This recall involved engines that were built between 10/20/2004 and 02/01/2005. However, don't be fooled by the recall dates as there are many owners of 2006 models (and even the years prior to 2005) that have experienced OPDA issues, including complete failure.

A worn oil pump drive assembly will show symptoms, such as a check engine light or a squeaking noise coming from the oil pump drive assembly itself (some people describe the noise as a loud screeching sound or something similar to a laughing barrel of monkeys).

The fact of the matter however is this is no laughing matter. Ignoring a bad OPDA can and will result in catastrophic engine failure which will put you in the hole for thousands of dollars. On the contrary, a replacement OPDA is only a bit more than $100, and it's a very easy thing to change out as well.

If you recently purchased a used Wrangler TJ one of the first things you should think about doing is to change out the OPDA with the redesigned Crown Automotive OPDA, regardless of what year your Wrangler TJ is.

The reengineered Crown OPDA moves the seal above the upper bushings, allowing oil to lubricate it. An oil channel was also added to the shaft to increase overall lubrication to the area.

You can purchase the Crown OPDA here

The video below perfectly demonstrates step-by-step how to change out the OPDA.

I switched mine out according to the instructions. Ordered the recommended part. Everything went well. Only thing is the bracket doesn’t sit flush. I tightened it down to where the OPDA doesn’t move but if anyone has a trick. I am open to suggestions

 

[Larry L TJ]

One of the best videos I have found on how to change your OPDA on the older models. 2000-2004.

I changed mine today went with the Crown: P/N: CWA-530106151b from Summit racing. and a High Standard Ignition PC 380 camshaft sensor from Oriley's. I have a NTK sensor on the way just in case.

 

[Zorba]

One of the best videos I have found on how to change your OPDA on the older models. 2000-2004.

I changed mine today went with the Crown: P/N: CWA-530106151b from Summit racing. and a High Standard Ignition PC 380 camshaft sensor from Oriley's. I have a NTK sensor on the way just in case.

Uh, those models don't have an OPDA, ...

 

[ColoJeep]

Uh, those models don't have an OPDA, ...

I think after 1999 4.0 all used coil on plugs and used OPDA . 99 was the last year for distributors .

 

[Zorba]

I think after 1999 4.0 all used coil on plugs and used OPDA . 99 was the last year for distributors .

Wasn't the same thing. OPDA is peculiar to '05 and '06 4.0 *ONLY*. What came in-between that and the distributor years was a "camshaft synchronizer" - had a similar function but was a different part altogether.

 

[OldBuzzard]

Wasn't the same thing. OPDA is peculiar to '05 and '06 4.0 *ONLY*. What came in-between that and the distributor years was a "camshaft synchronizer" - had a similar function but was a different part altogether.

And yet it also drove the oil pump from the cam, so it was an OPDA by a different name.

 

[ColoJeep]

Wasn't the same thing. OPDA is peculiar to '05 and '06 4.0 *ONLY*. What came in-between that and the distributor years was a "camshaft synchronizer" - had a similar function but was a different part altogether.

Interesting , They both contain a cam sensor and drive the the oil pump from the cam. I knew the 04 and older didn't have the bad reliability of the 05-06 .
I just chalked it up to the crapfest of " Inprovements " that Daimler gave Jeep. THANKS for the information man !

 

[Zorba]

Interesting , They both contain a cam sensor and drive the the oil pump from the cam. I knew the 04 and older didn't have the bad reliability of the 05-06 .
I just chalked it up to the crapfest of " Inprovements " that Daimler gave Jeep. THANKS for the information man !

Yea, they do the same damn thing - but they're different parts. One was named for one end of the job, the other for the other end! "The world may never know...".