OPDA installation troubles

[Zorba]

OK! I got the bracket installed and tightened down. I was able to get my other hand down there and use a finger to hold bracket in place while I got bolt started.

New issue is the Jeep won't start. It wants to but wont. Is this as simple as just an adjustment in the clocking of the unit or am I a tooth off?

Clocking relative to the engine block means nothing (unless there's excessive play in the camshaft gearing and/or timing chain). Sounds like you're out of position vis-a-vis the #1 cylinder being at TDC. Rotate the engine by hand until its at TDC #1, then check the OPDA internal clocking - the hole in the tone wheel needs to be exactly centered over the hole where the plastic dingus was - if you still have the dingus, see if it will insert. If it won't, then you'll have to pull the OPDA, re-align the tone wheel and try again. This is assuming of course, that its an OPDA problem to start with, but this will tell you.

That's my amateur diagnoses based on my understanding of the mechanical relationships involved. Others probably know more than I do!

 

[tx-skydiver]

Clocking relative to the engine block means nothing (unless there's excessive play in the camshaft gearing and/or timing chain). Sounds like you're out of position vis-a-vis the #1 cylinder being at TDC. Rotate the engine by hand until its at TDC #1, then check the OPDA internal clocking - the hole in the tone wheel needs to be exactly centered over the hole where the plastic dingus was - if you still have the dingus, see if it will insert. If it won't, then you'll have to pull the OPDA, re-align the tone wheel and try again. This is assuming of course, that its an OPDA problem to start with, but this will tell you.

That's my amateur diagnoses based on my understanding of the mechanical relationships involved. Others probably know more than I do!

I was afraid of this. Its odd because I lined everything up perfectly and when I inserted the new one if seemed to have shifted. I guess I'm basically starting over and will put back to TDC, remove, line up holes and re-insert. I still have the dingus and will use it again.

 

[FarFire70]

I was afraid of this. Its odd because I lined everything up perfectly and when I inserted the new one if seemed to have shifted. I guess I'm basically starting over and will put back to TDC, remove, line up holes and re-insert. I still have the dingus and will use it again.

Keep that dingus in your tool chest. It's way better than using a screwdriver or allen wrench to try to hold the wheel in place during a future removal. And you will remove it again... Even just for a check. Jeep really did us dirty with this part.

 

[tx-skydiver]

UPDATE: Unit installed and Jeep is running. I pulled valve cover (it was leaking anyway) and used the valve functions to ensure I was on the correct stroke for TDC. Adjusted the pump with a screwdriver and installed the OPDA. It went in smoothly. I installed the Hold-down bracket, reinstalled valve cover and she fired right up. Thanks all for your assistance. This job was much more difficult than I thought it would be but worth the time it took to do it.

 

[notnsuv]

Keep that dingus in your tool chest. It's way better than using a screwdriver or allen wrench to try to hold the wheel in place during a future removal. And you will remove it again... Even just for a check. Jeep really did us dirty with this part.

What's the dingus of which you speak?

 

[elkivory]

I am replacing OPDA now. When I removed the hold down clamp it dropped onto motor mount. Does the clamp go with the lip on it up or down. Need a quick answer. Thanks.

 

[JKP]

Down

 

[elkivory]

Down

Thanks