05 and 06 Wrangler OPDA Issues

[gjgoodale]

I've been reading up on this common issue.  Currently, mine is not acting up but I was thinking of being proactive.  Has anyone dealt with this locally or have experience with this issue?  Here is the link to the jeepforum.com post on the topic.  Sounds like it could cause serious problems.

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/2005-06-jeep-opda_cps_distributor-failure-1144202/

Greg

[mrfast]

What kind of problems are you having with your Jeep?

[gjgoodale]

Well, I just bought a 2005 LJ Rubicon.  Last week I started it and it sputtered pretty good.  It then threw a P300 error showing multiple cylinder misfires.  I had just put gas in it and the mechanic said it could be any host of things.  After running the full tank I only got 11 MPG.  I ran another tank through it and it ran fine and got 16 MPG.  I suspected bad gas.

I was researching a possible cause and ran across the OPDA issues with this model. Other forums are stating it's not really if it will fail but when.  And when it does fail it can ruin the engine.  I'm wondering if anyone locally has had or dealt with this problem.

[mrfast]

Greg how many miles are on your Jeep, and has it been tuned up lately? I think they need new spark plugs about every 30,000 miles.

[gjgoodale]

The Jeep has 79k.  I know the guy I got it from.  I'm almost
certain he did a tune-up at 75k.

[map93heep]

yes I know about it. If you pull opda out and check the gear to know. Does it make and weird noises while running?

[gjgoodale]

No weird noises.  I'm guessing if I wait until it makes noise I can have it replaced then.  However, there is a LOT of discussion on the jeepforum.com boards stating it's something you should address before it starts making noise.

[map93heep]

Yes u what to take a look at that gear. If it is bad u don't want to come apart on u. Take marker remove the cap off the top opda. Make vertical line on the engine block. Opda, and the wheel on the inside of the opda. This way u can pull it out and check the gear. The mark is reference to line everything back up with. Unplug the cam position lead then unbolt the retainer for opda. When pull it going to want to turn to unmesh the gear from the cam. You also want to look at the cam gear. It should be fine unless the opda gears all torn to hell. There should be some wear on the opda gear. Any time you have gear on gear there will be a pattern from them meshing together. When you first take the cap off opda try turn the wheel inside and see if there is alot of play in it. If moves alot then I would check the gear. If not and u don't fill comfortable pulling the opda then don't or just give me a call. 880-6750

[map93heep]

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww188/06redrubi/4285ecf8.jpg

Here's what mine looked like at 41000. Only time will tell.

[gjgoodale]

Guys, I got my OPDA repaired.  I have the parts that were repaired including the cam.  I'm going to bring them to the next meeting so everyone can see what a failing one looks like.