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Friend has a 1994 chevy caprice classic Ls, with a 4.3 engine.Took a quick look without pulling off carburator cleaner.Was trying to locate distributor cap.Couldn't find it so I followed plug wire that went behind balance wheel into a metal block.Whats up with that?Do I need to pull carb cleaner to see cap? Also, Spark plugs seem to be a pain in the butt to get to on left side. Do I need to change out plugs from underneath?

go to autozone.com - register

Submitted by jerryh20 on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 01:37.

go to autozone.com - register - add vehicle and go to repair section for step by step with pics

Hello Jeff, Welcome to the

Submitted by Helene Car Lady on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 14:28.

Hello Jeff,

Welcome to the new world of auto mechanics. Unless your vehicle is between 1940 and 1970 don’t expect to find everything nice and neat and ready for servicing or removal once the hood is opened. The 4.3 in your friends Caprice is an L99 engine that uses an “Opti-Spark Distributor”. It’s for that reason, if you use the above posted Auto Zone link you will find that a 1994 Caprice Classic with a 4.3 is not listed. To replace the plugs you access them through the wheel wheels obviously with the front wheels off. Using a lift makes the task of replacing the plugs much easier. By design the opti-spark system is flawed and plagued with problems.

What exactly is the problem?
Is there an issue with spark delivery?
Is the car not starting?
Are there driveability (and or performance issues)?
Are there any error codes set?

ty for the advice,it was very

Submitted by jeff zentmyer on Thu, 09/08/2011 - 23:09.

ty for the advice,it was very helpful.

Jeff, I agree with Helene. I

Submitted by drivability on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 15:29.

Jeff,

I agree with Helene. I don't want rag on your friends car but the opti-spark system did have it's fair share of problems.

I recommend you fix any leak on any vehicle but on this one they had all kinds of problems with coolant and oil getting into the distributor cap. It's almost as if GM was trying to see how many holes they could put in the front of an engine, in a vertical fashion, so they could be sure it was going to leak. On top of that they mounted the water pump and hoses above the cap and as if that wasn't enough they went ahead and obstructed the cap with the balancer. Just for good measure I guess. :-(

If you decide to replace the cap make sure and tend to any leaks while you are there. Also tell your friend to brace him/herslf on the price of the cap and rotor. Yikes?