Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Dorman opda install

26K views 82 replies 38 participants last post by  jhjikl 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I want to see how many people have installed this new part by Dorman, part# 689-201, that is available in rock auto. It is supposed to be a fix introducing a new design to replace those bad OPDA's. It is also named a camshaft synchronizer. i want others who have installed this to use this as a place to keep updates on its performance. when i install mine I will add pics and my thoughts on it as time revealssynchronizer.installing it myself and will add pics and my thoughts as time reveals them. Basically this is a thread I would
 
#65 ·
Well I finally joined this forum!
My thoughts on OPDA issues:
In my opinion Jeep knew they were dumping the 4.0 back in 2002-2003, for sure in 2004. I wager the tooling in the engine plant was not upgraded and some of these engines have excessive tolerances in that OPDA bore to the cam gear interface. Just a hunch, but I bet this is the case.

The dorman is far better than anything else out there.

The SG mod has so many issues that I'd just forget that one. Besides they are no longer built.

Getting the shaft in straight and true with the SG mod is not possible IMHO. Many folks actually ruined the bearing installing it and many have lost the bottom bushing due to misalignment. I built at least 20 of these. But i don't like them.

The Dorman looks like it is straight and true, but who knows how much gear lash there is unless you pull the oil pan? It does get lube to the top bushing via oil vapor. A low load slow shaft like that does not need to much oil to keep the bushing alive. I've had mine in for about 1,000 miles and intend to pull it to check for wear.

The "constant oil" mod would be great, but I have never figured out how to seal it up so oil isn't running out. It'll work with the SG mod, but it's not needed there. The oil bath works great, but only with a good stock OPDA as it has a seal on top. The Dorman definitely does not have a seal.

BTW, for anyone who is thinking about changing out the OPDA here is a good word doc on how to do it without throwing a code. Keep the sharpie pen for getting autographs at concerts and NHRA drag races.
OPDA Installation.docx
 
#66 ·
Well I was looking at a 05 Rubi with 103,xxx and now you guys have me terrified! I'm by no means a mechanic, and this seems like if its not something that has already been done, it will have to be done soon. From the looks of it, its not something I can just pop the hood and see right off at the dealer so what would you guys do to check something like this before you bought one?
 
#70 ·
Well, it's been a little over a year since I swapped in the Dorman unit. Wear looks alright and there was actually oil collecting at the top from the oil vapor, so lubrication shouldn't be an issue. No additional play/lash either. I'll probably just make checking it a yearly event.

Muffler Tool accessory
 
#71 ·
Dorman ODPA for the win

I replaced my OEM at 133K, with a dorman unit. There was average wear on the cam shaft gear and OEM ODPA gear, no binding, but I did hear a squeel at colder temps. The dorman unit clearly gets oil to it, after 3000, i just pulled it to check, minor break in wear, cam shaft gear looks the same. no squeel. Timing was easy just watch the videos and write ups.
 

Attachments

#72 ·
62,xxx miles on my '06 TJ and I'm sitting out here wondering if I need to just go ahead and order a replacement unit.

Are there any symptoms to a failing stock ODPA?
 
#73 ·
I was debating on changing mine as well. I just never got around to it. Well you guessed it. 140 miles from home and I started the Jeep and recognized the noise right off the bat. It only did if for maybe thirty seconds but I was in a bind. 25 miles to even the nearest store. Anyway I took a chance, didn't do it any more that day. Did the same thing the next day. The following day I drove home, parked it and ordered my Dorman. It was pretty easy to change, I did have to do it twice because after I finished, I cleaned up and found the gasket had fallen off during the install. Looking back I wish I had just changed it previously. Could have saved a few dollars as well. Wound up paying a higher price locally than I would have if I had ordered it online in advance. At this point I would say its not a big deal unless you wait until its too late. Had 77,000 miles on mine
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top