Looking at an 06 tomorrow, OPDA advice

[freedom_in_4low]

Going to look at an 06 LJ with 118k miles in the morning. It's exactly what I want, flame red with a 6 speed, hard top, effectively stock.

I'm going with my Obd2 reader, a tape measure to check the frame and a mechanics stethoscope. I'm pretty confident in my ability to sniff out any major issues except for cam gear wear due to the opda. Is it safe to assume that if it already has a crown OPDA or is not making any noise or throwing codes that the cam gear is probably OK? Or would pulling the OPDA and visually inspecting it be considered a mandatory part of a pre purchase look? Seller is 3rd owner, hasn't had it very long and I got the impression he doesn't know what an OPDA is.

I really don't like the idea of doing that sort of work on someone else's vehicle in a parking lot, but if it's strongly recommended here then I suppose I could bring my torx drivers and a sharpie.

 

[Midnight LJR]

I went with being ignorant about the existence of a ODPA when purchasing my 06, so far it’s worked out great!

 

[Apparition]

I went with being ignorant about the existence of a ODPA when purchasing my 06, so far it’s worked out great!

Same, I have a replacement ready but haven’t installed it. I’m over 120k.

I wouldn’t worry unless it starts screaming.

 

[Cedar128]

Going to look at an 06 LJ with 118k miles in the morning. It's exactly what I want, flame red with a 6 speed, hard top, effectively stock.

I'm going with my Obd2 reader, a tape measure to check the frame and a mechanics stethoscope. I'm pretty confident in my ability to sniff out any major issues except for cam gear wear due to the opda. Is it safe to assume that if it already has a crown OPDA or is not making any noise or throwing codes that the cam gear is probably OK? Or would pulling the OPDA and visually inspecting it be considered a mandatory part of a pre purchase look? Seller is 3rd owner, hasn't had it very long and I got the impression he doesn't know what an OPDA is.

I really don't like the idea of doing that sort of work on someone else's vehicle in a parking lot, but if it's strongly recommended here then I suppose I could bring my torx drivers and a sharpie.

If I was the seller, you'd need to put the cash in my hand before you started wrenching on my vehicle, I mean your vehicle.

 

[Zorba]

I went with being ignorant about the existence of a ODPA when purchasing my 06, so far it’s worked out great!

That's pretty much my tale as well - but I just received a brand new Crown OPDA just today. I'm worried about the "silent death" of same.

 

[Chris]

So far I've owned two 2005s and a 2006. Never had an issue with the OPDA. Unless it's making noise, there's nothing to be concerned about whatsoever.

 

[Midnight LJR]

That's pretty much my tale as well - but I just received a brand new Crown OPDA just today. I'm worried about the "silent death" of same.

I don’t see the problem, “honey the motor blew up, these 06’s are bad only solution is apparently a stroker motor...”

 

[freedom_in_4low]

If I was the seller, you'd need to put the cash in my hand before you started wrenching on my vehicle, I mean your vehicle.

That's exactly my hesitation. And honestly, you'd be right to make that demand. Especially with me having not touched an OPDA since I checked the one on my 05 in 2011. Lol

 

[freedom_in_4low]

All these posts are encouraging. I'll check for the ldi sticker and poke it with my stethoscope and call it a day.

I also have a new crown OPDA on a bookshelf in my office waiting for an LJ to be installed on, lol.

 

[rasband]

I really don't like the idea of doing that sort of work on someone else's vehicle in a parking lot, but if it's strongly recommended here then I suppose I could bring my torx drivers and a sharpie.

Id consider it, since replacing the cam is a good bit of work. Don’t forget the half inch box.

maybe make this the last box to check so you only do it if you’re 90%.

 

[MSC USN]

My general research on the OPDA:
1. ‘05 and ‘06 (some’04s?) have a design-flawed factory OPDA that incurs premature wear and unit play that may cause gear damage on the camshaft. Early symptom of a failing OPDA is “laughing monkeys” sound.
2. Replacement with a Crown OPDA unit is advised even before the “monkeys” show up as a preventive measure.
3. Retain the factory sensor with the new OPDA vs using a new sensor. Common findings are that aftermarket sensors are short lived, while the original factory sensor works well and don’t fail with the new OPDA.

If there are no unusual sounds from the OPDA, a prompt Crown replacement should steer you clear of camshaft damage.

 

[rasband]

Early symptom of a failing OPDA is “laughing monkeys” sound.

Oddly mine was more of a tick (not far off of a lifter tick sounds, but more pronounced). The OPDA drive gear had some wear, but fortunately my jeep had 50k on it when I bought it and the cam gear only has minor wear.

All that to say, definitely replace as soon as reasonable. I wouldn't be above checking the cam gear out before committing to buy anything in the 05/06 years. You may want to also budget for a potential PCM replacement .

 

[SvtLdr]

All these posts are encouraging. I'll check for the ldi sticker and poke it with my stethoscope and call it a day.

I also have a new crown OPDA on a bookshelf in my office waiting for an LJ to be installed on, lol.

I love that you're buying parts for a Jeep that you don't yet own! Maybe that's my problem? I've been "shopping" for an LJ for years now. I should just buy an OPDA and put it on the shelf, just wait for the LJ to show up.

 

[Fishtaco]

If it was built after Feb or March 06 the OPDA problem had already been fixed and all 05 early 06 had been recalled.
Check the Vin for build month not first road registered month! You just cant pile all 06 builds into the same bad OPDA category 05,s maybe? yes.

 

[TheBoogieman]

I never had any problems with either of my 05's, but both had under 60,000 miles on them. I would replace it when I bought it and fagettaboutit. That's Italian for forget about it.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

If it was built after Feb or March 06 the OPDA problem had already been fixed and all 05 early 06 had been recalled.
Check the Vin for build month not first road registered month! You just cant pile all 06 builds into the same bad OPDA category 05,s maybe? yes.

I've never heard this before. My LJR was built in April or May 2006. I have a crown replacement but have not installed it.

 

[Apparition]

I've never heard this before. My LJR was built in April or May 2006. I have a crown replacement but have not installed it.

Exactly the same boat. April 06 (iirc), crown on the shelf and never heard this info.

 

[JKP]

If it was built after Feb or March 06 the OPDA problem had already been fixed and all 05 early 06 had been recalled.
Check the Vin for build month not first road registered month! You just cant pile all 06 builds into the same bad OPDA category 05,s maybe? yes.

Jeep never fixed the 05 and 06 OPDA problem.

 

[Viking Jeeper]

My LJR was manufactured in May 2006. The OPDA on my 05 looks the same as the 06.

My 05:

My 06:

 

[cpwolf]

I've never heard this before. My LJR was built in April or May 2006. I have a crown replacement but have not installed it.

I’m curious why? The part is a know failure....and if it does...no oil moves and you can fry an engine. The part to avoid that issue is on the shelf, why wouldn’t you put it on the Jeep and make the risk go to zero?