Not sure if you saw this, but here is my recent experience:
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...in-edition-oem-build.12446/page-2#post-244634
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...in-edition-oem-build.12446/page-2#post-244634
OPDA hype or real issue?
- Thread starter 05 Blue Unlimited
- Start date
I did, and it was a great write up. Hoping I just prematurely replaced my Crown with another Crown and I have something else squeaking. I just don’t like issues you can’t track down!
Thanks, hopefully it is something else less imposing that is squeaking!
"OPDA failures are only "hype" if you don't experience it yourself."
-Yogi Berra
On a more serious note, I think there is definitely over hyping around this subject. If you search Auto Trader for 2005-2006 (all zip codes), there are some out there with high mileage. Some may have had their OPDA replaced, just like they may have had an alternator or two replaced!
Like Chris said, don't sweat it, but if you pop associated codes or hear a racket coming from the OPDA, then take it seriously. The OPDA should be a regular maintenance item for the 2005/2006 (even if they fail every 75k). They don't last forever and some last longer than others. As I explained in the link above , I am one of those that thinks there really was something about the recall. I read a lot of customer complaints to the NHTSA and most 2005 engine complaints were due to OPDA failure. And most were in or just before the recall range. I think the recall addressed the OPDA gear composition (too hard, prone to fracture, more prone to damage camshaft if OPDA shaft runs off center) to stop the spectacular failures where the OPDA gear bursts into pieces and stops driving the oil pump.
Note: I have seen at least two pics of 2004 OPDA or older drive gears (older style OPDA not considered prone) that have also failed in the same spectacular way. The OPDA gear on the older models is the exactly same size and has the same style gear splines, shape etc. The mating with the camshaft is the same, but the OPDA unit is different. This just goes to show that some are just luckier than others, some OPDA gears are weak and probably wouldn't pass metallurgy testing.
However, it is obvious the recall didn't fix the OPDA shaft bushing oiling problem. Even then, some stock OPDA units have proven everyone wrong. If the bushing goes bad inside (any brand) and the OPDA has up/down or lateral shaft play, then it can run off-center and/or back and forth on the camshaft gear. This is the typical camshaft gear wear we see. This is a slower, less spectacular failure, but still a problem if you allow a failed OPDA to continue to wear on the camshaft for long period of time.
I took a screenshot of the 2014 Crown advertisement when I was doing my research. Somebody had posted it on another forum.
My list of OPDA Do's and Don'ts
- Don't ignore it if you have problems!
- Do change to the Crown unit if you have OPDA issues (or build you own OPDA with grease-able zerk fitting). Stock or Dorman units are OK, but the design is not considered to be as good if you are buying a new one.
- Don't use aftermarket camshaft sensors on your OPDA. Use only Mopar since the clones seem to pop codes unnecessarily.
- Do check on your OPDA for wear periodically if you are comfortable doing it. If you can't, don't stress it. I don't plan to check mine more than every 15k or so, unless I have issues.
- Do change your oil every 5k using the recommended factory weight. Oil that pours well at low temps is best in colder climates so the OPDA/camshaft gears are lubricated as fast as possible on cold startup.
- Do check your oil every 500 miles or so. If you leak or burn any oil, keep it topped off between changes. This will make sure the gear-on-gear OPDA to camshaft connection stays lubricated as well as it can AND that plenty of oil is getting to the OPDA shaft to keep it lubricated (see Crown pic above).
- Don't use extra ZDDP anti-wear additive. ZDDP is actually bad on our catalytic converters. If you want it, choose an oil that has a reasonable amount already in it.
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I guess the cool thing is I end up with a spare Crown, with less that 5k miles on it if its not my OPDA squeaking.
Just an update, did 2 or 3 cold starts last night, no noise at all. This am, 26 degrees out and quiet as well. Maybe I can stop living in my fear of the OPDA. Later today Ill put the belt back on and see if something squeals.
Just an update, did 2 or 3 cold starts last night, no noise at all. This am, 26 degrees out and quiet as well. Maybe I can stop living in my fear of the OPDA. Later today Ill put the belt back on and see if something squeals.
That's why it is important to temper and ground any anxieties about jeep issues.. especially about the OPDA.
2 OPDAs.. instead could of been mods bro!
Seriously! Gotta find a way to stop living in OPDA fears. Is there a pill for that?
Had my own little spending spree on the LJ this year, good one overall, not at the epic Chris levels! [emoji12].
New furnace at the house has pretty much ended all my fun mods this year.
I would love to see a reality TV show with @Chris and his TJ build! Just follow the script from his build thread and throw in heated discussions about on frivolous spending with the wife. It would be gold. I would watch the show no doubt! We could use it to explain our own diseases to our wives, and that we are not alone and that it could be much worse, LOL. Somebody out there in Oregon should start recording now
Could be a Youtube legend to start and then perhaps land a Netflix series! Here it is after the supercharger install.
I would love to see a reality TV show with @Chris and his TJ build! Just follow the script from his build thread and throw in heated discussions about on frivolous spending with the wife. It would be gold. I would watch the show no doubt! We could use it to explain our own diseases to our wives, and that we are not alone and that it could be much worse, LOL. Somebody out there in Oregon should start recording now
This idea is great. I spend a few hundred and get in trouble, then I can just deflect and say “but look what that Chris guy just spent! I’m saving money honey!”
Maybe if I pitch this reality TV idea to one of those no-name networks like TLC or WeTV, they'd make it happen! Haha
BoldlyGoing
TJ Addict
What does give me some pause for thought is parts availability. The Crown OPDA is available now, but there is no guarantee it always will. I've restored a few old cars and the one acronym in the parts catalogs that could stop me in my tracks was NLA, no longer available. Buying a spare just in case might be prudent, but it hasn't been a priority and will be something I'll get to someday. Maybe. But probably not.
Unless. . . .
Funny you mention that- I was just thinking about this the other day during my blower switch hassle.
The dealer couldn’t get the part I needed (at least practically, they said it’s “expected” to be in stock at the end of December)
Which sent me down a trail of thinking about parts unique, but critical (the big coil pack for example comes to mind).
How long will these things be readily available? What parts should I maybe start hoarding now?
Old thread revival ...
Today, I replaced my OPDA (Dorman) with a Crown. Still using factory sensor. Dorman lasted 3 years or about 2,000 miles on my 2005 TJ.
This is OPDA #3 if one considers the factory unit as #1.
Original did the monkey chirp, but no CEL.
Dorman did the check engine light only, P0340 and P0344.
FYI.
Today, I replaced my OPDA (Dorman) with a Crown. Still using factory sensor. Dorman lasted 3 years or about 2,000 miles on my 2005 TJ.
This is OPDA #3 if one considers the factory unit as #1.
Original did the monkey chirp, but no CEL.
Dorman did the check engine light only, P0340 and P0344.
FYI.
Another old thread revival. I bought a 2006 TJR about 6 months ago from a Jeep dealership. The Jeep, which had 115K miles on it, came with a new engine with a 3 year warranty. The receipt for the new engine has the following:
"Check engine light on. Vehicle has low oil pressure. Was making undescribed noise when customer shut vehicle down and had towed. Caused by vehicle had no oil pressure and knocking"
Seems like OPDA was the cause. The Jeep dealership installed a Dorman OPDA with the new engine.
For $100, seems like inexpensive insurance to just change out the OPDA prior to a catastrophic event.
"Check engine light on. Vehicle has low oil pressure. Was making undescribed noise when customer shut vehicle down and had towed. Caused by vehicle had no oil pressure and knocking"
Seems like OPDA was the cause. The Jeep dealership installed a Dorman OPDA with the new engine.
For $100, seems like inexpensive insurance to just change out the OPDA prior to a catastrophic event.
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