Other than having mistimed my OPDA and correcting that, the most difficult part of the change out was the installation of the clamp. When the clamp was positioned, the bolt extended too far through the clamp and hit the base before it could be positioned to over the threaded hole, causing the clamp to be dislodged. When I would get the clamp in place it was easy to dislodge it from the position over the bolt hole, either because of attempting to insert the bolt or my fingers hitting it. To get the bolt into position over the hole it needed to not extend so far below the clamp or the clamp needed to be fixed over the bolt hole. The space was too confined for me to hold the bolt in position with my fingers and position the bolt at the same time. After finishing the install I noticed the tubing used to find TDC and realized I probably should have made a removable collar to hold the bolt in place in the clamp. I'd watched several vids on how to install the OPDA. In one the presenter said the installer might drop the clamp 20 times. I may have set a record. This collar might save some time as it would allow the clamp and bolt to be positioned so the threads could be started easily while while the clamp was in proper placement. It is made from 1/2 in tubing with .300 hole in the center. A slot is cut in the tubing to make for easy removal after getting the threads started. The washer is to show how the bolt would sit in the clamp.
OPDA should have?
- Thread starter Jcraig
- Start date
Ricochet22
Member
That is a nifty idea. I had trouble getting my bolt in as well. So I thought I might try to use 2 of those telescoping magnetic pick-up tools. I can't even remember where I got these things, but they were laying there, and I thought I would give them a try. The one with the smaller magnet held the collar in place over the hole, and the one with the larger magnet held the head of the bolt so that I could just lower the bolt straight down into the hole. The larger magnet was strong enough that I could actually turn the tool gently, like a screw driver, and get the threads started. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it worked.
I also has a mag pick up rod and tried using it to place the bolt and start the threads but couldn't get the one to work because of mag strength or inability to stabilize the clamp. Didn't think about using a second magnet. A great idea. Thanks for your reply. Maybe these ideas may help someone down the line.
Must have dropped mine that much too. If there is a next time I will just put a stud in the block with a bit of blue locktite. Then nothing to drop. OPDA goes in, washer goes over stud, nut spins right down. They should have done that a long time ago. I know US auto companies are too cheap, but some German or Japanese automaker should have thought of it.
Thanks for your reply. I think that would definitely work and might have tried it if I had not thought the next try would have resulted in success. Sacrificed an Allen wrench and inserted a piece long enough for a bolt hole guide to position the clamp but could not keep the clamp in place upon removing the Allen wrench stub to thread in the bolt. Thanks again.
