razman

i'm restoring 68' coupe, and was just getting ready to clean up the vacuum canister and mount it...it isn't rusted or beat up, but doesn't hold vacuum??? must have a bad seam or something...anyone else run into this, can they be repaired? thanks, Rick

MelWff

As long as it isnt totally rusted you should be able to solder or epoxy a leak.

Easy Mike

I'm not certain it needs to hold vacuum for very long, but applying vacuum to either side of it should tell you whether the diaphragm is good.

Raphiki

There's a diaphragm in the vacuum canister? I thought it was just a big empty can to store vacuum pressure with some connecters on the side.

razman

uhhhhhhhhh, i didn't know they had a diaphragm...that may be my problem, the canister looks great, .......but if there is a bladder or some type of diaphragm inside, that's probably my problem, it doesn't hold vacuum now...(simple suck the air out of it and block both holes test)
can the diaphragm be repaired or am i S.O.O.L. ?

MelWff

I'm unaware of a diaphgram either

Raphiki

Having a diaphragm in the canister makes no sense. Try pressurizing the canister and see where the air is leaking (if it is). That's your leak. Solder or epoxy should fix it.

Easy Mike

Without a diaphram, how does the actuator rod move to open and close the wiper door?

The cans are sealed units; if the diaphram is bad, they cannot be repaired.

Raphiki

The actuator and the canister are 2 different things. The canister is just the big can that accumulates the vacuum and the actuator has the diaphragms and rods to open and close the headlights and wiper covers.

Easy Mike

The wiper door actuator is the cannister. Cylindrical for 68 and most 69s;


Pie pan for late 69 and all 70-72.

Raphiki

Try these 2 links.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=24616
http://willcoxcorvette.com/product_i...ducts_id=26643

Raphiki

We're using different terms for the same parts. Maybe the OP can tell us if he means the hollow vacuum retaining container under the driver's side fender or the wiper actuator on the passenger's side.

Easy Mike

Your first link is for 80-82 vacuum reserve tank; not an actuator.
You second link is for a vacuum relay (headlight or wiper door); also not an actuator.

I thought the OP was working with his wiper door actuator since they are commonly called "cannisters".

If he means vacuum reserve tank on the rear of the left fender skirt, then you are correct - nothing in those except empty space to store vacuum.

RAZMAN: which is it? Actuator or reserve tank?

MelWff

I also assumed this discussion was about the reserve tank

Raphiki

OK - We're on the same page:

razman

yes, i'm talking about the storage canister mounted behind left fender...so it CAN be repaired if leaking right??

Alan 71

Hi r,
Yes they can be repaired.
It's a good thing too since they're not being reproduced so used ones have gotten pricey.
I'd first determine where the leak is by pressurizing the tank slightly. The position and size of the leak should help determine the method of repair.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

7T1vette

If you find a leak, it's easy to repair. Since it holds 'vacuum' (rather than pressure), you can patch it on the outside. JB Weld putty stick epoxy will do a great job....after you use some sandpaper to get down to a 'fresh' surface to stick it to. Re-paint with semi-flat or satin black paint when done.

razman

thanks everyone.....WHEW! we're all on the same page now...sorry about the confusion! Rick

Easy Mike

Yep. We're on the same page although I have never called the reserve tank a "cannister."