BeachinVette

Okay I went completely through the vacum lines. I changed the two relays (with used ones) The only thing I can think now is it is in the can. Did Maxwell house get any kick back for this cheese setup??? I have two very small what looks like drain holes and a very slight rusted crack in thecan no more than a 1/2 inch long. I will guess this is my problem. I hear when I pull either switch the vacum load up at the switch but no movement up or down. can I build one of these cans out of a COFFEE can? Are there any chambers in this can? Or are all the inlets just going into the can?

Thanks Bob

daniel77350

the seal in the middle clamps down on a rubber inner memebrain that has the "rod" attached to it. I believe. you should check the seals at the front of the can around the rod. take up that acordian style thingy, and under it will be the seal. They are only $10 a peice, so i'd suggest replacing them anyway, because there is a good chance your leaking some out of there...

There is a website on the replacement of the seals. My particular problem was the seals where bad, one can was completely rusted through(j-b weld fixed it though)...and both of my relays where shot. I rebuilt the relays and got 1 good one out of two bad ones...then I t'ed off my lines to either actuator(can), and I had to bypass my resivoir, because its built into the frame and is shot, only way to replce it is some chassis work, and I don't want to get into that.

I will post in a second with the address.

Daniel

79MakoL82

Are you sure your actuator seals are OK? That's what caused my lights to fail.

daniel77350

http://zip-corvette.com/has.htm
that'll show you how to replace them...

I also suggest checking the seals...it seems to be the first place that goes on a lot of headlight systems...

Daniel

Easy Mike

You don't need the coffee can; it's there only for a vacuum reserve to allow the lights to cycle a time or two with the engine off. Disconnect and plug the vacuum lines to the can. Start the engine for a vacuum source and try the lights. If they raise/lower, your vacuum leak is the can. If they do not cycle, you leak is elsewhere.
:)

79MakoL82

GOOD CALL, Easy Mike. Sometime the hardest thing to see is the obvious...DOH!!!

Ace77

Once you get the actuators sealed up, make sure that the hinges on either side each headlight assembly are well lubed.
If you can, you should also try to get at the various other parts that swivel and slide against each other.
I just finished rebuilding my assemblies and the difference in force required to raise or lower is unbelievable.

BeachinVette

I guess I should have put in the first post what I had already done. I did bypass the can and hooked the vacum straight to the actuators nad I was able to raise and lower the lights that way. So by what easy Mike is saying confirms what I was thinking. It is in the can. The 76 frame had the "can" built into the frame where the 80 has the coffee can. The 80 stuff is what I am using. As soon as my 9mo old son takes his nap I will hook my lines direct to the actuators from the relay and post my results.
Thanks for the input guy`s.
Bob

daniel77350

ya that works too. :lol:

I thought you ment actuators...my fault.

Ya I have a 77 and the resivoir is built into the chassis. :cuss
what where they thinking????
obviously they realized the fault because they changed it shortly after. Im about to do my engine detail, and part of it is rebuilding the assemblies...hopefully that will get my headlights to come up together.

Daniel

BeachinVette

Okay Guy`s UPDATE :) :) :) :) :) :)
They are going up and down :D :D :D :D
One at a time and slow but I may just T another vacum sorce in to the system. See if I can get some faster action!!!
Thanks for your Help
Bob

daniel77350

mine are the same, Im going to rebuild the assemblies and see if I can't at least get them to go together...If it works I'll let you know.

Daniel

BeachinVette

Keep me informed Daniel
Thanks
Bob

Woodstoc

The storage can (coffee can) helps with the lights working at the same time. Once you build up vacumn, a check valve in the lines near the intake keeps vacumn on the system, if there are no leaks. You might want to see if the check valve is working, its about $20.00 if I remember correctly. There is also a filter in the line that if clogged, will slow down the operation due to restriction.

If you want it to work right, you should replace or repair the storage can. JB weld might seal it up without having to buy a new one.

Techno

My '68 has a vacuum tank on the left fender. It in no way resembles a coffee can. Its purpose was for engines that didn't supply alot of vacuum at idle.
You can isolate the lines so only one light works. If this doesn't speed it up then its the headlight motor seals or the motor. Best would be to hook a hose from one light to engine vacuum.
I like the somewhat slow opening, more dramatic!