C3 Actuator Relays

[Gregory G.]

I have seen many posts regarding them,but no definitive explanation on how to test them to see if they work properly before installing them in the car.A bad unit will blow out the seal out of the rear of the pie pan actuator for the wipers,is one example or slow wiper door and headlight opening and closing .Are they rebuildable? Its looks like its made similiar to the fuel pumps,crimped units,again non rebuildable.

Greg

[Roberto L.]

Re: C3 Actuator Relays

Hello, if you are refering to the vac relay valves, they should hold vacumn applied to the upper metal inlet when you push the piston up. You may use a pencil or something similar. They leak through the rubber piston and through the inner diaphragm.

I dissasembled the valves uncrimping the round ring with infinite patience, then I repaired the diaphragm and recrimped them with great success. But you will notice the repair, particularly in my 70, where one of the valves are very visible, behind the master cylinder. I did it because I live in the south... of America, where the vette is a rara avis...

Good luck, Roberto, NCRS #30019, RMC