I can't see the light!

[Bob Booth]

I have a 72' coupe that currently has non-functioning headlight doors as well as the w.w.door. They used to work ok but both went bad at the same time. The headlight actuators hold vaccuum, so I assume that isn't the problem. I also installed new vac. hoses with no luck but noticed that on the diagram it shows two actuator relays for the lites while mine has only one which is teed off and connected to both door actuators (this is the way I bought it). Though it was working in this configuration, I ordered two new ones to fix it and hope that maybe the orig. one was bad. My question is, if the relay(s) for the lites went bad, would this also effect the wiper door operation since the system is all connected even though it has it's own relay? I also installed a new wiper actuator diaphragm so I think it's ok. My next step is to check for a leak in the reservior tank but I don't hold much hope for this because this car does not run well at all with a vaccuum leak as I found out when the brake booster sprung a leak. It is running fine now, so I am at a loss. Also, this problem hasn't effected the original (and ongoing) problem that I have with the headlight doors opening by themselves after moderate acceleration. I've gotten some suggestions on how to correct this (maybe bad check valve) from this discussion board but won't get a chance to try it until I get it all put back together right. I assume the two problems aren't related since it also happened while everything was working ok. Anyway, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks and HAPPY NEW YEAR!


Bob Booth

[Tom B.]

Re: I can't see the light!

Bob,


I haven't had the pleasure to have to troubleshoot my vacuum system for about a year (knock on wood) but my initial suggestion would be to start at the beginning where the system draws it's power from the intake manifold. From what it sounds like, the two problems (wiper door and headlights) are and would be related.


Additionally, do you hear any vacuum hissing (leaks) from things like the override switches under the dash, any engine compartment hose connections, etc? I'll also look at it a little further while others post suggestions. TBarr #24014

[Bob Booth]

Re: I can't see the light!

Tom,


I'm sure that the problem of lite doors and w.w. door not working are related,if that's what you mean, but I'm not sure if it's related to the problem of lite doors opening by themselves as this was happening while the others were working and also after they stopped (Any ideas?). Unless it was a symptom of the new glitch, I don't know. It would be great to fix one and have the other fixed with it!


I don't hear any vaccuum leaks anywhere under the hood or dash (of course it's hard to hear under the hood with all those horses running around, ha ha). Maybe I'll check the headlite switch to make sure the hoses aren't loose (that's a jobnahalf).I already checked the hoses I can easily reach under the dash (override switches, etc.) and everything seems ok. Anyway, thanks for responding and I look forward to any other input.


Bob

[Jack H.]

Re: I can't see the light!

More than one post on this subject in the archives. Get a copy of a vacuum system troubleshooting guide to understand the 'lay of the land' (dual systems -- power and control, systems in parallel, you'll then understand how RH headlight and wiper door are related).


Next, don't look for that 'single' problem -- there's usually more than one thing below par on cars of this age. It's necessary to find ALL the problems/issues, one at a time, and fix 'em. In the end, it will work, mon!

[Bob Booth]

Re: Troubleshooting guide?!@ Where?! Where?!

Jack,


Where do I find a copy of this vacuum system troubleshooting guide. I've been looking in all the wrong places?! It's like the Holy Grail of corvettetroubledom for me!


Thanks, Bob

[Tom B.]

Re: Troubleshooting guide?!@ Where?! Where?!

Bob,


It's called "TROUBLESHOOTING The 1968 - 1982 Corvette Headlight and Windshield Wiper Door Vacuum System" and last time I checked it was available for about $10 in the Driveline. Unless I missed it, I didn't happen to see it listed here at the website with the Merchandise. Sorry I didn't mention it, I have it and had thought of letting you know earlier, too. TBarr #24014

[Bob Booth]

Re: Driveline, Tom? Where?!

Tom,


Thanks for replying. I don't want to seem naive, but, what is the "Driveline"? Is this available through NCRS? I am currently not a member though I am seriously considering joining as it is obvious that there are many benefits. I am very new to this site and I shied away from joining NCRS because my car isn't "numbers matching" and all of that and thought it was more for the purists. But judging by some of the feedback and helpful advice I've seen on this site, it seems that many of you are just regular guys like me who happen to love Corvettes. It's refreshing. Anyway, thanks again!


Bob

[Bob Booth]

Re: Never mind Tom...I found it! YAY!

Thanks, Tom. I'm joinin' asap!


Bob

[Tom B.]

Re: Great....

...see ya "on Board", Bob. TBarr #24014

[Jack H.]

Thanks for pinch hittin', Tom....

Was off in Vail doing Y2K and ski. Glad you jumped in and made the pitch. Glad, poster understands NCRS has multi-levels of activity and support!


In closing, NCRS National is the key sponsor. But, if all you do is join there, read the magazines, and use the facilities, you're missing the ACTION.... Once you're an NCRS National member, you qualify to join as many chapters as you like.


Each has their own silhouette and activity schedule. But, in ALL of 'em you'll find it's where the rubber meets the road. There are local folks to talk to, get help from, LEARN from and more fully enjoy the sport. A membership at the National level isn't going to do much for helping you find out who's who in your neighborhood. That's where you and your Corvette live, so take the extra dip into your pocketbook and join your local chapter and get active at the same time. You'll be glad you did....