72 corvette

[David Keenan]

My left head light will not open all the way. Is it the vacumm can that requires replacing?

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 corvette

David-----

It is likely the vacuum actuator. However, most of the time it will not need to be replaced. The first thing to try is replacing the actuator shaft seal. These seals, never available from GM as a seperate part, are sold by vendors like Dr. Rebuild and others for about $15. Most of the time, they will cure the problem and return the actuator to full functionality.

[Walt McGaw]

Re: 72 corvette

Joe,

Is this true of headlights that do not come up together as well, or am I looking at more diagnosing?

I know I have another issue, where after shutting the engine off, I can hear a vacuum bleed down after about 5-10 seconds that is rather loud.

Thank you,
Walt

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 corvette

Walt-----

If one headlight door is significantly slower than the other, the seal would be a good first-try item to replace. Most of the time, I think that it will solve the problem. However, the doors usually do not open at exactly the same rate.

[Walt McGaw]

Re: 72 corvette

Thanks Joe!

My one light actually starts to open, then suspends operation till the other light is fully open. Then it snaps to attention I was wondering if it had something to do with the vacuum leakdown I hear after shutting the car off each time. I do have pretty good manifold vacuum and all of the vacuum operated items (like the wiper door) also work fine.

Walt