AC Vacuum Switch Testing

[Nunes81]

Does anyone know how to test the AC switch on a 81 Vette?

 

[Ken Anderson]

Any part that old, when in doubt, replce it.

 

[Yoda]

I've had my AC/Heater switch apart a few times :eek and it's something that I would prefer not to do again

Testing it... hmmm about the only way I can think of is to see if the air conditioning comes on (compressor) when you move the lever to Air, and see if the Heat comes on when moved to Heat and if the Vent works correctly and in the off position the vent is closed.

I'll attach a photo of the switch.. The problem I had a couple of times was the lever would hang up.. it actually comes off track on the cover slide for the vacumm diaphram.. What I ended up doing was finding a large washer, and JB Weld it to the plastic guide so the lever is always in contact with the diaphram raceways. It's worked great ever since.

If the lever is binding... DO NOT Force it it will either break the lever or the lever mech.. The diaphram itself is a rubber cover that matches up over the grooves that direct the vacumm to open or close ducts and turns on and off Air/Heat/Vents

Good luck

Bud