ahhh headlight fun

[wrc3]

So finally got the vacuum system working so the lights pop up nicely. Only problem is that when I turn them off the drivers side light goes down and then about about a 2 second pause the passenger side goes down. Any ideas?

B

 

[MichelP]

Here's what I think of vacuum operated lights,
http://www.mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products.html
I think it's the only way to go.
Just an opinion anyway.

 

[jdp6000]

I have the same problem. I'm not sure what the solution is. I think it may have to do with the distribution valve mounted on the header between the lights. Let us know what you find out.

Jim

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

This is a sign that you may still have a leak somewhere. Could be anywhere, the system needs to be at full engine vacuum to really snap the lights open and closed like when the car was new.

 

[wrc3]

This is a sign that you may still have a leak somewhere. Could be anywhere, the system needs to be at full engine vacuum to really snap the lights open and closed like when the car was new.

I think you are right. The vacuum hadn't had time to really get going. After getting in the car last night and driving around for about 30 minutes the lights went up and down as expected.

Just a note when I first was troubleshooting the system I replaced the hoses and the actuators and nothing. After taking some time and thinking about it again I put one of my old actuators back in and it worked. So I grabbed another acutator and it worked fine too. The two actuators I had gotten brand new from Ecklers were both non-functioning. I have since gotten a vacuum hand pump and tested and sure enough they don't work. Just terrible production value in my opinion.

B

 

[Bill75]

The two actuators I had gotten brand new from Ecklers were both non-functioning. I have since gotten a vacuum hand pump and tested and sure enough they don't work. Just terrible production value in my opinion.

B

Wow, that's enough to make your blood boil for sure!!!!

Another spot that's prone to leaking is the seal on the actuator shaft on the vacuum canister. I brought one of mine back to life by changing it, about $8 vs $100. Mine was real slow coming up and took a long time to get to the lock position. Works fine now.

 

[wrc3]

Wow, that's enough to make your blood boil for sure!!!!

Ya I have enough problems troubleshooting without having to assume brand new products are faulty.

 

[juggler]

Another spot that's prone to leaking is the seal on the actuator shaft on the vacuum canister.

Can you give me an idea where that's located? I am in the process of ordering a service manual for my '76, but unitl it comes in I am using a Chilton's to locate things.

My lights will come up OK, but the passenger side will either not go down or work sporadically.

 

[Bill75]

Go here, click on "seal and boot" :

http://www.madvet.com/shop?frame=4.249.1273