Arrrgh, not again.. Vacuum Headlight Issue and Fuel Vapor question

[82ColEd]

Yes, perfect timing for my passenger side headlight to act up again. I replaced the dust boot and seal on the vacuum actuator a few month back and it was working perfectly.

It starts getting darker, i need the lights now and it's not behaving.

So, i check on a couple of things real quick (Didnt have time on the weekend) but dont find anything conclusive. I am thinking about replacing all of the dang vacuum hoses for the headlights to prevent the age issue (Mine look like they have been renewed once, but that must have been 16 years ago). Dunno yet. Zip has them for $49 for the kit. Any thoughts? Or am i overreacting?

I did find that the AC Selector (inside) started popping the middle plastic button that holds it together so i McGyvered that back in, no more hissing there, but i need to replace it.

But i did come across a hose that looks awefull. From the top of the manifold outlet where the vacuum comes from to the fuel vapor solenoid (i think). That thing is nasty looking and definitly needs replacing. I cant find it on the usual vendors.. Anyone have a clue? :W

I want to toss a couple of items together so i can carry them back (We'll be in the States in 2 weeks for a family visit) and already have the weather strip kit for the doors at my mother in laws..

Thanks in advance, as always..


-Stefan

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Vacuum leaks are invisible and can be anywhere in the system. Why not diagnose properly instead of guessing.

 

[bill81vette]

Stefan ..Welcome back!!!!!!
anyway,check with Doc Rebuild and his site.
he is one of the best for these vacuum hoses for our vettes.
Good Luck!!

here's the link
Dr. Rebuild Corvette Reproduction, OEM, Original and NOS Parts for 1953-1982 models

 

[82ColEd]

Vacuum leaks are invisible and can be anywhere in the system. Why not diagnose properly instead of guessing.

I'm trying Mikey..
Should have some more time this weekend.
So, interpreting what you wrote, instead of replacing all of the hoses, i should find the one having an issue, yes? Ok. Thinking about it, i agree. Spur of the moment thought was just to replace the darn things..

Stefan ..Welcome back!!!!!!
anyway,check with Doc Rebuild and his site.
he is one of the best for these vacuum hoses for our vettes.
Good Luck!!

here's the link
Dr. Rebuild Corvette Reproduction, OEM, Original and NOS Parts for 1953-1982 models

Hey Bill.. Guess i gotta show my sig more often.. Just been a bit busy (for the last few months, seems ot be the norm now:ugh).

The Doc, yes.. Let me see if they got the parts.

But, generally, what is the hose that hooks up to the top manifold vacuum outlet? Is it just a 2" piece of hose and i can just source locally and replace? That one definitly needs replacing. It's flat on one side and cracked and looks like it got fried on the other, manifold, side.


-Stefan

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I'm trying Mikey..
Should have some more time this weekend.
So, interpreting what you wrote, instead of replacing all of the hoses, i should find the one having an issue, yes? Ok. Thinking about it, i agree. Spur of the moment thought was just to replace the darn things..

The hoses get blamed far more often than they should be. I sit back and 'watch' guys on that other web site throwing away time and money making random guesses at which components in the system are causing the fault.

In your case, how do you know it's a hose causing low vacuum, and not a switch, valve, relay, actuator- etc?

 

[damoroso]

Stefan,

Mikey's right. You really should troubleshoot the system step by step. You'll find the problem, and get it fixed once. It wouldn't be a shock to find more than one problem either. The hoses may need to be replaced, but it that doesn't get your problem fixed...

 

[bill81vette]

I
But, generally, what is the hose that hooks up to the top manifold vacuum outlet? Is it just a 2" piece of hose and i can just source locally and replace? That one definitly needs replacing. It's flat on one side and cracked and looks like it got fried on the other, manifold, side.


-Stefan

Stefan here's what I have...mind you I have a carb NOT a cross-fire!
I think this is what you are looking for.

But I agree with the others,troubleshoot your system.then you won't have so many parts to bring back to Germany!!!

If you need a different shot of the engine let me know and I'll see if I can find one for you.

 

[82ColEd]

The hoses get blamed far more often than they should be. I sit back and 'watch' guys on that other web site throwing away time and money making random guesses at which components in the system are causing the fault.

In your case, how do you know it's a hose causing low vacuum, and not a switch, valve, relay, actuator- etc?

Hence why i came here first before ordering, as i knew you guys would calm me down again. Yes, troubleshooting i will. Thanks Mikey & Damoroso

Stefan here's what I have...mind you I have a carb NOT a cross-fire!
I think this is what you are looking for.

But I agree with the others,troubleshoot your system.then you won't have so many parts to bring back to Germany!!!

If you need a different shot of the engine let me know and I'll see if I can find one for you.

Bill, looks like the Carb is different. Where your vacuum hose comes off the
manifold, i have two outlets, the lower one is for the headlight 'circuit' the top one (I believe, dont know for sure) is for the fuel vapor recovery system. Again not sure about what it's called, but the hose leads to the area of the vapor canister, under/beneath the washer fluid bottle. Into a small round 'thing' and the hose is certainly toast.

I dont think it can be anything but a vacuum, as it leads into the manifold, right on top of the vacuum source for the headlights. I'll see if i can measure the diameter of the hose, maybe just a regular automotive, rubber, hose will do. I'll snap a pic of the area over the weekend (and the hose, but i will have to cut off the one side, as it's baked on the vapor canister end outlet).

Fun Fun.

 

[82ColEd]

Allrighty..

1st: Thanks for bringing me back from the cliff, Gents.


Having a look-see under the car, the issue was quite obvious.. The repair i did 6 month ago had an epic fail.. ad

I had replaced the actuator seal with a new one, and that little guy literally broke apart. Luckily i had ordered 2 sets at the time and was able to replace it again. Though it's from the same vendor, i expect it to fail in 6 month. ad

I was amazed as to how quick i got the actuator out, dismembered and put back in. All in about 1 hour. Helps to know where what is, and how to crimp ones fingers and body into the nose of the car from underneath. :ugh :eyerole

Now back to working order, and i ordered a set (ie. 2x kit's) from a different vendor this time. Ah yes, nothing like getting rooked on parts. :eyerole:L

Btw, i found a fuel hose replacement for the odd vacuum hose i was talking about. While it's a bit thicker on the outside, the inside diameter works perfectly.

Here is a pic of the 2nd port on the manifold (Above the headlight vacuum lines with white filter):

And here is the old hose though it's hard to see how crappy that was..

Hose replaced, still need to verify it did anything. :L


-Stefan

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I have found that the front actuator seals will fail in short order if they are installed 'dry'. The rubber doesn't seem to like being dragged across itself. The stuff I used is a silicone grease normally used on swimming pool seals and gaskets. So far so good.

 

[bill81vette]

Glad you found your problem,Stefan!!!

don't you just love the CRAP that all these parts have become!!!

 

[82ColEd]

I have found that the front actuator seals will fail in short order if they are installed 'dry'. The rubber doesn't seem to like being dragged across itself. The stuff I used is a silicone grease normally used on swimming pool seals and gaskets. So far so good.

Good idea Mikey. I'll use the white silicone grease i have.. (Menatlly: crawl under wet car, lift dust cover carefully, spray grease). Yey Fun.. :ugh

Glad you found your problem,Stefan!!!

don't you just love the CRAP that all these parts have become!!!

Sadly, i am left with very little options, being over on this side of the rock. We have a shop here that has most of the parts (or can get them at least), but i do most of ordering and shipping myself to avoid the charges (Nothing unfair, they want to make a living too).

We'll see how this one holds up (with the grease) and if not, i'll try the other kit i will get from the other company.

Thanks again Guys !!


-Stefan

PS: Added benefit: Car runs mucho smoother without the massive Vacuum Leak..

 

[82ColEd]

But before i let you guys go:

Can one of you(s) clarify the upper manifold outlet? Is it the thing for the Fuel Vapor canister? Still not 100% whats what there..


Thanks!