Ben N

I forgot to ask...
Is there actually a differenct between the Headlight Relay Valve and the Wiper Door Relay Valve???

I see a "B" after the Door Relay Valve on Willcox's website.

Thanks Again,
Ben N

Alan 71

Hi Ben,
They're both the same.
As tough as the systems are to figure out it would be "cruel & unusual punishment" if there were 2 different relays too!
Regards,
Alan

Ben N

Thanks again Alan.

Yes, that WOULD be mean, had they been different. LOL...

PS: I'm SURE I'll have more questions.
Ben

marshal135

Ask Alan to see his picture of the headlight/wiper vac inventor.
He has it hanging upside down over his dartboard
Please keep askin away that's how we all learnt it.
Marshal

Ben N

LOL... @ Marshal135


Hi Alan,
You mentioned the AIM (which is what I think you're referring to, please see my pic on page 1 of this Thread).

Where do you suggest I get the GM Chassis Service Manual from, GM or Haynes or someone like that?
Also, where can I obtain a Vacuum System Trouble Shooting Guide from???


Thanks Again Fellas!!!
Ben

marshal135

An Aim you can get from one of the supporting vendors, Wilcox has a great visual section on his site copy, print, and hang off your tool box.

The orig. manual is what you want. No Hayes.
There are two books, chassis and engine. Get reprints off ebay or vendors.
Gotcha covered Alan.
Marshal

Dave J

Ben, One of the best sources for your troubleshooting guide is right here. There are countless threads on this very subject. There is also a "sticky" post with a link to it HERE.

90% of the vacuum system issues can be diagnosed simply by the following procedures.

1 - Disconnect the front and rear vacuum hoses from the headlight actuators.
2 - With the H/L lids down, connect the Mityvac to the rear vacuum ports and pump them down. They should hold vacuum. If not, they simply need replacing.
3 - With the H/L lids up, connect to the front vacuum ports and pump them down. They should hold vacuum. If not, the front seals simply need replacing.
4 - Reconnect the actuator hoses, and disconnect the middle and lower relay vacuum hoses, one relay at a time.
5 - Connect to the middle relay vacuum port, and block the lower port with your finger or a short blocked section of hose. Pump up the Mityvac, and the relay should hold vacuum. If not, replace it, or if it is an original GM (AC spark on the lower plastic part) it can be rebuilt.

Do these tests and report back...........

loup68

Just for general information, I saw in a junk yard years ago, a 67,68 Camaro with the RS option. That is the hidden headlights. They used the same vacuum relay, but it had a different shape metal bracket. Lou.

Dave J

The 67 Camaro RS used electric headlight motors. Many owners had major issues with the operation, especially in less than ideal conditions. In 1968 the design changed to our familiar vacuum operated system.

Ben N

Hi Dave J,
Since I swapped the relay Valves, the headlights now work, but the Wiper Door doesn't.
I took the MityVac to the components this AM, and confirmed that it's that one Relay Valve that's the culprit.
So I'll be ordering one today. (amongst a few other goodies).


Next-Up:
1) Backup Lights Not Working
2) Parking Brake Not Working (probably just needs to be adjusted).
3) Check Fiber Optics
4) Check Windshield Washer System
5) Check Headlight Washer System (If it has one! LOL...)

Iceaxe

I recently ordered 5 of the cheap Chinese vacuum relays. All 5 failed within two weeks. So... I wouldn't waste my money on those. Perhaps someone can recommend a reliable replacement.

marshal135

Hello,
I can say my friend Dave knows Vac!
He probably has forgotten more on the subject than I'll ever know.
Stay away from the repro crap....I'm being polite.
I struggled and wasted a few peoples time on this forum chasing
a vac leak because I thought my new HL actuators were good.
Here 2 repro actuators installed 6 mos earlier, 1 complete fail, other weak. As stated above relays tend to be from the same sweat shop.

Find some old AC ones on craigslist,here on the forum or Ebay.
Ask Dave very very nicely and he may rebuild them for you.
Then that part of the problem is removed from the equation.
I recently found funtional GM actuators.
They are going on when I get some me time.
This forum is the holy grail of knowledge use it.
One thing I can say is after going over the system
with Dave, I have gained allot of knowledge.
I'm just sorry, I missed the chance to meet him at Carlisle this year.
Marshal

Dave J

Ben, I would still do the check on all the H/L components if you haven't already. Even a very small vacuum leak can do strange things if compounded.

Have you put a Mityvac on your wiper door safety valve? A very simple test is to connect to the middle vacuum port and pump it down with the door up and the plunger extended. It should hold vacuum. Next, push the plunger down, and block the lower port with your finger or a blocked hose. Pump it down and it should hold vacuum. With the vacuum still applied, release the lower port block and atmosphere should enter the lower port.

Good luck with your project.

Iceaxe;

Your rebuilt relay will be on the way to you Tuesday!

Marshal;

You are too kind. I enjoy helping fellow members. The vacuum system is actually easy if recommendations are followed.

Really sorry we missed connecting at Carlisle. Maybe next year.