C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

1980 Defroster delima

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-30-2015, 09:23 AM
  #1  
BlackC3vette
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
BlackC3vette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Received 73 Likes on 69 Posts

Default 1980 Defroster delima

Hopefully somebody has seen this before. The Heat/AC control unit will not change the fans air direction from from the bottom vent to the defroster or the upper vents. I took the plug off the back of the switch and applying vacuum to the three vent hoses, I can get the air to divert. The defroster and vent will work. If I take a hose from the source vacuum on the plug and connect it to each of the three hoses (with the engine running) the engine vacuum will work the other vents. Hook the switch back up and nothing, It's a new switch, is this just another Chinese made part?
Old 07-30-2015, 11:06 AM
  #2  
1Hotrodz
Drifting
 
1Hotrodz's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2014
Location: NJ
Posts: 1,251
Received 219 Likes on 158 Posts
Default

Did you check the vacuum reservoir? It could be cracked. Some are metal cans and some are black plastic. Also do you have vacuum at the control head? I believe there is a Vac Sw. on the fan speed selector which directs vac. to the mode selector (heat, vent. defrost,etc) once a fan speed is selected. Also, there may be a heater valve for the heat core which shuts off coolant flow to the core when the temperature lever is at cool (far left position). Any one of these lines has a leak it will bleed off vacuum from the system. Start at the intake manifold Vac. fitting and follow the vacuum lines.
Old 07-30-2015, 03:16 PM
  #3  
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
Posts: 76,656
Received 1,813 Likes on 1,458 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Default

If you can get the defrost to work with your vacuum pump then I'd take a good look at that switch.

Its common for the vacuum select switches to fail even when new and even when GM made them. They are just two plastic halves held together with a plastic rivet and a tension spring. First I would try a small drop of oil in one of the tubes and work it around to see if it will seal it up. If it doesn't then I'd return the switch for a replacement.

Willcox
Old 07-30-2015, 08:26 PM
  #4  
toobroketoretire
Melting Slicks
 
toobroketoretire's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2009
Location: Great Plains Iowa
Posts: 2,632
Likes: 0
Received 114 Likes on 108 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by BlackC3vette
Hopefully somebody has seen this before. The Heat/AC control unit will not change the fans air direction from from the bottom vent to the defroster or the upper vents. I took the plug off the back of the switch and applying vacuum to the three vent hoses, I can get the air to divert. The defroster and vent will work. If I take a hose from the source vacuum on the plug and connect it to each of the three hoses (with the engine running) the engine vacuum will work the other vents. Hook the switch back up and nothing, It's a new switch, is this just another Chinese made part?

Over time the 7-terminal rubber plugin gets stretched and will no longer seal vacuum to the zinc switch. I cut the hoses off my plugin one-by-one and plugged them directly onto the switch and that did the trick. To make sure I never crossed the hoses I labeled each one with masking tape and a Sharpie felt pen and also drew a diagram showing where each hose plugged onto the switch and kept the diagram under the console for future reference.
Old 07-31-2015, 10:43 AM
  #5  
BlackC3vette
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
 
BlackC3vette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2012
Posts: 943
Received 73 Likes on 69 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette
If you can get the defrost to work with your vacuum pump then I'd take a good look at that switch.

Its common for the vacuum select switches to fail even when new and even when GM made them. They are just two plastic halves held together with a plastic rivet and a tension spring. First I would try a small drop of oil in one of the tubes and work it around to see if it will seal it up. If it doesn't then I'd return the switch for a replacement.

Willcox
It' a new switch that I purchased from you folks. I tried another new switch from a local corvette guy with the same results. So, I gave your info number a call. I apologize for not remembering who I spoke to, but he was very patient. I know that Willcox is not just a supplier but also has an active shop. You guys don't make these parts but you have to work with the same quality. The gentleman I spoke to actually walked out into the shop area and came back with an answer. The answer actually worked!
Thank you for being a company that cares!
Old 08-01-2015, 07:34 PM
  #6  
0Willcox Corvette
Former Vendor
 
Willcox Corvette's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2006
Location: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
Posts: 76,656
Received 1,813 Likes on 1,458 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

Default

Originally Posted by BlackC3vette
It' a new switch that I purchased from you folks. I tried another new switch from a local corvette guy with the same results. So, I gave your info number a call. I apologize for not remembering who I spoke to, but he was very patient. I know that Willcox is not just a supplier but also has an active shop. You guys don't make these parts but you have to work with the same quality. The gentleman I spoke to actually walked out into the shop area and came back with an answer. The answer actually worked!
Thank you for being a company that cares!
Good Deal.. glad you got it fixed.

Willcox

Get notified of new replies

To 1980 Defroster delima




Quick Reply: 1980 Defroster delima



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:06 AM.