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headlamp issue - is this a quick fix?

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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 03:20 PM
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Default headlamp issue - is this a quick fix?

I'm sure this is a common Corvette issue. My driver's headlamp tends to "wink" under throttle. I figure it's probably a vacuum problem, but how do I go about correcting it?
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 03:45 PM
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Here's a link to a site that will help you figure out yhr issue. Just click on "vacuum trouble" once you are there... good luck

http://www.corvette-101.com/
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 05:22 PM
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Lots of info there, thanks for the link!
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Old Jun 28, 2006 | 06:06 PM
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There is a vacuum check valve in the line coming from the manifold to the resevoir tank. Sounds like yours is bad so the vacuum in the tank follows the manifold vacuum. Cheap fix.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 12:25 AM
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Okay, I read the troubleshooting guide and the first steps I took was to replace both the check valve and filter from the manifold. This didn't fix the problem Without hooking up the vacuum pump to all the components I'm thinking a bad actuator relay valve?? It only affects the driver's headlamp, and only under heavy throttle (i.e., going up hills). Also I now realize my headlamps do not go up like they should when the car isn't running.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 08:52 AM
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are all of your head light springs in place and in good condition?

you should have 4 total per head light.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Duke94
There is a vacuum check valve in the line coming from the manifold to the resevoir tank. Sounds like yours is bad so the vacuum in the tank follows the manifold vacuum. Cheap fix.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 10:02 AM
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be careful when replacing the check valves....... they must be installed in the correct direction.
Easy mistake to make if you aren't aware of this.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by PSU 98
Okay, I read the troubleshooting guide and the first steps I took was to replace both the check valve and filter from the manifold. This didn't fix the problem Without hooking up the vacuum pump to all the components I'm thinking a bad actuator relay valve?? It only affects the driver's headlamp, and only under heavy throttle (i.e., going up hills). Also I now realize my headlamps do not go up like they should when the car isn't running.
I have the same problem as you, exactly. It's even on the driver side. The problem existed before the motor swap and I just never got around to fixing it. Read as too many other problems. Anyway, I believe I've tracked it down to the actuator relay valve. I bought a replacement and will install it this weekend assuming I can contortion myself to getting to the screws holding it in place. Does not look like fun. I'll let you know how it turns out.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 01:37 PM
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Just to reiterate: I have installed a new check valve. I made sure it was installed just like the old one was removed (the old one was original, so I don't think that was installed the wrong way).
I will check all the headlamp springs, just to rule that out.
Razorhorn, keep me updated! I'm thinking a leaky actuator valve,based on the fact that it only affects one side and the reservoir doesn't seem to be holding vacuum.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 01:44 PM
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Default hey PSU

Just wanted to say hi.

I'm a PSU alum too (97), good to see another Lion on the boards.

Main campus?
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 01:47 PM
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Originally Posted by BarryK
be careful when replacing the check valves....... they must be installed in the correct direction.
Easy mistake to make if you aren't aware of this.
Pretty hard to do with this one unless you're blind or incoherent - there's one in (to carb base or intake !! Manifold Vacuum !!) and two out.

Last edited by pws69; Jul 13, 2006 at 02:46 PM.
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Old Jul 13, 2006 | 04:27 PM
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Hey wxw,

I graduated from University Park in '98. Used to live across from Pennsylvania Pizza on College Avenue (geez I can't even remember the name of the apartment complex anymore).
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Old Jul 17, 2006 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by PSU 98
Just to reiterate: I have installed a new check valve. I made sure it was installed just like the old one was removed (the old one was original, so I don't think that was installed the wrong way).
I will check all the headlamp springs, just to rule that out.
Razorhorn, keep me updated! I'm thinking a leaky actuator valve,based on the fact that it only affects one side and the reservoir doesn't seem to be holding vacuum.
Well, I did get around to replacing the relay valve with a new replacement. Now I have a monster vacuum leak somewhere and the idle is very rough. It's somewhere in the assembly I just dinked with. Other priorities usurped me fixing it this weekend. I'll keep you posted how it turns out.
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Old Jul 17, 2006 | 12:33 PM
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Thanks, I'll be checking back in
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