Help with headlight vacuum system
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Help with headlight vacuum system
I was fiddling with my harmonica connector the other night to get my turn signals working again (not sure why they keep going out, but if I disconnect and reconnect it seems to work). I must of accidentally pulled out a hose that must be part of the vacuum system for the headlights. When I drove my vert today the headlights went up (but lights were not on) and I can hear the hissing noise of the air. I found the hose (grey hose, two holes on connecting end) but not sure where I plug it into. Can any tell me or give me a picture of what it connects to? I checked my Chilton book quickly but couldn't find it. Also I assume the headlights will just go down again when I restart the car with the hose line reconnected?
As always - thanks for educating me!
Rick
As always - thanks for educating me!
Rick
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yeah the headlights will go back down once the vacuum leak is shored up.
The vacuum lines for the headlights will either go to the headlight switch or to the override switch. I would suggest getting on your back on the floor looking up with some good light.
The override switch is right there under the dash knee pad, so you'll be able to see easily if there are vacuum lines connected to it.
If they are connected it'll get a bit harder since they probably came off of the headlight switch which is much harder to get to. But, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it if the lines are connected properly to the override switch.
The vacuum lines for the headlights will either go to the headlight switch or to the override switch. I would suggest getting on your back on the floor looking up with some good light.
The override switch is right there under the dash knee pad, so you'll be able to see easily if there are vacuum lines connected to it.
If they are connected it'll get a bit harder since they probably came off of the headlight switch which is much harder to get to. But, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it if the lines are connected properly to the override switch.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
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From: Camp Hill PA
Thanks. I know the line is not connected. It's hanging down below my dash near the steering column. There is air coming from the line. I'm just not sure what that line plugs into. That is why I was hoping for a picture. Where are the switches in comparison to the steering column? And what do they look like? I was figuring it might be two prongs for the hose to plug onto, but I'm guessing. I'll look at it once I get home from the office tonight.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Thanks. I know the line is not connected. It's hanging down below my dash near the steering column. There is air coming from the line. I'm just not sure what that line plugs into. That is why I was hoping for a picture. Where are the switches in comparison to the steering column? And what do they look like? I was figuring it might be two prongs for the hose to plug onto, but I'm guessing. I'll look at it once I get home from the office tonight.
Yeah the override switch should be directly under the column, it's a push/pull switch, with the two tube nipples on it. Hopefully that's where the lines popped off of. I don't have an image but it's really easy to find when you know to look for it.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
I think I know what you're referring to. There a little black **** on the outside, part of a metal plate system. I felt behind it coming into the office, felt like it might have two prongs to attach to. There's nothing attached to it now so must of come from there. I'll even try and post some pictures later for the next guy. I have some other wires under there that I would like to ID anyways.
BTW - whats the pull **** on my side for?
BTW - whats the pull **** on my side for?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I think I know what you're referring to. There a little black **** on the outside, part of a metal plate system. I felt behind it coming into the office, felt like it might have two prongs to attach to. There's nothing attached to it now so must of come from there. I'll even try and post some pictures later for the next guy. I have some other wires under there that I would like to ID anyways.
BTW - whats the pull **** on my side for?
BTW - whats the pull **** on my side for?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
Hey Rick
You did pull something loose and the headlights have popped because that is position they go to if something is wrong so you'll still have headlights. Somewhere in between the headlight switch and the override switch and maybe even on over to the solenoid, which is just behind the Tach, you have pulled something loose. Do like DB said, lay down under the dash with your back in the floor and look up with a flashlight... find the loose hose and trace it back. There should be two lines going to the headlight switch... one white/grey stripped, and one blue stripped. I think the blue goes closest to the dash on the vac ports, then it comes down and attaches to the overide and then through the solenoid. I THINK! I am recalling this from memory from a few months back.... you should go ahead and think about ordering the electrical schematic and vac sys schematics from DocRebuild... i think they are like 15- 20 bucks... and damn well worth it.... if someone else doesn't come in with the specifics PM me and I can look at my schematic tonight and get the routing for you ...
hth,
Sully
hth,
Sully
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
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From: Camp Hill PA
Thanks - now I realize why that **** doesn't do anything when I pull/push/turn it. My hood is not the original. Engine was rebuilt and new hood was put on to make room for higher air cleaner (I believe). When they put the new hood on it didn't fit with the wiper door - so they took it off (the wiper door). No wiper door. Which kind of stinks because I think the wiper door is cool, but oh well.
I'll get back to you guys once I check it all out. Thanks a ton!
Rick
I'll get back to you guys once I check it all out. Thanks a ton!
Rick
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
yeah a lot of these ( 1968-1972 ) cars have had the wiper door eliminated with the long hood ( post 1973 ). Ilike the wiper door look so I still have it on my car but some people have a lot of trouble getting them to work correctly... let us know what you find...
Sully
PS... seriously look into the DocRebuild schematics... they are invaluable
Sully
PS... seriously look into the DocRebuild schematics... they are invaluable
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Camp Hill PA
Yup you guys called it. Override switch. I walked out of work, looked under the dash, plugged the hose in. Started it, lights went right down. I like the easy fixes! Seems like I have some slack in that hose line however. Just wondering if it should be tucked in somewhere?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 5
From: Fayetteville Arkansas
great to hear it was an easy fix... if there is really a lot of extra slack just lightly zip tie it up and out of the way, make sure not kink it up though...
now drive the hell out of that sweet ride...
have fun,
Sully
now drive the hell out of that sweet ride...
have fun,
Sully