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Headlight operation ??

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Old Dec 29, 2012 | 10:58 AM
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Default Headlight operation ??

Ok I'm trying to get the skinny on how the operation would work as if you drove your new Corvette off the showroom floor. I have replaced all the vacuum system on my 82 and the system works great except I loose the vacuum after the car is shut off but takes a few minutes.

Now from the factory your car should hold enough vacuum to operate the headlights what, one or two times?? Is this correct.

I can't figure out where I'm loosing the vacuum except I did but a used vac tank but did check it. It did leak down but took a long time and was extremely slow. There are no holes in it and the seams are good and thought the only place was where the fitting with the three holes meets the canister so I smeared a film of silicone around the base. That didn't help. So could the canister be my culprit? I'm pulling my hair out trying to get this right
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Old Dec 29, 2012 | 11:30 AM
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Hi ac,
I think the only way to find a very slow leak as you describe is with a vacuum pump/with gauge like a mighty-vac.
This way you can test the individual components and hoses INDIVIDUALLY to see which has/have the slow leak (s).
Right now the system on my 71 is holding vacuum for a few hours. Rather than be overly concerned with how long the vacuum is held I think it's equally important that when you start the car the lights (and wipers on earlier cars) stay in the position they are as the system restores the vacuum... no 'winking' of lights (and wiper door).
Regards,
Alan

Did you replace the hoses? If not, try cutting about 3/8" off the ends of each hose. This gives the hose a new un-stretched place to seal.
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Old Dec 29, 2012 | 04:42 PM
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Mike Ward
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Originally Posted by alconk
Now from the factory your car should hold enough vacuum to operate the headlights what, one or two times?? Is this correct.
Yes and it would hold vacuum at least overnight.
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Old Dec 29, 2012 | 08:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi ac,
I think the only way to find a very slow leak as you describe is with a vacuum pump/with gauge like a mighty-vac.
This way you can test the individual components and hoses INDIVIDUALLY to see which has/have the slow leak (s).
Right now the system on my 71 is holding vacuum for a few hours. Rather than be overly concerned with how long the vacuum is held I think it's equally important that when you start the car the lights (and wipers on earlier cars) stay in the position they are as the system restores the vacuum... no 'winking' of lights (and wiper door).
Regards,
Alan

Did you replace the hoses? If not, try cutting about 3/8" off the ends of each hose. This gives the hose a new un-stretched place to seal.
I did check the whole system with a mighty vac. I have replaced all the vacuum lines, new headlight sw., over ride sw., check valve and filter, used canister and the relays in the nose. Both actuators were fine. Neither lights come up when I start the car. THe leak has to be somewhat significant since it looses it within a couple of minutes. I'm hoping I don't have to live with it...
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Old Dec 29, 2012 | 08:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Yes and it would hold vacuum at least overnight.
Yea that's what I figured. Is that the way yours is?
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Old Dec 30, 2012 | 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi ac,
I think the only way to find a very slow leak as you describe is with a vacuum pump/with gauge like a mighty-vac.
This way you can test the individual components and hoses INDIVIDUALLY to see which has/have the slow leak (s).
Right now the system on my 71 is holding vacuum for a few hours. Rather than be overly concerned with how long the vacuum is held I think it's equally important that when you start the car the lights (and wipers on earlier cars) stay in the position they are as the system restores the vacuum... no 'winking' of lights (and wiper door).
Regards,
Alan

Did you replace the hoses? If not, try cutting about 3/8" off the ends of each hose. This gives the hose a new un-stretched place to seal.
Hi Alan,

Just for the heck of it I checked my actuators again with my mighty vac and the drivers side leaked down but slowly and then the passenger side leaked down in only seconds. This was on the top port where the red line hose goes into. Do you think this is my problem and will a new seal kit take care of it or will I need new actuators?

AL
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