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Old Sep 29, 2014 | 11:59 PM
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I am working on my buddies 74 corvette (c3) and we have a concern. The headlights go up at the same time in the first try but if you pull the headlight switch the second time right after the previous pull,the driver side head light goes up and the passenger head light delays 3 seconds and then goes up.Is this normal???
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 12:08 AM
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Very normal
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 08:02 AM
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Hi ette,
Sorry to disagree but it's not 'normal'.
If the engine is running they should continue to open and close in unison.
If the right side doesn't move for 3 seconds, and then opens quickly, it's likely a problem with the relay for that actuator. (1 or 2 relays in 74?)
If it begins to open immediately, but opens slowly, it's likely a problem with a leak in the 'open' side of the actuator.
Also check that the vacuum reservoir tank doesn't have a leak.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 08:05 AM
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OK...not "normal".....but common
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 08:21 AM
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Originally Posted by MrJlr
OK...not "normal".....but common
Perhaps that is a better way of saying it. I see this all the time with C3 headlights
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 09:05 AM
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My 74 does the exact thing.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 09:31 AM
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Does it behave this way if you open the head lights, then close and wait 30 seconds or more before reopening? If waiting helps I'd suspect you have a vacuum leak, taking more time for the vacuum reservoir (tank) to replenish. I found I had several leaks on my 70, most were from the vacuum relays. To find them I used a hand held vacuum pump with a gauge to test for leaks at the various components. After replacing the three vacuum relays (70 has three) my headlights became very responsive. Hope this helps.

Last edited by BBCorv70; Sep 30, 2014 at 12:56 PM.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 10:30 PM
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Thanks for your quick reply
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 10:31 PM
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Thanks for your reply. I will check for any leaks
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 10:34 PM
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Default forgot to mention

i replaced both relay valves and both headlight actuators and there hoses.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 10:35 PM
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I have had mine for about 6 months, 74 also.
But my headlights have never come up together. Always close. D/S up P/S right behind, or D/S half up P/S starting.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 10:36 PM
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Originally Posted by ettevroccorvette
Thanks for your reply. I will check for any leaks
How do you make your headlights stay up to work on them with out the head lights being on or the engine running.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 10:42 PM
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On my 70 the passenger side headlight is always 5 second behind the drivers side. One day I'll get around to replacing the relay, or not.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 11:46 PM
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ettevroccorvette!

Do you realize the second half of your Username is written backwards?

(Yes.....I have dyslexia.....LoL)

Hang in there.....you'll solve all the problems.
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Old Sep 30, 2014 | 11:53 PM
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I saw the name and didn't catch it I was still trying to pronounce it
But I consider it normal at least on my rig but I don't care to fix it as im looking for the perfect lights to use as FIXED lights
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Old Oct 1, 2014 | 09:07 PM
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Originally Posted by ettevroccorvette
i replaced both relay valves and both headlight actuators and there hoses.
Did that solve your problem? If not I'd guess you have other leaks. I tracked mine down using a handheld vacuum pump with a gauge, used for bleeding brakes. I isolated portions of the plumbing by pinching off the hose, see if it could hold a vacuum. Moved down the line until I found a section which leaked. Could be a leaky vacuum tank?
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