Headlight Problem 1980
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Headlight Problem 1980
I have a 1980 that is new to me.
Passenger headlight rises very slowly.
Driver's does not rise unless I pull up on it, or rises a tiny bit on it's own.
Same happens with the headlight switch or the manual override switch.
Check valve was replaced.
I found the driver's actuator to be leaking, and I replaced it with a new one.
Same problem.
I also had 2 spare actuator relays (new) that I substituted for the ones in the car.
Still same problem.
All that's left is the tank, headlight switch, override switch and hoses.
Before I go any further does anyone have an idea of what it could be?
Thanks
Passenger headlight rises very slowly.
Driver's does not rise unless I pull up on it, or rises a tiny bit on it's own.
Same happens with the headlight switch or the manual override switch.
Check valve was replaced.
I found the driver's actuator to be leaking, and I replaced it with a new one.
Same problem.
I also had 2 spare actuator relays (new) that I substituted for the ones in the car.
Still same problem.
All that's left is the tank, headlight switch, override switch and hoses.
Before I go any further does anyone have an idea of what it could be?
Thanks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
That's why I replaced the driver's side actuator. It was leaking.
But still the same thing with the new actuator, driver's side rises very slowly or not at all unless I pull on it
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 343
From: No Where USA
Whenever I get a new C3 with headlight problems, I replace everything. It will run you around $300 but you will have all new stuff and won't have to spend hours troubleshooting and then waiting for the next old part to break.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,847
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Hzz... The issue isn't in the switch or the tank... if it works on one side it will work on the other side.
If the actuator is new (and verified good) and you know the relay is good then I'd look hard at the linkage including the pivot ***** (make sure they are loose and free), check the linkage hardware bushings on the rods and make sure you have all the correct springs intact.
If you look at the chart below, make sure you don't have a hose issue (cracked or loose) by checking hoses on the relay, the actuator and the yellow hoses at the vacuum tank.
Willcox
If the actuator is new (and verified good) and you know the relay is good then I'd look hard at the linkage including the pivot ***** (make sure they are loose and free), check the linkage hardware bushings on the rods and make sure you have all the correct springs intact.
If you look at the chart below, make sure you don't have a hose issue (cracked or loose) by checking hoses on the relay, the actuator and the yellow hoses at the vacuum tank.
Willcox
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Aug 7, 2015 at 01:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
When I had the old actuator out, I checked the movement of the headlight door....it seemed to go up and down normally, without any excessive force so I think the bushings are all OK.....
Springs are attached correctly.
There may be a leak somewhere...At this point I'm not sure.
Springs are attached correctly.
There may be a leak somewhere...At this point I'm not sure.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 153
From: Deplorableville Nebraska
I found the driver's actuator to be leaking, and I replaced it with a new one.
I also had 2 spare actuator relays (new) that I substituted for the ones in the car.
I also had 2 spare actuator relays (new) that I substituted for the ones in the car.
Assuming the actuators and the relays are in good working order, check and test the vacuum tank for leaks. Easy to do, just disconnect and mark the hoses going to it, connect a test hose to one of the ports, block the other two, and try to blow through it. Simple pass/fail.....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Here's where I am at-
I have both headlights working now...but...the passenger one goes up slowly, the driver's goes up very very slowly and not at idle...only when I rev car up from idle. Then it does go all the way up eventually.
Driver's goes down quickly, passengers goes down slowly.
I'll live with it like this if I have to.
Haven't found any leaks or loose connections.
I have both headlights working now...but...the passenger one goes up slowly, the driver's goes up very very slowly and not at idle...only when I rev car up from idle. Then it does go all the way up eventually.
Driver's goes down quickly, passengers goes down slowly.
I'll live with it like this if I have to.
Haven't found any leaks or loose connections.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 973
Likes: 253
From: Bethlehem, PA
PM sent to Dave
Ok, you have new parts. Have you checked them for leaks? The repops are notorious for leaking. Many here have found that out.
Assuming the actuators and the relays are in good working order, check and test the vacuum tank for leaks. Easy to do, just disconnect and mark the hoses going to it, connect a test hose to one of the ports, block the other two, and try to blow through it. Simple pass/fail.....
Assuming the actuators and the relays are in good working order, check and test the vacuum tank for leaks. Easy to do, just disconnect and mark the hoses going to it, connect a test hose to one of the ports, block the other two, and try to blow through it. Simple pass/fail.....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
After further testing, I think my new actuator may be defective.
I tested it using the method on corvette101.com
Disconnecting the red hose and testing with mighty Vac, that side held vacuum no problem.
The green hose(front) side, did not hold vacuum at all....according to that website it should.
Could that account for the extremely slow opening of the headlight?
I tested it using the method on corvette101.com
Disconnecting the red hose and testing with mighty Vac, that side held vacuum no problem.
The green hose(front) side, did not hold vacuum at all....according to that website it should.
Could that account for the extremely slow opening of the headlight?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,346
Likes: 41
From: Toronto
Here is an update.
I put a new seal on the driver's actuator. It still wouldn't hold a vacuum. Was better, but still dropped slowly with the mity vac.
So then I took the old actuator and put a new seal on it. It held the vacuum.
Put the old actuator with new seal in the driver's side, and the headlight goes up!
Now, one more question- the passenger's side goes up first, then there is a delay until the driver's side raises....I didn't time it but it was a long delay.
Is it the relay that causes the delay? Or something else?
Thanks
I put a new seal on the driver's actuator. It still wouldn't hold a vacuum. Was better, but still dropped slowly with the mity vac.
So then I took the old actuator and put a new seal on it. It held the vacuum.
Put the old actuator with new seal in the driver's side, and the headlight goes up!
Now, one more question- the passenger's side goes up first, then there is a delay until the driver's side raises....I didn't time it but it was a long delay.
Is it the relay that causes the delay? Or something else?
Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
BUT before you start a new thread I suggest you do some study. You also NEED a Mitee Vac or similar hand vacuum pump!!! They are inexpensive and available at any auto parts store. Without one you are working blind as you have no idea what components can or cannot hold vacuum!