Should I quit while I'm ahead??

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Jul 16, 2005 | 05:42 PM

ESU

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,881

Likes: 9

From: staten island ny

Should I quit while I'm ahead??

Started my quest to fix vacuum issues months ago. Just recently installed 2 new headlight relays with the intention of doing the actuators eventually. It all started like this: when headlights were turned on the drivers side would come up after 5-6 seconds with the pass side 4-5 secs after that. I replaced the pass side relay first and I went to the drivers side opening within 1-2 seconds and the pass side again coming up 4-5 secs later. I figured I'd continue on this theme and changed the drivers side relay, now I get the pass side headlight open in 1-2 seconds with the drivers side coming up 1-2 seconds after. All in all not too bad I think, anybody agree or disagree? Also when they open they now do so with a very firm, positive clunk so you you they are open. They also close simultaneously within 2 secs of the headlight switch being turned off.
I picked up a pass side actuator off ebay NOS for 45 bux so I figured I might change it. Should I even bother or should I be satisfied the way it is? When I test this actuator with a vacuum pump it it leaks down to 8 from 10 initial after about 6-7 minutes. Worth the effort to change or put it back on ebay and take the money and buy the new fan clutch I need?

Thx, ESU in NY.

Jul 16, 2005 | 09:14 PM

oregonsharkman

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 2,165

Likes: 950

From: Keizer Oregon

It doesn't sound like you are ahead

If your headlights are opening at all i would count yourself lucky

Seriously though my headlight have always opened a little unevenly, but I have never had any major problems........call it good

Jul 16, 2005 | 11:40 PM

big_G

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 5,752

Likes: 4

From: Austin Texas

NOTE TO ALL
We received a bad batch of reproduction headlamp relays from Ecklers, 4 out of 4 defective. They would not hold a vacuum on the source line. Check that before you install them. It will save some cussing...lol
The replacements they sent were good.

Jul 17, 2005 | 09:52 AM

ESU

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,881

Likes: 9

From: staten island ny

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_G

Actually I purchased my relay from The Last Detail Corvette Parts in Atlanta, they had the best price, $45.00. The second one they sent was defective and had to be replaced which they did very promptly. They all probably come from the same manufacturer. I'll hold on to one of my old ones as a spare just in case.
ESU

Jul 17, 2005 | 09:56 AM

PRNDL

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 26,545

Likes: 46

From: Huntersville NC

Wouldn't it be nice if they tested them before shipping them out? I know that is too much to ask, but it would save them and us a lot of headaches and shipping expense.

Jul 17, 2005 | 04:11 PM

cardo0

Le Mans Master

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 7,098

Likes: 378

From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.

Save ur $$$ and install a flex fan.

Sounds like ur the expert on vac actuators now ESU. My p-side h/l pops up but my drivers just bobbles up & down like a bobble-head - and thats as good as i've ever had them. I would hang on to any actuator thats any good as there are or were companies/individuals that would rebuild them - and new replacements are $100 from Ecklers. Unless u don't want it sitting on the shelf ur only gonn'a lose money and time unloading it - but again ur the judge here.
As for fan clutch, though i replaced with brand new AC Delco, next time will be a flex type direct drive fan. Have read BB users swear by them and to me just 1 less part to wear out/fail.

Hope this helped.

cardo0

Jul 17, 2005 | 08:13 PM

shadetreeperf

Instructor

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 162

Likes: 0

From: Lady Lake FL

If they're coming up in 1-2 seconds with a nice clunk then you probably shouldn't have to replace the actuators. I don't think that anyone's lights come up at the same time, unless they have electric motors on them.

KC

Jul 17, 2005 | 08:33 PM

Bullyj

Burning Brakes

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 971

Likes: 0

From: Rockwood TN

QUOTE=shadetreeperf]If they're coming up in 1-2 seconds with a nice clunk then you probably shouldn't have to replace the actuators. I don't think that anyone's lights come up at the same time, unless they have electric motors on them.