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headlight actuator

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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 05:56 PM
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Default headlight actuator

I have a headlight actuator removed and have replaced the grommet. It still will not hold vacume on the grommet side but will on the other side. Anything else I can do or must I replace the complete actuator? Thanks
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 07:55 PM
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Make sure you did not tear the "Witches Hat" when you were installing it. Shine a light at and look it over good. If it is not torn I would look at the ring that gets crimped to hold the seal to the actuator body. If you are holding vaccum on one side the actuator should work with a new seal.

http://www.corvette-101.com/

Look at the link on the left side titled Vaccum Trouble.
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Old Nov 28, 2005 | 10:54 PM
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The dust cover (witches hat?) has a tear in it. Is this the part you are refering to? I didn't realize it had to be perfect, thought it was just a dust cover. Have looked at the link you sent, thanks again
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 06:35 AM
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How does one remove the actuator--my left one just failed at the front seal...
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 08:47 AM
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remove vacuum lines, remember where they go, green front, red rear.
remove 2 springs that connect to pin that goes through actuator rod.
remove actuator rod, careful with little cotter pin.
remove 4 nuts that hold actuator to bracket.
close hood and reach under and pull actuator from bracket and lay in place near center.
open hood, carefully, and gently work actuator out in the center.
Worked for me!
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 09:00 AM
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Others may have different ways but here is how I did it. I raised the light and removed the fibreglass cover around the headlight bulbs. I had the hood open. I disconnected the pin that goes through the actuator rod. I undid the 4 bolts at the front the hold the actuator to the frame. Disconnected the hoses ofcourse. Once you free the actuator from the frame its difficult to get out. I'm not sure if yours is the same but on my 82 the actuator was too big to come out throught the bottom. While under the car (hood closed) I had to slide the actuator back and towards the center of the rad...then carfully open the hood to pull the actuator out. Hope this makes sense. All in all about 45 minutes....first time.

Jim
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 09:02 AM
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Be careful when removing it with the hood open. That scratch cost me almost a hundred bucks.

Bill
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Old Nov 29, 2005 | 06:55 PM
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Thanks! Will this work with the a/c condensor in place?
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 08:35 AM
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A/C condensor will have no effect. You have to squeeze the actuator up between the front of the hood (while open) and front frame. Once you get to this point you will see what I/we mean.

jim
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Old Nov 30, 2005 | 06:48 PM
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I used the same technique described regarding moving the actuator one at a time to the center with the hood down and then opening it up to get the bugger out. No problems. Put a towel over the hood for extra insurance, that's what i did
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