Winking headlights
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg MS
Winking headlights
When the lights are actuated on my 77 the right side pops up very fast but the left does not even start until after the right has been up for a few seconds. When the left starts coming up it is fairly slow in comparison to the right. I have replaced the seals and boots on both actuators (left was torn). When they still did not work the same I replaced the relay switches and all hoses. Both actuators hold vac on the hand pump and do not bleed down. With the linkages disconnected both assemblies are free when moved up and down by hand and feel the same. What could be the cause of this? What do I need to try next?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1
From: St Augustine FL
Perfect timing for this thread. I just replaced the seal in the right side. The left was working just fine and the right was raising half way then sinking. I pulled the right actuator and it was fine. I pulled the left actuator and the seal was deteriorated. Go figure that the one that was not working was in good shape and the one that was working needed repair. Both head lights raise and lower now. They both start at the same time, the the left pauses untill the right is fully raised and then the left will raise. The same sequence happens whe lowering.
Another problem I have is that the reserve is not holding enough pressure to raise the headlights in to position with the engine off.
Where is the vacume reserve located?
Another problem I have is that the reserve is not holding enough pressure to raise the headlights in to position with the engine off.
Where is the vacume reserve located?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
It could be the distribution valve. I don't know if you have one or two valves. Try reversing the hoses on the valves. Right to left and left to right. See if the other light now goes up faster.
Jim
Jim
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by kb2fzq
...Get used to it, they all do it....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 0
From: Hudson Falls, N.Y. 76 Vette Modified L-48
Originally Posted by Mr Fanuc
...even start until after the right has been up for a few seconds. When the left starts coming up it is fairly slow in comparison to the right...
I stand by my opinion...time is relavent...rev the engine and "get used to it" and save your money
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Originally Posted by bluesilver82
my car should have 2 but only has one. I will try that or maybe i should just install another relay (the way it is suppose to be). Any way to test the coffe can?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Should have mentioned...my right comes up faster then my left as well. Annoying but....what can you do.
I don't know how you can test the can. do a visual...is it rusted out? If not maybe the hoses have hardened in areas...
Jim
Last edited by jdp6000; Mar 4, 2006 at 10:58 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: MAYWOOD MO
I am having similar issues with my '71. One question I have is what vacuum should I have at the manifold at idle? I am only seeing 10-12 in/hg at idle on my stock L48 4speed. Is that enough for the system to function properly?
Ofcourse I have not only the headlights, but also the wiper door to deal with. For some reason the wiper door opens any time the headlamps open. Anybody have an idea what would cause that?
Ofcourse I have not only the headlights, but also the wiper door to deal with. For some reason the wiper door opens any time the headlamps open. Anybody have an idea what would cause that?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Not sure what the pressure should be on yours mine is a constant 20.
As for your problem. Seems there maybe a crossover in the vac system. Follow the vac hose from your wiper door. Disconnect it and block it a various points while opening the headlights until you identify the problem.
My guess would be its the wiper switch or in that area.
Jim
As for your problem. Seems there maybe a crossover in the vac system. Follow the vac hose from your wiper door. Disconnect it and block it a various points while opening the headlights until you identify the problem.
My guess would be its the wiper switch or in that area.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 15
From: DFW Metroplex Texas
Originally Posted by bluesilver82
Another problem I have is that the reserve is not holding enough pressure to raise the headlights in to position with the engine off.
Where is the vacume reserve located?
Where is the vacume reserve located?
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1326
If it is bad, any vacuum in your "coffee can" will escape back through the manifold.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 1
From: St Augustine FL
Originally Posted by jdp6000
If its an 82 it only has one...smack dead center between the headlights. Or I'm missing one as well...
Should have mentioned...my right comes up faster then my left as well. Annoying but....what can you do.
I don't know how you can test the can. do a visual...is it rusted out? If not maybe the hoses have hardened in areas...
Jim
Should have mentioned...my right comes up faster then my left as well. Annoying but....what can you do.
I don't know how you can test the can. do a visual...is it rusted out? If not maybe the hoses have hardened in areas...
Jim