Whats a Plenum Valve????
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 90
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From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Whats a Plenum Valve????
Cheers to the guys that answered my query on K&N filter cleaning!
Got another really dumb question now, whats the vacuum assembly I see on the right hand side behind the kick panel?
I looked through my assembly manual and I think it is a plenum valve.
Can someone tell me what this thingi does!? Be gentle, I am a mechanical moron!
Got another really dumb question now, whats the vacuum assembly I see on the right hand side behind the kick panel?
I looked through my assembly manual and I think it is a plenum valve.
Can someone tell me what this thingi does!? Be gentle, I am a mechanical moron!
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 28
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From: Lake Saint Louis MO
Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (OzVette75)
Hi OzVette75, The plenum valve functions as a shut off for outside air when your A/C control is set for MAX. Sort of a Recirc control. It tends to not shut completely and lets warm/hot air into the cars interior in many cases. There's a good write up in one of the books I've read on Airconditioning strategies for 63-82 Vettes. Hope this helps. I remember reading on this forum that some folks just permanently seal the valve in the closed position.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 6
From: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas
Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (OzVette75)
To further elaborate on what Steelblu75 said, the plenum valve is located in the cowl plenum right under the top of the right fender. It consists of a flat rectangular piece of black plastic with an integral vacuum actuator. The door behind the right kick panel opens when the AC control is moved to "Vent"
[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 10:29 PM 8/29/2001]
[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 10:29 PM 8/29/2001]
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 708
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From: Florida
Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (OzVette75)
OZ,
My kick-panel plenum opens when A/C is on MAX and cowl area plenum closes, which as mentioned above, blocks all outside air from entering system and allows inside air to recirculate.
Since the vacuum isn't strong enough to overcome the pressure in the cowl (when driving), this "door" is usually sealed by those who can't stand the heat (like me). I would NOT seal the kick-panel door, as this would prevent the the "cooler" inside air to recirculate. I actually took mine completely out, to MAXimize air flow (remember to seal the vacuum lines)
My kick-panel plenum opens when A/C is on MAX and cowl area plenum closes, which as mentioned above, blocks all outside air from entering system and allows inside air to recirculate.
Since the vacuum isn't strong enough to overcome the pressure in the cowl (when driving), this "door" is usually sealed by those who can't stand the heat (like me). I would NOT seal the kick-panel door, as this would prevent the the "cooler" inside air to recirculate. I actually took mine completely out, to MAXimize air flow (remember to seal the vacuum lines)
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 90
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From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (DR'76)
Excellent work guys! This explains a lot to me now.
Damn cold air on my legs ! :eek:
Best rip it out and take a look at some stage.
Thanks again guys for your patience with a moron, now if it was a PC.............! :lol:
Damn cold air on my legs ! :eek:
Best rip it out and take a look at some stage.
Thanks again guys for your patience with a moron, now if it was a PC.............! :lol:
