Working headlights
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
SEMI-Working headlights
I have one headlight that opens & closes slower than the other .....
Thinking about it, could I use vacuum pump to open either actuator, and see if vacuum holds (noting the faster one vs slower one), or is there a better troubleshooting procedure? Maybe switching the input vacuum lines between the two and noting diff????
I do remember installing all new hoses, one actuator and one actuator seal some 3 years back, but they both look same and not sure which one I replaced, but most likely the now faster one
Any troubleshooting steps missing????
Thinking about it, could I use vacuum pump to open either actuator, and see if vacuum holds (noting the faster one vs slower one), or is there a better troubleshooting procedure? Maybe switching the input vacuum lines between the two and noting diff????
I do remember installing all new hoses, one actuator and one actuator seal some 3 years back, but they both look same and not sure which one I replaced, but most likely the now faster one
Any troubleshooting steps missing????
Last edited by tomard; Oct 9, 2007 at 03:01 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: Holtwood PA
go with lithium, and any part that moves...My vette was sitting for 9 years when i got it. Head lights wouldn't go up at all unles I pulled them up ...cleaned it lubed it and they went up and down fine...until I wrecked it..
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
Troubleshooting
The RH side (which has newest actuator) comes up BEFORE LH side, AND goes down AFTER LH side!!!!
Does that make sense to anyone? Seems to me, that if it has vacuum to bring it up first, it should also have vacuum to drop first - but I am no expert!!!!
Can someone clarify what is happening for me? I have lubed all the mechanisms to make sure it isn't a lube/rubbing problem.
And I think that since they are "working" that there wouldn't be any component vacuum issues until at least the relays or actuator, but again I am not yet a vacuum expert (maybe some day)
Does that make sense to anyone? Seems to me, that if it has vacuum to bring it up first, it should also have vacuum to drop first - but I am no expert!!!!
Can someone clarify what is happening for me? I have lubed all the mechanisms to make sure it isn't a lube/rubbing problem.
And I think that since they are "working" that there wouldn't be any component vacuum issues until at least the relays or actuator, but again I am not yet a vacuum expert (maybe some day)
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Are you working on it right now ?
You have 2 relays-at the relays switch the green hoses-swap them(just the greens)-now turn them on and see which one comes up first now...lets see if the left will come up first.
You have 2 relays-at the relays switch the green hoses-swap them(just the greens)-now turn them on and see which one comes up first now...lets see if the left will come up first.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
Actually went through and tested everything according to troubleshooting guide on 101-corvette.com site .... I have 1 leaky actuator and 2 leaky relays and my check valve is kaput as well ....
I do have bad actuator out now, and have it apart, but didn't notice how far the clevis was screwed on the rod
So know I need to know how to adjust that when I get actuator fixed
I do have bad actuator out now, and have it apart, but didn't notice how far the clevis was screwed on the rod
So know I need to know how to adjust that when I get actuator fixed
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
Partially FIXED
I replaced the bad check valve, dirty filter and the two relays that didn't hold vacuum, and can now operate the headlights after shutting off car AND I got BOTH headlights to close together 
Still have problem with LH being lazy opening .... at one time, I thought I had a leaky actuator, but checked it yesterday and it held (but now I am not sure if I checked both sides
Will test again today, by swapping the green hoses and see if same headlight is slow .... I have lubed the mechanisms, so I am pretty sure they are operating freely as I don't feel any difference when I lift/drop them manually ....
Am I missing something, or just overlooked a leaky actuator on green side?
Still have problem with LH being lazy opening .... at one time, I thought I had a leaky actuator, but checked it yesterday and it held (but now I am not sure if I checked both sides
Will test again today, by swapping the green hoses and see if same headlight is slow .... I have lubed the mechanisms, so I am pretty sure they are operating freely as I don't feel any difference when I lift/drop them manually ....
Am I missing something, or just overlooked a leaky actuator on green side?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 1
From: Collinsville MS
St. Jude Donor '08
I'm still new at this and you may already know/seen it but this has helped me with mine.
http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm
http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Yerington NV
On a mission
Swapped the green around and same results raising the lights (LH slower than right) ..... getting new actuator seal and if for some reason that does not fix it (HOPING IT WILL), will try the spring swapping idea!
Also I have followed the corvette-101.com vacuum paper - SOME GOOD STUFF
Also I have followed the corvette-101.com vacuum paper - SOME GOOD STUFF
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
BUT their vacuum diagram has an error in it-dont follow their diagram at the pulldown and headlight switch.I dont think you will be working in that area but if you do I can post a corrected diagram.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Unlisted
Mark the three hoses on the two center valves and pull em. Flood them valves with silicone spray. Let em sit over night before putting the six hoses back. Did it mine and the lights slam up and down. Dont have to watch for em any more I here the clunks.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Tried this and it worked as described.
May save me from spending for a while. My system appeared to be in good condition; just wasn't opening very well. Amazing what a little lube will do. Thanks