How do the headlights work?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
First, is the vacuum level high enough to open the headlights (about 10"Hg. minimum...normal level is around 15"Hg or more)? If so, is the vacuum level getting transferred to the headlight actuators? [this is likely your problem...a leak in the system so that the actuators don't get the vacuum signal] If vacuum is getting to the headlight actuators, they your problem is that they are connected incorrectly, or both actuators have failed. Buy a $20 vacuum gauge and download a vacuum system diagnostic write-up. With those in hand, you can find your problem in minutes.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,383
Likes: 1,754
From: Seattle Area Washington
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
Likes: 4,374
From: Westminster Maryland
I think it's really difficult to work on the wiper and lights with out having a trouble shooting guide like the one from Dr. Rebuild. It's a big help and only a few $$$$. Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
I know this sounds stupid but you are trying this with the engine running? These old vacuum systems can't maintain a good vacuum to actuate the lights unless the engine is running. If you lucky you can get one actuation without the engine.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Porters Lake Nova Scotia
yeah im doing these test while the engine is running. That is why i think something is really broken because the headlights should try to go up if there is a leak, i think the actuators might be seized.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 23,375
Likes: 1,067
From: Virginia USA
Just a thought. What you need to do is get a MityVac so you can check your system components without the engine running. Get a good vac diagram too. I guess the over-ride switch under the steering column is not working either? It sounds like you may have gotten the vac lines to the switch backwards.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Porters Lake Nova Scotia
i have triple checked all of the vacuum lines, and they are all on tight and routed correctly. As far as i know the override switch is working, that and the headlight switch are brand new.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,352
Likes: 654
From: Tampa, Florida
Have you purchased a vacuum pump yet? With a vacuum pump you can test every component without the car running.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 409
Likes: 13
From: Lavonia Georgia
Also, get the vacuum troubleshooting guide from Dr Rebuild. Like 7T1Vette and Alan 71 have told you, with these simple inexpensive tools, you can diagnose most any vacuum system problem very quickly and effectively. The Dr. Rebuild guide tells you exactly where to put the vacuum pump, which ports to block and what actions to expect when you apply/remove vacuum or activate a switch.
And trust us, this will not be the only time you'll need and use these tools.
