Headlight Operation Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Headlight Operation Question
I have a 79 Vette. Like many, the headlights will not open. I know they operate off vacuum. I have a couple of questions:
I have looked at the rebuild hose kits. Will these usually take care of the problem (in most cases) ? I know they used to open if I was at high RPM and gearing down. I guess it increased Vacuum. Just wondering if the new hose kit usually helps the problem.
next question.........I know the space is tight where the hoses are located since the tip on the hood kinda fits back into the nose when the hood is raised.....is it easier to take the hood of to change the hoses ? What is the best way to change them??
Thanks !!!!
Phil
I have looked at the rebuild hose kits. Will these usually take care of the problem (in most cases) ? I know they used to open if I was at high RPM and gearing down. I guess it increased Vacuum. Just wondering if the new hose kit usually helps the problem.
next question.........I know the space is tight where the hoses are located since the tip on the hood kinda fits back into the nose when the hood is raised.....is it easier to take the hood of to change the hoses ? What is the best way to change them??
Thanks !!!!
Phil
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,413
Likes: 1,552
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Before you buy anything you might want to troubleshoot the system, here's a good how to: http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm The text is good but the diagram is bad at the headlight and pull down switch.
I was able to remove the actuators by having a helper raise the hood from the rear a little higher. PG.
Last edited by Peterbuilt; Aug 31, 2009 at 12:01 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Unless your hoses are actually visibly cracked, I'll bet they are fine. You need to look at the valves and the connections to make sure they are all installed correctly before you waste money on a hose kit.
Have you carefully inspected the vacuum system? Are any hoses missing or hanging loose? Do you heater vents work? (because those are vacuum operated also) Do you have power brakes?
The other possibility - the vacuum actuators often need new rebuild kits.
Have you carefully inspected the vacuum system? Are any hoses missing or hanging loose? Do you heater vents work? (because those are vacuum operated also) Do you have power brakes?
The other possibility - the vacuum actuators often need new rebuild kits.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Thanks s guys....I've had this car for several months, and have not been able to drive it at night. I know I can manually open the doors, but I didn't want to mess them up <g>. Thanks for the info. This is gonna help !!!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
Buy an inexpensive vacuum gauge at your local auto parts store. Then read up on the vacuum system for a C3, learn the specific differences for your year, and start to trace the integrity of the vacuum system from the source (intake manifold) through the rest of the system. You have a major leak in yours which is causing your problem. Finding and repairing it will not only get your headlights working but make your engine idle much better, as well.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 8
From: Hamilton NJ
Best of luck
another diagram, from Wilcox I believe...
Last edited by Wuttin; Aug 31, 2009 at 03:26 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
If the hoses are not in good shape, Doc Rebuild has a nice hose kit for the vacuum system.
http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/A-DROOP.HTML
He also has a troubleshooting guide for a few dollars. Ask me how I know
http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/A-DROOP.HTML
He also has a troubleshooting guide for a few dollars. Ask me how I know
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
I raised mine manually by pushing up from under the bumper for about 2 years, without ever disocnnecting hoses. No damage was done. A new seal kit for the actuators fixed my problem. Very easy install, feel free to PM me with questions.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Thanks for all the great advice guys !!! I installed a Edelbrock intake, and it seems like lots om my problem started after that. I may have something open there that needs to be plugged as well. I appreciate the advice.........Can't wait to get going and get this solved. Got the right info now to work with !!!
Phil
Phil
