71 headlight issues?
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
71 headlight issues?
I have a 71 corvette and the headlights are not popping up properly. I have replaced all vaccuum lines. The funny thing is when it rains out, the lights will cycle with no problem. Any ideas what may be causing this?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
SGreen
I am sure other will offer assistance , but here is my .02 cents worth.
1 of 3 possible problems or a combination there of.
1st. No vacume making it to the canisters.
2nd. Canisters receiving vacume , but canister is bad
3rd. vacume to a good cansiter, but lights are froze or stuck down.
You have to use a process of elemination, I would start by taking my hand and seeing if the buckets can be manually raised w/o undue force.
If so , I would then remove one of the vacume hoses that attaches to the canisters and use your mouth to create your own vacume signal. Be sure you are on the proper side of the canister.
If the light raises , then you have isolated the issue to the storage tank or possible the plumbing at switch or under dash.
Once you narrow down some , better advice may be easier to give.
Thanks
David
I am sure other will offer assistance , but here is my .02 cents worth.
1 of 3 possible problems or a combination there of.
1st. No vacume making it to the canisters.
2nd. Canisters receiving vacume , but canister is bad
3rd. vacume to a good cansiter, but lights are froze or stuck down.
You have to use a process of elemination, I would start by taking my hand and seeing if the buckets can be manually raised w/o undue force.
If so , I would then remove one of the vacume hoses that attaches to the canisters and use your mouth to create your own vacume signal. Be sure you are on the proper side of the canister.
If the light raises , then you have isolated the issue to the storage tank or possible the plumbing at switch or under dash.
Once you narrow down some , better advice may be easier to give.
Thanks
David
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi SG,
Working on the lights and wipers with out the vacuum schematic AND a trouble shooting guide is pretty difficult. Wilcox has some great schematics and Dr. Rebuild has a good trouble shooting guide for a few $.
Regards,
Alan
Working on the lights and wipers with out the vacuum schematic AND a trouble shooting guide is pretty difficult. Wilcox has some great schematics and Dr. Rebuild has a good trouble shooting guide for a few $.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Thanks David.
I was able to cycle the lights creating my own vaccuum. When I pull the light switch, I can tell there is leak. do you know what the position of the switches under the steering column should be in for the lights to operate correctly?
I was able to cycle the lights creating my own vaccuum. When I pull the light switch, I can tell there is leak. do you know what the position of the switches under the steering column should be in for the lights to operate correctly?
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
At this point you either have a leak as you suspect or miss directed
vaccuum signal.
I would now check the diverter solenoids that are mounted close to the lights.
start the car and see if signal is present at input nipple when you pull the light switch or use over ride.
If no then the probem is now closer to the fire wall or under dash.
If yes , then the solenoids may be bad.
Thanks / good luck
David
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,270
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi S,
Do the lights work properly when it's wet out OR when windshield wipers are turned ON?
Others know much more... but I believe there's a one vacuum hose inter-connection between the 2 systems. Could that be your problem?
Regards,
Alan
Do the lights work properly when it's wet out OR when windshield wipers are turned ON?
Others know much more... but I believe there's a one vacuum hose inter-connection between the 2 systems. Could that be your problem?
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Oct 2, 2009 at 05:03 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,254
Likes: 5
From: Brown Summit North Carolina
There are 2 primary hoses that run from fire wall to head lights on the driver side of inner fender liners. Follow the lines to the 1st nipple they attact to. Take one loose and see if there is a vaccume signal when car is running and light swtich pulled out.
If no signal, then start looking at leaks in connestions / hoeses pulled off of nipples / storage tank may have a rusted hole
Thanks David