Lights don't close together.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9
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Lights don't close together.
Hi,
Newbie question. Have a 1981 vette where the lights open together, but when closing, one closes before the other. Is this 'normal' or should I be looking for a problem to fix?
Thanks,
Shiff
Newbie question. Have a 1981 vette where the lights open together, but when closing, one closes before the other. Is this 'normal' or should I be looking for a problem to fix?
Thanks,
Shiff
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
That is indicative that there is some wearing of the actuator seals on the 'slow' one. I would consider it "normal" wear and that it only needs to be corrected when that lamp assembly is excessively slow or fails to operate effectively.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 310
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From: London
Do you have a schematic or pic of the part in question?
Thank you
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,325
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi P,
I agree with Paul, Mike and 7T1, a slight difference isn't too big a deal and a 'trouble shooting guide' along with a Mighty-Vac is the way to find the weak component or seal if you want look for a problem.
Regards,
Alan
I agree with Paul, Mike and 7T1, a slight difference isn't too big a deal and a 'trouble shooting guide' along with a Mighty-Vac is the way to find the weak component or seal if you want look for a problem.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,235
Likes: 4,325
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Carlos,
The 'seal' is the rubber 'boot' you see on the rod that moves in and out of the actuator. It makes the seal between the rod and actuator body.
There was a post about this seal's position on the rod in the last few days with a picture of it. Take a look back a little bit.
Regards,
Alan
The 'seal' is the rubber 'boot' you see on the rod that moves in and out of the actuator. It makes the seal between the rod and actuator body.
There was a post about this seal's position on the rod in the last few days with a picture of it. Take a look back a little bit.
Regards,
Alan
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I have always called the piece in question a "Witches hat". They are easy enough to change if you have the headlight actuators out of the car. You can buy them individually or you can buy a kit that comes with the metal clamp that holds the seal in place.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
For the Witches Hat with the retainer.
For just the Witches Hat.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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Those pieces cause the actuator to OPEN the lights. The OP has a problem CLOSING the lights. As suggested before, do basic troubleshooting before randomly changing components.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Meriden CT
Race Director
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From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
I replaced almost everything with new stuff and they still don't go up and down in unison, but they go up and down now so I am happy 
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Some go up and down close to the same time but there are cars that don't even though everything is in good shape.
I think the reason GM went to 2 relays was to try to bring them closer together. The best way I have found to match them up is to put resistance into the system in the mechanism and then if needed restrict the vacuum flow.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Here's a troubleshooting guide.
http://www.corvette-101.com/vacuum.htm The text is good but the diagram is not correct.
Last edited by Peterbuilt; Dec 16, 2009 at 12:23 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,425
Likes: 1,559
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
I don't think we can change it, just go to Willcox's help section for a good diagram or use this if you own a 74.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 420
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From: Orange Park (Jacksonville) FL
lights don't close together
Vacuum problems with the lights seem to be a common problem. A solution has been to use electric motors. I haven't done it, but here is an article on how to do it:
http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products.html
Ecklers also sells a kit to do this:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...7&dept_id=1381
Next time I have headlight trouble, I will like try this out....
http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products.html
Ecklers also sells a kit to do this:
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...7&dept_id=1381
Next time I have headlight trouble, I will like try this out....