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Vacuum Filter & Check Valves

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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 01:15 PM
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Default Vacuum Filter & Check Valves

Do these Vacuum related valves ever need to be replaced? Being a "Filter" I would say Yes, but i just didn't know. Thanks.
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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 03:42 PM
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If the filter develops a hole or the check valve fails to functon replace.
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Old Nov 28, 2011 | 08:05 PM
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The [mesh] filter in that plastic filter goes bad in just a few years. After that, the mesh is gone and it just doesn't do the filtering function anymore.

The check valve is very important and needs to operate properly for the system to work as intended.
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 12:04 PM
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A symptom of a bad check valve is extension of one or both headlights during sustained wide-open throttle operation. Mine did that as we were climbing up local mountain passes.

Easy check valve test: Remove it from the car, put the large port to your lips (the one that was connected through the filter to the intake manifold), and attempt to blow through the valve. If you CAN blow through it, the valve is bad and should be replaced.
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 10:13 PM
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Thanks guys. It appears I need to change one.
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Old Nov 30, 2011 | 12:58 PM
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Change 'em.

Guess where the filter material goes when it wears out.
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 03:51 PM
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Where is this vacuum filter/valve?

Thanks,
Jim
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 04:19 PM
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Originally Posted by jim-81
...Where is this vacuum filter/valve?...
In the main vacuum supply line from the manifold. White plastic and unfinished steel. You'll see them.

AIM also shows them.

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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 04:49 PM
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Just replaced my filter. You could see daylight straight through it.
I found one on a camaro site listed on ebay for 6 bucks.
When you look through a new filter it should have a white straining screen inside.
If you don't have to have AC stamped on the thing the after markets are cheap and do just the same.
I still have a slow opener on the right side head lamp door.
How do you get the right side to open simultaneously with the left
Marshal
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 05:14 PM
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Hi Marshall,
Does your 68 have 1 or 2 vacuum relays for the actuators?
If 1, then it has to be a leak in the 'open', (green striped hose), side of the actuator. It could be the seal on the acuator rod which can be replaced.
If 2, it could be a slow vacuum relay or actuator. Hook the left relay to the right actuator.... if it opens fast, it's the right side vacuum relay, if it's still slow it's the actuator.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 05:41 PM
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Alan,
thanks for the simple trouble shooting advise.
I have 1 relay centered under the hood and a left and right actuator.
I believe in 1969 they added the second relay.
I'll switch em and see
Marshal
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 05:49 PM
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Oops only one relayso nothing to switch.
Should have read it twice before answering
I guess my P/S actuator is going.
Thanks again Alan.
Marshal
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Old Mar 19, 2012 | 06:09 PM
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Replace them both. They both will probably have gathered crud if the mesh is still intact.

My headlights were slow to open and one of them never closed all the way. I took the filters off and replaced them. Now the headlights come up quickly and close all the way.

Nice return on the investment of a couple of bucks.
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