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While I have the dashboard out of my 1980, I was thinking about replacing the vacuum lines from the heater control switch. It seems that the one hose with the white stripe goes down behind the unit. It controls the diverter flap. Does the entire box need to be pulled out to access the hose connection on the vacuum module?
Unfortunately, there is no other way I know of to get to that line. There just isn't enough room to get a hand in there. I would test it and not replace it if it's working. While you're at it, you should hold the vacuum on that line with vice grips and see if the door stays open. If everything is OK, I wouldn't remove the box just to replace the line.
Unfortunately, there is no other way I know of to get to that line. There just isn't enough room to get a hand in there. I would test it and not replace it if it's working. While you're at it, you should hold the vacuum on that line with vice grips and see if the door stays open. If everything is OK, I wouldn't remove the box just to replace the line.
I actually did check it and all the vacuum actuators work correctly. One big issue is the plug that fits onto the vacuum switch, its not the greatest fit and I used some grease to help make the seal. I guess I'll do the same again. I have not found any original style replacement parts, The hose replacement kit I got forces the removal of the original vacuum plug module with separate individual hoses. The green, blue stripe hoses as well as the black hose are somewhat easy to access, that white striped hose is the killer. Thanks for the infomation
If I understand, the rotary control plug that the vacuum lines are going into doesn't seal well against the switch. There is a Wilcox video on the forum describing how to take the old lines out of the plug and put new ones in, but I'm not sure that would fix the problem.
If I understand, the rotary control plug that the vacuum lines are going into doesn't seal well against the switch. There is a Wilcox video on the forum describing how to take the old lines out of the plug and put new ones in, but I'm not sure that would fix the problem.
You could try RTV instead of grease. Also, occasionally there are NOS plugs on e-bay. Good luck.
MajD
Yes, it was about the fit of the plug onto the switch that's the problem. I used white lithium grease the last time and it did work. A new plug would also work, I'll take a look on the internet for one. I was also thinking to try gluing the vacuum hose into a new short piece of correct size tubing and fit that onto the switch. For right now it's going back together, I'll play with that this summer.
Yes, it was about the fit of the plug onto the switch that's the problem. I used white lithium grease the last time and it did work. A new plug would also work, I'll take a look on the internet for one. I was also thinking to try gluing the vacuum hose into a new short piece of correct size tubing and fit that onto the switch. For right now it's going back together, I'll play with that this summer.
I purchased a hose kit from Dr. Rebuild. It contained spring clamps to hold the hoses on the control switch securely.
It might be too late but you can buy the clamps separately from him.
Craig
Last edited by Street Rat; Jul 10, 2018 at 07:38 AM.
I purchased a hose kit from Dr. Rebuild. It contained spring clamps to hold the hoses on the control switch securely.
It might be too late but you can buy the clamps separately from him.
Craig
Those clamps are for the diameter of the hoses in his kit which I also have. I was going to use the kit until I came across the one white stripped hose that runs to the rear of the heat unit. At this point, I am not going to pull that unit just to replace the hose. So I am stuck with the original vacuum plug unit that fits onto the vacuum switch. I don't believe the plug was a good positive design back in 1980, never mind 28 years later.
Those clamps are for the diameter of the hoses in his kit which I also have. I was going to use the kit until I came across the one white stripped hose that runs to the rear of the heat unit. At this point, I am not going to pull that unit just to replace the hose. So I am stuck with the original vacuum plug unit that fits onto the vacuum switch. I don't believe the plug was a good positive design back in 1980, never mind 28 years later.
Why? They crumble. Replace them all, and just splice the one white hose with a vacuum connector.
Why? They crumble. Replace them all, and just splice the one white hose with a vacuum connector.
Sounds great, what connector did you use because these hoses are very small diameter that standard inline plastic connectors don't fit. I thought of using a larger diameter hose that the white stripped hose might get glued into, but haven't looked into it yet.
Sounds great, what connector did you use because these hoses are very small diameter that standard inline plastic connectors don't fit. I thought of using a larger diameter hose that the white stripped hose might get glued into, but haven't looked into it yet.
I just bought one of those variety packs at The Zone and found one that fit. Later, when I changed the heater core, I replaced the rest of it.
I just bought one of those variety packs at The Zone and found one that fit. Later, when I changed the heater core, I replaced the rest of it.
Which variety pack, the soft vacuum or hard plastic connector pack? The smallest O.D. for hard plastic connector is the 1/8" which is basically the O.D. of the hose, so that won't fit together. I really don't want to cut the hose from the connector unless I know what connector will actually work.
Vacuum hose
