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I want to check my thinking on this. I purchased a new AC control panel and I'm wondering about testing it before putting the console back together (car is not running yet). I did read on the forums that some of these don't function properly and a thin coating of vacuum grease was needed inside of the porting area.
If I use my vacuum tester on the "source" line spot and move the slider to each respective position (defrost, heater, vent) will this work to test each canister and the functionality of the new control panel?
Also - there is one unused port. This should be plugged correct?
Hi AdamMeh, This is a tricky one,I had a problem with the seal between the rubber boot(not sure of the right name) and the control valve switch,after buying a new switch and using a small a mount of grease... I couldn't get a seal,the vacuum tester is a good idea and very helpful but I also had my car running for the best test.
In the end I found the rubber boot was sealing fine but the join between the control value switch was the problem..I used the top of the old and the bottom of the new and.....bingo it worked, the other thing I found helpful was to assemble the console complete apart from console side trim panel RH side which gave me good access ..but tight, also having the RH dash panel off helps you see the heater doors etc move
You don't need to plug the 'spare' port the rubber boot does that
Good luck Dave NZ
Here is how I test the switch:
On the vacuum switch the ports are numbered 1-5. Port #1 is from your vacuum source (hand Pump). Port #2 is a common exhaust port. Put a rubber cap on port #2. Pulling a vacuum, Move your control slider through the ranges one at a time, use your finger (or another cap) on the switched port. See if each holds a vacuum. As soon as you release your finger (or cap) the vacuum will exhaust through that port.
Because the vacuum switch has NO detente spots between the ports, you will also see how close your slider lever corresponds with the lettering of the controls.
Thanks for the awesome responses guys I have the interior out of the car right now including the wiring etc., so I'll be working with manual testing at this point. The "boot" will not be used (it was in bad shape from the desert heat over the years), so I'll just plug the "vent" and run through the test at each selection (vent, heat, etc.)
I thought this would work, but after you start over-thinking something, then start questioning your own thoughts on it, it's time for input from others... and sleep.
Thanks for the awesome responses guys I have the interior out of the car right now including the wiring etc., so I'll be working with manual testing at this point. The "boot" will not be used (it was in bad shape from the desert heat over the years), so I'll just plug the "vent" and run through the test at each selection (vent, heat, etc.)
I thought this would work, but after you start over-thinking something, then start questioning your own thoughts on it, it's time for input from others... and sleep.
Thanks again,
Adam
Since you have all the vacuum lines connected to the actuators, no need to plug the #2 port, the actuator selected will need that port open to exhaust.
Looks really Good!
Since you have all the vacuum lines connected to the actuators, no need to plug the #2 port, the actuator selected will need that port open to exhaust.
Looks really Good!
Thanks Joe!
This is where I get confused on the "vent". With the factory plug (that had all the lines coming out of it) it looks like the "vent" is sealed all the time. Is this not the case?
I understand what you're saying. I do know if I blow into #2 port and the selector arm is in-between functions there is a path between 2 and where the arrow is pointing in the photo of the switch.
I understand what you're saying. I do know if I blow into #2 port and the selector arm is in-between functions there is a path between 2 and where the arrow is pointing in the photo of the switch.
I would lay down a heavy towel on the floor tunnel as to not scratch-up your nice shift console assembly, land your hoses to the correct ports, hook your vacuum pump up to #1 and give each function a try, #2 capped and un-capped and see if all your actuators work as they should.
I would lay down a heavy towel on the floor tunnel as to not scratch-up your nice shift console assembly, land your hoses to the correct ports, hook your vacuum pump up to #1 and give each function a try, #2 capped and un-capped and see if all your actuators work as they should.
Sounds good. I've tested the actuators independently, and they all work correctly. Just need to make sure the controls work now.
Testing New AC / Heat Controls - '77
I have the interior out of the car right now including the wiring etc., so I'll be working with manual testing at this point. The "boot" will not be used (it was in bad shape from the desert heat over the years), so I'll just plug the "vent" and run through the test at each selection (vent, heat, etc.)
