Vacuum source for headlights

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Apr 14, 2003 | 04:52 PM

Brettmc

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 3,770

Likes: 3

From: St Louis MO

Vacuum source for headlights

My headlight vacuum is connected to my Torker II at the #8 intake runner. My driver side light comes up slow and the pass. side light so much sloooower that I sometimes get out and pull it up. I just had a thought that they might work better on the vacuum fitting at the base of the carb. Reason being, there's only one cylinder pulling vacuum on the system now whereas with the fitting at the base of the carb, there's 8 cylinders pullin vacuum on it. Would it make that much difference? Where are the headlights pulling from on yall's cars?

Brett :thumbs:

Apr 14, 2003 | 04:59 PM

James

Burning Brakes

Joined: Nov 2000

Posts: 948

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From: Johnston Iowa

Re: Vacuum source for headlights (Brettmc)

You should have a vacuum tank somewhere that everything should be pulling vacuum from. A line should run from the intake manifold over to the vacuum tank. At least that is the way it is on my 69.

Apr 14, 2003 | 05:01 PM

TedH

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 8,351

Likes: 75

From: Tampa Bay FL

Re: Vacuum source for headlights (Brettmc)

My vacuum source for the headlights is a fitting in the intake that is on the right rear of the intake manifold (near #8 cylinder). It originally fed the transmission vacuum line which I've since removed as my 700R4 doesn't use a vacuum line.

I'd suggest you take a look at the seals that surround the headlight actuator 'plungers'. I've replaced mine along with the full headlight vacuum hoses and both of my headlights snap to 'attention' (passenger side about .5 second behind driver's). Don't move the vacuum source to the base of the carb. Each of the actuator seals look like a 'witches hat' and can be purchased from Dr Rebuild or others for around $10-12 each. There is also an accordian style seal that can fit around/over the witches hat seal and that I believe is meant as a second defense against dust/dirt/water. I just use the witches hat seals.

Good luck! :seeya

Apr 14, 2003 | 05:08 PM

Brettmc

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 3,770

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From: St Louis MO

Re: Vacuum source for headlights (TedH)

Quote:

Don't move the vacuum source to the base of the carb.

Why not? Too much vacuum?

Brett :thumbs:

Apr 14, 2003 | 10:51 PM

Jack71

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 1,427

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From: Boxford Mass

Re: Vacuum source for headlights (Brettmc)

Do you have a vacuum tank under the left fender? If not, that could be the culprit.

Apr 14, 2003 | 11:43 PM

Brettmc

Thread Starter

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 3,770

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From: St Louis MO

Re: Vacuum source for headlights (74jack)

No tank under fender. I thought that was what the metal tube was for, the one behind the front bumper.

Brett :thumbs:

Apr 15, 2003 | 08:43 AM

vettfixr

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 9,206

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From: Sewell NJ

Re: Vacuum source for headlights (Brettmc)

It's possible that you're having a problem with your vacuum tank not holding vacuum. To check it out disconnect the vacuum hose going to the tank and connect a sorce of pressurized air from an air compressor. Make sure you only have it set at about 5 psi. Once you've pressurized the tank take soapy water and go ver the entire tank looking for leaks. If you have a leak it will bubble. It's just like checking a tire for a slow leak. If the tank checks out OK you probably have a leak in the headlight cannisters or actuator valve.

Apr 15, 2003 | 09:12 AM

TedH

Le Mans Master

Joined: Feb 1999

Posts: 8,351

Likes: 75

From: Tampa Bay FL

Re: Vacuum source for headlights (Brettmc)

I think the power brakes are powered from the rear base of the carb. If your headlight vacuum system leaks, I suspect that would negatively affect the performance of your power brake booster.