Couldn't seem to change the title of my previous post, so started another. Car in question is an '86. Trying to figure something out here, and going to start simple. When on the passenger side of the car, which A.I.R. valve would be closest to me...the "Control Valve" or the "Switching Valve"? Thanks!

 

According to the FSM the valve closest to the passenger side/AC compressor is the "Air Control (divert) Valve." The valve closest to the driver side/air pump is the "Electric Switching" valve.

 

Thanks very much! That's what I was pretty sure of too, but when researching some part numbers, it looks to be the other way around. Could be they were labeled incorrectly I suppose...but want to be sure. Do you know of anything visual to look for to tell the two apart? Again...thank you!

 

The valve closest to the AIR pump (switching valve) has its connection from the AIR pump on the flange side where the valve attaches to the bracket. It also has an open vacuum port. The air control valve doesn't have a connection through the mounting flange. There are three connections on this valve 1) to the silencer 2) from the switching valve and 3) to the AIR injection manifold on the passenger side. Also should have one blocked off vacuum port, the other port leads back to the switching valve.

the air control valve number is 17064174

 

Thanks for your reply! The one I need is the one closest to the A.I.R. pump, which should be the "switching valve" then, right? I actually just need the solenoid, but I've given up trying to find that on it's own...unless you might know of a source, or alternate vehicle substitute.

On this car, the one closest to the A.I.R. pump has the blocked off port, and not the one close to the A.C. Compressor.. Does that seem strange?

Thanks again!

 

Nothing, nothing is strange to me about these cars anymore! There seems to be a bit of mix and match going on sometimes.

On my 86 vacuum comes from a "t" on the line to the egr switch and "t"s again to each of the AIR valves. I have the valve off my 86 in my hand this is what it looks like:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Corvette-198...-/370785990186
(for illustration only, looks a little, um, gnarly to me.)

Here is what the new one looks like:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161892158197

It seems to have four connections instead of three. If so, one needs to be blocked off as you only need three. Or maybe you can scavenge the solenoid off it?

Seems like a common part, a lot of Chevy v8s used it, '90 305 Caprice for instance.

 

Okay, I'm putting on my headband flashlight, armed with some notes, and going to check this out. Read what you wrote more carefully, and going to make some comparisons. Thanks very much!

 

Going outside and going to look things over. While out there, I'll take a few pics, and if you're kind enough maybe you can look them over. Almost seems like the ones on this are in reversed positions, ha ha.

Will reply in more detail to this one when I get back in too.

Thanks for your help!

 

No problem. This kind of thing used to make me crazy. Now I try to go with the flow.

BTW it crosses to this:
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/New-ACDelco-2...-/141709112097

 

Okay, I'm back in. Took some pics, but figured I'd reply in order...just the way my mind works I guess. Hope you follow me on this. Almost seems like these things are in each other's place, but I am going by switching valve being closer to driver's side, and control valve being closer to the passenger side...

Going by the "checklist" above...

"The valve closest to the AIR pump (switching valve) has its connection from the AIR pump on the flange side where the valve attaches to the bracket."

Check!

"It also has an open vacuum port."

I don't see an open vacuum port, but there is a port that is blocked off.

"The air control valve doesn't have a connection through the mounting flange."

Check!

"There are three connections on this valve 1) to the silencer 2) from the switching valve and 3) to the AIR injection manifold on the passenger side."

I do see three connections here. Just not sure of the names of the components they are going to...but I did take pictures.

"Also should have one blocked off vacuum port,"

I don't see a blocked off vacuum port on this one...but if you're talking about the little vacuum line nipple with the rubber cap on it, then yes...I do see that here.

"the other port leads back to the switching valve."

Check!

Thanks again...hope that makes sense!

 

I hear ya! I collect guitars and amps, and always running into things that "should not be", yet are. I seem to have a gift for acquiring "transitional" models of everything I own...where it'll correspond in many ways to two model years, be loyal to neither year, yet still be 100% factory.

The one you posted looks like the one on the passenger side...the "control" valve...Is that where it should be?

Thank you!

 

Yea, it's an inconsistent world, huh? Always been hard for mt to "go with the flow", but I'm learning to compromise these days...Thanks!

 

You've linked "very different product" the second link is for an OLDS 260/307 product if you look more closely! One needs to shop very carefully! Your first link the seller just referenced a number he found on the part. Means nothing unless you've got one in each hand to compare!

 

Yep, sounds like you got it right. On the vacuum thing, I went and checked again and it's as I described it. As I said there seems to be some mix and match among parts-but I think it sounds OK to me as long as they both have vacuum. I've seen at least two different vacuum layouts, there may be others but they all do the same thing.

The blocked off port on mine is part of a T and it only needs the one port. Go figure.

If you lay the valve up against its bracket you going to have (the big connections) one pointing down-to the silencer, one pointing to the back-to the manifold and one pointing to the other valve.

 

Thanks for checking! I think I got a little confused with the word "connections". I think you may have been referring to vacuum lines going to the solenoids, and I was thinking you meant the larger hose type connections going to the valves.

So does it seem to you the valves themselves are in the right spots? I guess that's the best place to start, huh?

Thanks again!

 

Yep I have one right here in my hand. It crosses to parts that are supersceeded. The only ones that match exactly are the couple on eBay. As I said in the other post this seems to be used on various SBC, found one that was right. Supposed to be off a 305 Caprice for instance.

 

Thank you. Yes, I'll be careful. I see one out there that seems like a 100% visual match to what I need, but was unable to get a part number from the person that has it. I've received the part number for the "switching valve", but mine has a different number that pulls up no results in any searches. I believe the number on mine is 17075089, but I will have to double check. Thanks...

 

Definitely getting interesting, ha ha...Would love to know if something from another GM car would work, but also want to play it safe. "Go with the flow"?

 

Sorry about that. Yes I was referring to the vacuum lines going to the solenoids. Yes, it seems the valve are in the right places. I think it's going to be a bear finding another one though. I found a couple of what look like exact matches on eBay for ridiculous prices. Then there are the ones that are close but much cheaper that's why I linked to them. You said you need just the solenoid, right?

 

No problem at all. That's good to know. I did find the entire valve with solenoid that looks exactly right, but haven't gotten the part number from the person that his it yet.

Yea, they are pricey on there.

Thanks...Yes, I "need" the solenoid, but I guess I was expecting to have to buy the whole valve...but if I can modify a solenoid off of something to work, I am fine with that.

I guess that's where the confusion was. You were thinking solenoid only, and I was thinking the whole valve. Sorry about that.

Thank you!