Headlight Vacuum Canister C-3

[Harmon C.]

When changing the shaft seal and the boot should any type of lube be used on the shaft or the seal? Lyle

[Chuck S.]

Re: Headlight Vacuum Canister C-3

Lyle, I wouldn't use any lubricant. My opinion is that you want that seal to be tight on the shaft to prevent leakage. In fact, I don't think you'll ever get it to "slide" on the shaft, because those seals are made to have a tight fit. If you are asking about lubricant for installation, a drop or two of dishwashing soap would make them go on a little easier without leaving any permanent lubricity, but it's probably not absolutely necessary.

The length and flexibility of the seal permits relative movement between the shaft and the cannister while maintaing a vacuum tight seal. Sometimes this type of seal is called a "rolling grommet", but that doesn't mean that the seal "rolls" on the shaft...I believe that means that the "roll" happens when the rubber doubles back on itself when the shaft moves into the cannister.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Dawn Or Ivory Chuckster *NM*

[Chuck S.]

Oh, I Would Use The Ivory...

Ultra Ivory is specifically formulated to NOT remove the natural oils from your actuator seals, and contains biodegradable anionic and nonionic surfactants with no phosphates. Use of Ultra Ivory (if needed), will insure that your actuator seals remain soft and supple...rough, scaly seals resulting from using harsh detergents are a no-no for judging.

Keep Ultra Ivory out of the reach of children. If swallowed, drink a glass of water to dilute...and belch bubbles. (Urp!...I'll teach'ya! )

[Jack H.]

Re: Headlight Vacuum Canister C-3

At our shop we use a few 'tricks' during HL vac actuator seal replacement....

(1) Clean the shaft of caked on debris with a brush.

(2) Spritz the shaft with WD40 to let the new seal easily slide into place without grabbing or tearing.

(3) Hand moisten the outside of the seal (where there will be rubber against rubber contact/friction during actuation) with liquid graphite to enhance longevity.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Headlight Vacuum Canister C-3

Thanks Jack I removed the unit from the car. Can it be done in position as removal on an A/C car is not easy. Lyle

[Jack H.]

Re: Headlight Vacuum Canister C-3

My '71 is an A/C car and replacing the H/L actuator's front seals & dust accordians ON THE CAR is a piece of cake.... The only reason to remove the actuators, in my book, would be because you want to replate/re-dichromate the exterior finish of the cannisters.

Follow the Chassis Service Manual in terms of dropping the actuator rod. Count the number of revs needed to remove the swivel hook so you know the approximate number of turns to put it back to its correct, interference fit, fully up adjustment. The rest (R&R of the front seal and accordian cover) is child's play working from the bottom of the front nose through the air 'nostril' inlets. No reason on earth to drop the vac actuator 'motors' from their mounting brackets....