Actuator vacuum relay

[Jeffrey S.]

It's time to replace the vacuum relay for the wiper door on my '69. I found that it is leaking from one side to the other and I found a crack near the top. The vacuum holds fine at the small control hose. I know that the configuration of the top of the repros is not typical of '69 but this is so hidden in the fender well that I just really want to get the system to work better. These are widely available from all the vendors and on eBay. My question is are they all made by the same source (Chinese) or are there some still made here? If they are all from China then the only difference is price? Are these repros reliable or as unreliable as the vacuum switch under the wiper door as I have read? Any input is appreciated.
Jeff

[Alan S.]

Re: Actuator vacuum relay

Hi Jeff,
There are currently 2 relays for sale on the CF Parts For Sale, first page.
They are in Delco boxes that say made in the USA.
Worth a look?
Regards,
Alan

[Edward J.]

Re: Actuator vacuum relay

Jeff, if the one you have is a original, can you use JB weld to seal the crack? the replacement ones are crap. it may take 2 or 3 before you find one that works. the ones Alan speaks of may depend on the Delco boxes and just how old the are, the colors of the boxes generally give there ages I think if it is a Blue/ White box they should be fine as these boxes were around the mid to late 70"s, But Joe L. should be able to set you straight on this.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Actuator vacuum relay

Alan- I went directly to the CF and could not find these. Can you post a link? I found a rebuilt original on eBay that I might bid on.
Edward- Thanks for the advise. I know that there have been many complaints about the switches under the wiper door but have not read of any about this. The crack in the plastic is at the top and would not affect the lower internals. The leak is apparently between the 2 ports that go to the back or front of the actuator. The upper diaphram holds vacuum very well.
Jeff

[Alan S.]

Re: Actuator vacuum relay

Hi Jeff,
Here you go!
I bought a relay through a local Chevy dealer about 15 years ago and it had the same finish on the 'pot' as shown in the picture of these relays.
Regards,
Alan

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-parts-for-sale-wanted/3593653-f-s-5638427-headlight-and-wiper-door-actuator-relay.html

[Joe L.]

Re: Actuator vacuum relay

Alan- I went directly to the CF and could not find these. Can you post a link? I found a rebuilt original on eBay that I might bid on.
Edward- Thanks for the advise. I know that there have been many complaints about the switches under the wiper door but have not read of any about this. The crack in the plastic is at the top and would not affect the lower internals. The leak is apparently between the 2 ports that go to the back or front of the actuator. The upper diaphram holds vacuum very well.
Jeff

Jeff------


These relays, GM #5638427, are still available from GM. The current list price is about 160 bucks but you can buy them for a lot less. Where are the ones currently available made? I do not know. All of the ones I have (quite old NOS and not for sale) are made in USA.

[Joe L.]

Re: Actuator vacuum relay

Jeff, if the one you have is a original, can you use JB weld to seal the crack? the replacement ones are crap. it may take 2 or 3 before you find one that works. the ones Alan speaks of may depend on the Delco boxes and just how old the are, the colors of the boxes generally give there ages I think if it is a Blue/ White box they should be fine as these boxes were around the mid to late 70"s, But Joe L. should be able to set you straight on this.

Edward------


The original relays had a 2 piece sheet metal "cap" that was entirely zinc plated with a dichromate ("gold") finish. In later years the two piece "cap" had the perimeter piece finished with dichromate with the center portion clear zinc. Both of these work well. The more recent ones which have a cap which is entirely clear zinc finished I don't know about.

By the way, I should have mentioned that the current reproductions have an entirely dichromate-finished cap, just like the originals. So, to be sure one is getting an old NOS relay, it has to be in a Delco box. Also, it's my understanding that at least some of the current reproductions are made in the USA but I don't know if all are. The originals and many GM SERVICE pieces were manufactured by the AC Division of GM. However, the AC Division of GM has been "out of business" for many years. So, all of the current relays, GM or otherwise, have to be manufactured by some outside supplier(s).

[Edward J.]

Re: Actuator vacuum relay

Jeff, I had my head screwed in backward last night, I was referring to the plastic vacuum switch under the wiper arm on the pass. side which are crap. Sorry for that. Ed