69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

[Gary H.]

My lights both open at exactly the same time, but the right light closes first then the left light closes.

Is this correct?

[Edward J.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

My lights both open at exactly the same time, but the right light closes first then the left light closes.

Is this correct?

Gary the system is operated on vacuum, if the headlight doors close pretty close together I don't think this indicates a problem, If they are far a part some you may need to test the vacuum door accuators, you may have a lazy one. they do have some issues with a seal on the front of the accuators that commonly fails. this crates a vacuum leak when they are gone- hence the door will open slower.

[Gary H.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

I guess I should clarify....was asking this question in regards to my upcoming pv.

They have been working fine for a year and a half, but is this ok for the PV? They hold vacuum for about a minute with the engine off, so must have a small leak somewhere.

[Jim T.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

Gary when my 1970 was new, I could open the headlights the next day without starting the engine and they would raise on the stored vacuum. Will not happen now. The seals and dust boots are available from Corvette parts venders to rebuild your vacuum motors.

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

Hi Gary,
I agree that since your 69 has just one vacuum relay the culprit is likely the actuator or MAYBE the hose.
I'd start by cutting about 3/8" off each end of the red striped hose running from the relay 'T' to the curved actuator port.... you might just get a better seal which may help your problem.
If that doesn't help you can check the 'close' side of the relay by putting your vacuum pump and gauge on the red port. If the vacuum holds, the diaphragm and seal are both good. If it drops, it may be that the seal needs to be replaced as Edward and Jim have suggested.
GOOD LUCK with this AND your PV.
Regards,
Alan

[Gary H.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

With a single relay do both headlights close at exactly the same time or does one close followed by the other?

Gary

[Michael W.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

With a single relay do both headlights close at exactly the same time or does one close followed by the other?

Gary

Yes.

If you've only got vacuum for a minute after engine shutdown, there's a significant leak somewhere.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

Hi Gary,
I agree that since your 69 has just one vacuum relay the culprit is likely the actuator or MAYBE the hose.
I'd start by cutting about 3/8" off each end of the red striped hose running from the relay 'T' to the curved actuator port.... you might just get a better seal which may help your problem.
If that doesn't help you can check the 'close' side of the relay by putting your vacuum pump and gauge on the red port. If the vacuum holds, the diaphragm and seal are both good. If it drops, it may be that the seal needs to be replaced as Edward and Jim have suggested.
GOOD LUCK with this AND your PV.
Regards,
Alan

[Alan S.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

Hi Gary,
With one relay, (is there just one?....Terry's Post #8), the 'close' signal is sent along to the 'T' and if each actuator is performing normally I'd think the 2 would close at close to the same time, but not necessarily the exact same time. I would say if you can describe it as one closing FOLLOWED by the other, that's not typical.
Again, it's pretty easy and quick to check the hose and actuator for even a slow leak.
Regards,
alan

[Gary H.]

Re: 69 headlight operation question (do your headlights both close at the same time?)

I have a single relay. My car is from july 69.

Hoses are all about a year and a half old and were all replaced. I will try to cut the ends a bit tomorrow and will get out the mity vac.

My original actuators were very slow. I replaced them when I put the car back together about a year and a half ago. The ecklers actuators only lasted about 3 months before they failed. They were sitting in storage for a few years before they were put on the car so ecklers wouldnt refund.

I dont think I have any leaks on the side of the system that opens as the wiper cowl and the headlights both spring up nicely.