1981 corvette retractable headlights should open at the same time and rate. The right opens with the left lagging behind. The oppisite happens when the headlights are turned off. I really appreaciate symetry and any help would be greatly appreaciated.
Thanks,
John
Most of the time you will find that it's rotting rubber hoses. If these have never been replaced, they're 28 years old! Engine heat, exposure to the elements that splash up under the car, and age can rot them.
Also the actuator has a rod that comes out. This rod has a seal around it. The seal rots too. The actuator is the large vacuum cannister, that looks like two pie pans put together. It is down near the headlight. When you have the hood open, look down towards one of the headlights.
Sometimes the vacuum tank develops a hole. This can be patched. It's up on the side of the fender.
Here, let me show you the headlight mechanism,
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-c3-headlight-actuator-linkage-parts-1-249-6088.html
I use this website for my parts, but this is not a link to them for advertisement. It just shows an exploded drawing, so I can explain better.
B is the Headlight Actuator. See the long rod coming out of the middle? Has threads on the end of it? Where the rod goes up into the cannister, there is a rubber seal. This dries out and cracks, and also wears through time. Corvette parts places (At least online I know they do) sell this rubber seal.
There is also a small check valve that can go bad.
You can buy the vacuum hoses in a kit. They are color coded, and have replacement instructions.
To review:
1.Check all vacuum hoses for drying and cracking. Actually squeeze them, don't just look at them. If they have a crack from your squeezing, they're shot! (You might find that some just crumble in your fingers! Oh, by the way. Dawn dishwashing soap, or GoJo takes that black rubber residue off of your fingers)
2.Start the car, let it build up vacuum. Shut the car off, and use the override switch, (Knob under the headlight switch you pull), to keep the headlights in an up position. Put your finger on that actuator rubber seal I described above, and see if you feel a vacuum leak.
If so, replace the seal.
3.It's a good idea to replace the check valve,
http://www.volvette.com/HE76.html
4.It's also a good idea to replace the vacuuum filter,
(Vacuum reserve check valve air filter) http://www.volvette.com/HE75.html
Correction. I made a mistake. I own a 1970 Corvette, and a 1976 Corvette.
The '70 Corvette has a Vacuum Reservoir, ('Tank'), on the inside left fender well. I confused the two when giving a solution to you. (Head hanging down)
I am in the process of working on both cars, and am presently doing the headlight vacuum hoses.
Your 1981 Corvette has a cylindrical long 'pipe', that is down in the front of the car. On each end of this 'Pipe' are bumper brackets. This is what the front bumper attaches to. There are three brass fittings on this cylindrical shaped Vacuum Reservoir.
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Thank you for the troubleshooting info. I'm not familiar with the various C3 vacuum reservoir locations; but I do know that the 1977 has the cylindrical long pipe between the bumper brackets and the 1981 has the coffee can type vacuum reservoir mounted under the nose between the head lights. These cars are very unique in their own special way and any good info. can be helpful.
Thanks Again,
John
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