Vacuum Solenoid - Vent Controls

[marcmata]

Hi All,

On a 1963 there are vacuum solenoids used to open and close vents depending on where you desire the AC or heat to blow from. For example, the AC has a large vent dead center of the dash just above the fan control. My AC works great but the vent will not open, i see the solenoid for this is just to the right of the vent behind the dash (hard to get to) So - I don't know if I have a vacuum problem or a solenoid problem.

How do I troubleshoot or fix?

Thank you in advance.

Marc

[Terry64HT]

Even though my car is a 64, I think the steps to check things will be the same. The vacuum motor for my problem vent was also located up under the dash. I removed enough to get to it and pulled the vacuum line off the end of the solenoid. Using a vacuum pump brake bleeder kit, I hooked up to the line and tested the vacuum at different control settings. I got that sorted out so that I read vacuum when I should and then hooked a line from the vacuum pump to the fitting on the solenoid. I couldn't pull a vacuum on the gauge, so the diaphragm was shot.
These little vacuum motors really aren't repairable (I've tried), but there are replacement ones available.
Hope this helps
Terry 64HT

[rhinoman]

I just propped my vents open with a length of timber 1" wide and just the right length an closed the foot level vents with foam jammed in to close the vent.

In winter I can just remove them to get heating into the car.

Graeme