Vacuum Problems

[Ralph Shealy]

I've owned my 64 for almost a year and I love it, but I, and two experienced mechanics, have not been able to figure out why my heater and AC don't work.

I spent the money for a new compressor, but that didn't solve the problem. The blower motor works, but nothing comes out of the AC vent.

Any suggestions?

Also, can anyone suggest how to tighten a wobbly outside remote mirror? Tightening the screw accomplishes nothing.

[Dutch]

In regard to your heater/ac problem, if both heat and air are not working I'd suspect a vacuum leak problem in the control panel. This is accessed on passenger side by removing panel on hump. Maybe one of the hoses is cracked or has fallen off the controls.

I've had this happen, as well as a problem with the water valve in the engine compartment (which is vacuum controlled). My valve was sticking in the closed position, so I wasn't getting any heat. Check to see if you're getting vacuum at this valve when you turn your heater on.

On your A/C problem, is your compressor's clutch engaging? Even with a vacuum leak the compressor should be working unless there is a an electrical problem in the control panel. When you turn on the a/c, does the air blow from the vents, or down at your feet? If it blows at your feet, then you definitely have a vacuum leak and the ducts are not opening and closing correctly.

[Joe Vandatta]

Check to see if you are getting vacuum at the control head.
Check to see if you are getting vacuum to the vacuum operated control motors--there are 4 or five of these that operate the doors. Ihave had to replace all of these on my 66.
As for the outside mirror, get a new mounting base.
Joe

[Ralph Shealy]

Thanks Dutch and Joe for the suggestions.

The air is blowing on my feet and the compressor is engaging, so I guess I'm going to be looking for loose hoses, etc.


Also, I just ordered the mounting bracket for the outside rear view mirror.

[Joe Vandatta]

Ralph---The air movement to different outlets is controled by the the vacuum servos (motors) so I think you may have one or more of these that is not working--assuming that you are getting vacuum to them.If you have a vacuum gauge you can ck. vacuum drop at different settings to find the defective servo (servos) You can do this by inserting the gauge in the main feed line that comes out of the reserve tank in the engine compartment.
Joe

[Ralph Shealy]

Thanks, Joe. I'll try that too. It's beginning to get hot in South Carolina and I could really use the AC.

[Captain Mike]

If you're willing to drive the car down to Tampa, Florida, you could visit the fine folks at "Classic Auto Air" who specialize in restoring and repairing factory A/C systems on classic cars. If you have an aftermarket A/C they might still be able to help.

[Ralph Shealy]

Thanks, Captain Mike, I may do that some day. I've survived another hot SC summer without the AC, however, and may decide to give up.

[tbird5866]

Correction, Dutch.... A vacuum leak can keep the AC switch from engaging the compressor clutch. The vacuum to the AC switch is controlled by the TEMPERATURE lever on the control panel.