Topic: bad headlight
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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West Bend, WI - USA
Joined: 3/18/2010
Posts: 46
Vette(s): 1985 silver coupe & 1975 red coupe
I need a little help with a head light problem. I was driving my '75 the other night and I put the thing away after that and the drivers side head light would not go back down. The other side works just fine. I don't know much about these systems but I gave the stuff a good visual and didn't see anything that looked funny like a hose off, etc. Could somebody out there give me a good place to start with troubleshooting this thing. Thanks, Darrell
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Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Vaccume leak. Spray Starter fluid on all hose ends for that side. With an increase in engine speed at idle you have found the leak.
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Either the actuator has sprung a leak, or there is an issue with the vacuum relay valve for that side. Most likely the relay valve. Take the hoses off of the actuator(the large "can"), and swap them. If the light goes down then, your problem is with the relay valve. If it does not go down, there is a leak, or other problem with the actuator. The front seals on them go out all the time, but they are fairly easy to replace. IF the relay valve is the problem, you'll need to replace it...no repair for those, but there are a couple of guys that do rebuild them.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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I had the same problem with my 71. Like Joel pointed out, could be the actuator seal. If that's what it is, you can buy a kit to repair it. Not very expensive and easy to do. "T"
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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