My '81 is missing the temperature sensor mounted in the air cleaner which controls the vacuum operated flaps in the air cleaner snorkels. I have no idea what it looks like, or where to get one from. All clues appreciated !
Thanx, Chris.


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Kiwi Chris

It's just a small unit that has two vacuum lines attached.

It senses the air temp in the air cleaner.  Then allows or prevents vacuum to the blend door on the snorkels.  This in turn draws cool air from the outside, or hot air from the stove around the exhaust manifold.  The purpose is to maintain an equal temp in the air filter, and thus the intake manifold.

This allows the car to operate better cold by providing better cold fuel mix, and also allows a more consistant intake on a warm engine.  Air temp is related to air density.  So the carb can keep a more consistant fuel mixture, and a more consistant operation.  It's good for mileage and emissions, as well as cold operation.

It may not always be the best for performance.  Cool intake air is best for that, providing the carb and engine set up will also handle it properly.

That being said.....( Hi, Ken!) I would think that you could find one in any GM air cleaner from around 78-82 or so. I have been looking for you, but I haven't seen one in any of my catalogs. You might have to take a trip to the "BoneYard", or a swap meet, to find one.
If you're looking for an 'original', there are some 'Vette 'salvage' yards, and some vendors ( Zip, Paragon, etc.) that have used & reconditioned parts available. Just call & ask.

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanx for that, I'll keep hunting on the net... not too
many vette boneyards here in NZ !
Chris

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Kiwi Chris

It does'nt have to be off a Vette,I would think almost any G.M. air  cleaner would work from an older car,they have been around for a long time.just check around and make sure the part fits on your air cleaner the same way

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C3VR Lifetime Member #93

Guys, I've found this sensor on ebay which looks like it might be the right item... could I ask you to check this link out please and let me know ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd= 1&item=7984992139&category=50459

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Kiwi Chris

If you want to get the correct part, check here for the information. I am not endorsing Doc Rebuild, but I do think he has some of the best illustrations available for our cars. You can get these from just about all of the Vette vendors or GM suppliers.

http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/AIR-CL2.pdf

Good Luck

 

 

Willis7638541.2244675926

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Perfect!! The part # 3402522 ( "K" in the Dr. Rebuild pic) should be what you are looking for. Hope you can get this stuff down yonder!!

Here's a clickable link to the above post from CeeDee:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd= 1&item=7984992139&category=50459

That might be the right part on e-bay, but I would go with the Doc, because it would more likely be correct. Adams' Apple38541.797650463

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanx for that everyone. I'm off shopping at the Doc. I hope. Wee query for Ken re the cold air for max power thing... Ken, if the Air Cleaner thermostat set up is working correctly, once the engine is warm would not the air supposedly be only coming in through the cold route anyway at that stage, with the warm air option completely closed off by the flap ? Or does it still mix some warm stuff in there anyway.
(He asks without the air cleaner sitting on his knee in front of him to look at !)
Chris.

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Kiwi Chris

FYI - The Doc's customer service can be trying at times, but you never know. He's not as involved any more (semi-retired), but does have a couple of very nice laddies on the desk that will help in getting you the parts you need.

 

 

 

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The air in the air cleaner assy will always maintain about 120 degrees F.  This is once the exhaust manifolds get hot, which takes less than a minute.

Keep in mind, this is for optimum fuel control and emissions with a carb.  That does not mean it is always best for performance.  A colder air supply will create a denser air volume, and thus more air into the intake and into the cylinder, which in turn produces a bit more power.  It may not be noticable in street use, but might show up on a dragstrip.

Well I finally got round to fitting it. GOOD NEWS... the
two vacuum controlled flaps still operate. BAD NEWS... I
would have thought that after driving around for 15 mins
it would have warmed up enough to open the flap it
controls, but no so I swapped the hoses over
which attach to the sensor just in case it makes a
difference, and still no joy ...if I touch the
"plunger" in the sensor ever so lightly the flap opens
nicely, but on taking my finger away it closes again.
Is there an easy way to test the sensor's operating
properly / at a correct temperature (whatever it is) ?

On the plus side, as it is around 6 degrees C here
currently (winter has arrived) - that's around 44 F
in your talk - she does seem to be smoother on start
up from cold !

Kiwi Chris

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Kiwi Chris

AHHHH the land of the long white cloud.  CeeDee, do you need your car to be totally original?  If not, get rid of that original air restricting can on the carb and put a Holley 600 on with choke and full flow air cleaner, then just wait for the engine to warm up.  I believe you can do that in Un Zud and remove all the anti-pollution crap while you're at it.  You'll then have a car that both looks good and performs like crazy.

P.S. Just don't drive too fast or you'll run out of road and end up in the drink.

Well I'll be, a for real ocker ON C3VR !

Gidday mate. ( sorry, couldn't resist !!! )

Car is already clean of all smog stuff... air pump is
gone altogether, and as far as I can make out anything
to do with emissions has been removed or disconnected,
even the EGR is disconnected.

So I'm just tinkering with bits that seem to do no real
harm when they're connected. Not looking at all to
restore to original.

However I kinda liked the idea of having warm air
feeding the engine while it's cold. Not particularly
stressed about it at all though...

Cheers
Kiwi Chris

P.S.
Northern Territories... your Vette wouldn't make it
between gas stations out there would it ????






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Kiwi Chris

Always nice to hear a Kiwi and Oz-man banter back and forth.  Such amicable animosity!  Just never thought I'd hear (see) it on the C3VR forums!

Goodonya mate!  You both just need to sit down and discuss it over some tucker.  I know, I know, Vegemite (spread on anything) for the Oz-man!

... Vegemite just happens to be my number 1 toast spread
too... I'm sure we invented the stuff here in NZ

Kiwi Chris

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Kiwi Chris

I onlhy just make it between gas stations but I can drive as fast as I like.  Vegemite invented by Kiwis?  I don't think so!!!

Only problem is, the bloody company is owned by the yanks now just like Arnotts

I bought a 1982 just recently.  I noticed that the air cleaner louvers were not closed when the car was cold (or not running).