While there are no dues or fees for membership at El Camino
Central, we do rely upon member contributions to keep the site and server running smoothly. As membership grows, so does
site usage. Recently we have seen a huge jump in server load and bandwidth. As a result, at times we notice extremely
slow page loading. Many of you may have also noticed the new member rankings used to recognize supporting members.
Become a supporting member today and get your own cool rank!
Every little bit helps.
Show your support by making a
donation here:
Supporters
page
Necoa #: 6538
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Dec 08, 2005
Posts: 320
Year: 1973
Model: El Camino
Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:51 am Post subject: Directional switch in heating/AC system question
My car is a 73 that used to have AC but no longer does.
Awhile ago I got my fan blowing and my heater core changed so that I can have heat/fan in my car. Unfortunately, I can't seem to make the air come out anywhere but the lower vent by my feet. After taking the heater stuff apart to get to the core when I replaced it I realized that there are flaps down near the core that control the direction of the airflow. I also know that the switch in the dash is electrical (as opposed to mechanical as on my last old car). My switch tests out as it gets power and sends power when switched. However, I'm not particularly sure how the vents are activated. They almost seem like they are attached to a vacuum system but how does the electrical switch work that? In other words, I need the system between the electrical switch and the flaps down by the heater core to be explained so I can figure out what and where needs fixed so I can stop driving with my head out the window on cold days (having no defrost is not easy in the winter). Thanks. _________________ ~Jake Stazewski
1973 El Camino SS
probably going to be a trailer
Well your right, they actually operate off a Vacuum module. The Reservoir is on the fender well where the AC/Heat box is, or in your case was/is. They get vacuum from the intake manifold, from there it goes to the reservoir then from there into the firewall and to the selector switch. That switch is a hybrid switch. There is some electrical power but in the 5th gens and most of the rest of the Elkys, there is a vacuum selector, I don't exactly remember what it's called, which when you select the different air outlet options, floor, Defroster, vents etc... the switch operates by opening or closing the appropriate port on the module in turn creating vacuum or no vacuum to the pot operating the door(s). I think it's called an "A/C, Vent and Vacuum Pod". The 5th generation 78 ~ 87 is different than the 4th Generation 73 ~77.
They are made of mostly rubber so they do get old and split and mess up, loose vacuum etc... One last thing, there is a vacuum line that goes to the Heater Hose from the selector. This line operates the Hot water shut off, best way I can explain this, when the AC switch is selected for cold or AC/Vent the selector sends vacuum to this pot in the heater line closing the flow to the heater core, if I remember correctly. So at or around the firewall in the engine compartment you are going to have two vacuum lines coming or going to the inside of the cabin area. One that carries vacuum to the Pod / selector and one going back out to carry vacuum to the valve in-line on the heater hose.
I hope this helps explain. I use to have some diagrams but no longer have my shop manual. If I did I'd scan in the diagrams and send them.
Necoa #: 6538
Location: 3(DE,NJ,PA)
Joined: Dec 08, 2005
Posts: 320
Year: 1973
Model: El Camino
Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:26 pm Post subject:
On the fender well... hmm. I don't remember seeing anything there but I'll have to keep my eye out next time I open the hood. Thanks for the info. _________________ ~Jake Stazewski
1973 El Camino SS
probably going to be a trailer
It is just a round ball with two lines hooked to it. It works as both a vacuum reservoir and a check valve, sort of. _________________ Home Site: http://www.elcaminoplace.com
1972 El Camino Custom 400
1976 El Camino Classic
1980 El Camino Super Sport
E-Mail: engstrvr@sbcglobal.net
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Forum FAQ
Calendar
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Staff Site
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
