How to test Vacuum operated systems on a C3 Corvette

Any vacuum leak will cause other vacuum operated systems to fail or run slow. These systems are simple and powerful when working as designed. Here I show the easy way to test for leaks and find the faulty vacuum components. How to test Vacuum operated systems on a C3 Corvette
Tools: Worth it if you own a Vacuum Assisted Vintage car Under $100 (amazon associate links)
Vacuum Pump: amzn.to/2SKPfnN
Change the 1/4" NPT port to barbed fitting amzn.to/37KvMb6
1/4" tubing amzn.to/2vNgLrP
For smaller hoses you might want to get a reducer from 1/4" hose to fit, I just find tings lying around like a bic pen at home.

[@stfitness-du4bq]

And now I know how to check for vacuum leaks. Restoring my 77 C3 project car and mental therapy. Thanks for the info.

[@thedrivewayC3]

Thanks for this. Will probably replace ALL the components of the system on my 71 project, but this is a great way to test. It’s also cool to see a Vette with the bottom windshield chrome showing. I was thinking about going that direction with mine.

[@CamaroRick]

Thanks I love the hideaway wipers on these years. Good luck with your 71!

[@corvette-pr8tc]

great video it is a great way to test the vacuum system i have 1969 vette and the headlight vacuum line filter which runs into back of manifold split into two piece and caused car not to start replaced a vrooom vroom rolling again ; lololo once vacuum line is leaking it can affect many things on these cars thx again for video

[@calebcaldwell4690]

Very helpful! Thinking about trying this out on my 72 Stingray Convertible

[@jhuntosgarage]

Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing!

[@CamaroRick]

Glad to share, Vacuum operated stuff always gets a bad rep but it works extremely well.

[@FlipFlopandFly]

Beautiful car!!!!!!!! Loved the video!

[@CamaroRick]

Had fun with this video! Glad you enjoyed it, Thanks for stopping by!

[@jamescasello8100]

Hey Rick, Great show man. My vette I believe has vacuum leaks. Started running like crap. Was running great until that point then stalled at a light. Revs went down to 5K, then lower and stalled. I might try your method. Thanks

[@jamescasello8100]

BTW, found you by accident. Was watching your vid on larger tires in the rear. Checked out your channel and there it was, what I originally searched for, the vacuum leak stuff.

[@TheEVAddict]

Awesome job man- I just deleted the cruise vacuum on my 77 - this is a very helpful video

[@CamaroRick]

Glad to help

[@rea8755]

what is cruise vacuum?

[@thud9797]

77 was first year for factory cruise control and it had a vacuum actuator to control the throttle.

[@brianwilson415]

I wish you were in my area for my vette. Good mechanics are tuff to find.

[@scottpearsontoolsmore185]

Great video thanks brother. Keep up the great work see you in the next video thanks again brother

[@CamaroRick]

Thanks brother!

[@bobcolombus6562]

great video,I'gona try this

[@mobd189]

That was a sick beat!

[@belgreenhills]

Great video. Thanks

[@CamaroRick]

You are welcome, hope it helps

[@ericschmid7626]

Thanks

[@truebetold65]

Beautiful car 👍🇺🇸🎄

[@shannabrooks3871]

Liked your video

[@MaxDoody]

Great video, after seeing what you did with the vacuum generator, I’m wondering if this test can be reversed and use a smoke machine. As in like testing for emissions leaks.

[@CamaroRick]

It may be possible but the seals may be inadvertently pushed out instead of pulled in from the pressure vs vacuum and cause it to seal up in that case.

[@colehara]

Most of the problems with headlights and the wiper door on C3's comes down to bad check valves.

[@daviddaprato3741]

How much does it typically cost to repair vacuum leaks? ballpark.

[@that_thing_I_do]

The Cowel was neat!

[@CamaroRick]

I love the vacuum operated mechanical stuff. It is pretty cool

[@ColonelJohnmatrix1000]

Hello, my pop up headlights on my c3 are stuck. One is a stuck halfway down, the other fully up. How man turns on the rods do you start with?

[@CamaroRick]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnisiKyXfpqUhbc Heres a video on the adjustment. You really shouldnt have to mess with it unless your are replacing the vacuum actuator. The repro parts are not always the same length as the originals so you may have to play with it some. I would chase the threads to make it easier before trying to dial it in.

[@jeffstieren4474]

Are you still doing videos ??? Are they only based on the C-3

[@victormendoza871]

Do you have any videos on how to repair the vents in the car the car I am working with only blows air at the bottom when the ac is on.

[@CamaroRick]

I dont yet, You can test the system the same way here if under hood is quiet try and listen under the dash for the area of the leak at that ac on switch position. might have to take the dash apart

[@victormendoza871]

Camaro Rick thank you !

[@louistorregrossa9724]

great video have and suggestions on removal of driver side dash speaker 70 corvette

[@richardmood3299]

Just Subbed

[@edyminski]

Can this also be used for a stalling condition on my 78 corvette?ed

[@CamaroRick]

Unlikely because if you had a vacuum leak the idle would be higher than normal. Check the carburetor adjustments and timing. You can look up the specs on corvetteforum if you dont have a service manual.

[@swann747]

The wiper door opened and closed really quickly, is that because the vacuum pump creates more vacuum than what the engine does under normal operation?

[@CamaroRick]

Exactly, it is a higher vacuum than the engine produces so it will function more efficiently during the vacuum pump test. The main reason for using the pump is that it is quieter and you can hear any leaks at an amplified level.

[@robertmichael436]

@@CamaroRick is there a setting on the pump or is there too much vacuum that can be generated would you say? Looking to pick one up to test all the vacuum vents on the inside can fun on our 77.

[@CamaroRick]

@@robertmichael436 The one I have does not have any adjustability but you could put a t fitting in line and reduce the open end to limit the vacuum if required. I have not had any ill effects without doing it that way so I dont bother. Normal engine operation could see 20 to 25" of vacuum this pump can draw around 29" on a sealed system.

[@robertmichael436]

@@CamaroRick oh ok sounds good. Thanks for the response. This looks like a nice easy option.

[@CamaroRick]

@@robertmichael436 No prob good luck!

[@chuckgannon5633]

So where you located? I'm in Maine..bought my first c3 last year..good solid 76 stingray l82 42000 original miles..just needs TLC of vaccum and some electrical...

[@CamaroRick]

Awesome find! Last of the "stingray" badges. I am in Maryland.

[@chuckgannon5633]

@@CamaroRick yeah it's a beautiful car. Doing a interior color change right now..I didn't like the red interior so I bought a complete interior from Corvette America in black Went with Dakota digital gauges..added back up camera and 11 inch LCD screen. Just trying to figure out the wiring issue while it's all apart..somthing is draining the battery..first I thought it could have been the battery,but I replaced it with a top brand marine battery..and is completely dead after being parked for 2 hours

[@CamaroRick]

@@chuckgannon5633 get a good multi meter that measures up to 10 amp draw, and start a parasitic draw test. You can also use a test light

[@chuckgannon5633]

@@CamaroRick yeah I have a handy little tool called the power probe 2 that works pretty well

[@DeathByLego]

Chuck Gannon what did you buy? Because I’m probably going to do the same thing. How much did it cost? Was it a premade kit or did you add each thing separately?

[@michaelgilmore8251]

79 AC vac hoses to switch

[@predalien1413]

If you give the car some gas does it aid in bringing the lights down.

[@CamaroRick]

Its possible on certain vacuum powered devices by shutting the throttle when above normal idle speed to create a sudden increase in vac to jolt it shut. If the leak is bad enough it wont help. The main feed builds up vacuum in a canister so it takes some time to regain the vacuum through the main vacuum hose.

[@CamaroRick]

there is a headlight door override under the dash that is used when the switch doesn't redirect vacuum correctly

[@predalien1413]

Camaro Rick Excellent thank you!!!!! For the switch under the dash, it’s to bring the mask down.

[@dettespaghetti5412]

Yo that harbor freight vacuum thing looks like that thing from ghost busters

[@CamaroRick]

Do you have ghosts in your Vacuum operated systems? Who you gonna call? Lol This thing is great. Ive been using it for years

[@garnetnard4284]

@@CamaroRick you are a bro for answering questions years after posting your video. I hope you answer the questions I have when I start digging into mine!

[@joekind1]

You have your elbow, shoulder and back in front of the Camera, can't see what you did.

[@CamaroRick]

Hook up the vacuum pump to the vacuum supply line from the intake manifold, then listen for any hissing noise / vacuum leaks

[@joekind1]

A picture would be better.

[@chemicalspore]

Can you use the vacuum to clean out your car? Just kidding, just kidding

[@CamaroRick]

LOL! So true my wife said the same thing. I will be doing a full wash and detail on it in the next week to get it ready for a car cruise. It needs it bad!

[@chemicalspore]

Camaro Rick i need to find a camaro club in orlando

[@CamaroRick]

We have an informal car club among friends out here called "Time & Money" but we dont do any organized events. California has some cool large Camaro clubs I follow on instagram. I have to look into one out here.

[@hubby9345]

How involved can a repair get on a vacuum line? $$$