mtoronyi

I have a '78 with vacuum locks that are not operating. I took the door panel off the driver's door to investigate. It appears that a PO disconnected the vacuum system from the lock. That is to say, there is nothing connecting the piston on the vacuum manifold to the actual locking mechanisim.

I'm wondering if someone has a picture of what part is suppose to be connecting the two? Or any idea of what I could use to make the connection. I was thinking of getting a short medal rod of the correct dimention and bending a piece to fit.

Any help or suggestions would be great.

mtoronyi

Some how it's seems I must have posted this incorrectly. Not one helpful response.

Adamant1971

Be patient grass hopper.

Barry Chan

it would help to answer your question from someone that knows how if you post a picture of the problem.

dfrhodes

there is a fuzzy photo of the linkage on 57-17 of the WSM.

I just repaired my pivot and locks last weekend, but I have the 'upgrade' motorized version, so can't help much either.

David

Andre Hedrick

I would first try and see if drawing and holding the vacuum on the system works, and then see if it works w/o the engine running to see if there is a leak in the mechanism itself. So you have a hand vacuum pump?

mtoronyi

I have looked at the pictures in the WSM, there are several of them. However they are either too grainy or not the right angle to get a clear picture of what connects the vacuum system to the lock. At one point in the past, a PO had the driver's door repainted. I suspect the lock was disassebled at that point for painting and that is when this piece was not reinstalled.

I will take a picture and post it soon.

I have attempted to determine if the vacuum system is working; it appears that it is not. If I move the vacuum system manually (with the car on), the lock on the passenger door does not lock and unlock accordingly. I don't have a hand pump yet, so that's on the list now as well.

From what I have read so far, if the vacuum system has a leak, the engine would run roughly. So either it is connected and sound or it has been properly disconnected. I'm very interested to see where this issue takes me.

Randy V

Have you checked the vacuum valve off the brake booster for correct orientation and operation?

Vacuum off the brake booster does not affect how the engine functions.

mtoronyi

First, a picture of the car.

mtoronyi

Here is a picture of the door from several feet away. You can see the three colored vacuum lines leading to the lock

mtoronyi

Here is a close-up of the vacuum manifold. I've pulled it out just a bit so you can see the "piston" is not connected to anything. I believe it should be connected directly to the locking mechanism that you pull up and down on. When the manifold is in natural place, it just about lines up with the lock.

I'm thinking a bent piece of rod will do, but I don't want to use something so crude if there is a better option.

Andre Hedrick

That would also effect the Heat/Cool controls and flaps too, so if those don't work either you have a starting point.

mtoronyi

It does appear that all the vacuum lines are connected. I see the line going to the brake booster. I don't see anything that is disconnected. All the lines look to be in good condition. There are no cracks or breaks in what I can see. The vacuum tank is also still in place an hooked up.

I'll have to get the hand pump and test the lines.

Since the control valve on the drivers door is disconnected, there is a chance that the connection has also been broken on the passenger's door. I may open that door up as well just to see.

Andre Hedrick

Do you have a little check valve off on an 1/8 inch T about two inches from the brake booster?

mtoronyi

The check valve is there, but I have not confirmed the orientation. I will do that this evening. The heat/cool controls and flaps work fine.