FredR

Well the actuator on my recric flap has failed- cannot get it to hold vacuum at all. I have no intention of trying ot fix it at this stage but wuld like to leave the option of fixing it at some time in the future.

Given we run the a/c most of the time here it is not unreasonable to jam the flap closed as a stop gap solution however my brain is faded trying to come up with a suitable way to do this. I have cut out the grid cover to get better access to assess the situation.

It should be possible to jam it closed with a prop or wedge of some kind but my brain is fialing me at the moment. Any suggestions follwing similar experience appreciated. Just getting in there is difficult enough.

Regards

Fred

Tails

Go to 928 Specialest web site at www.928gt.com and look up Wally's technical tips and you will find a write up on the HVAC system and Wally describes how to bye pass the solenoid valves and maintain your vacuum.

The "search function" is also you best friend and you will find numerous post on this subject.

Tails 1990 928S4 Auto

FredR

The problem is a leak in the actuator diaphragm. I have isolated the solenoid from opening and losing vacuum. The problem then was how to hold the flap open in order to stop the car from trying to air condition the Middle East.

I managed to find a temporary solution- I found a small angle bracket I made from aluminium. Managed to use this to more or less colse the flap using duct tape to mount it. This gave me some space to work in and then I was able to clean up the top side of the aperture where the flap seats [when the actuator is working] and then use more layers of duct to tape to help keep it closed. No idea how long this will last but it will get me away for the time being.

Regards

Fred

MFranke

If going thru all the trouble for rigging a bracket, why not just set aside a few hours to go in and replace the diaphragm? The vacuum leak is going to affect the rest of the system.

MFranke

Ah ok - I just read you isolated it.

Herman K

When you get to it you may check out if your flapper seals (2 sides) need replacement. I have attached a PDF of how I did mine by cutting one corner of the airbox and sliding it out. I replaced the same cut out piece and turned it into a removable door with the use of metal straps and rivets.

H

SeanR

I just take a length of fuel hose, stick it up in there and brace the door open.

Mrmerlin

Since your seemingly looking to jump through some hurdles to fix a broken system,
I would suggest its time to fix it properly.

Virtually every car will benefit from a resealed blower box, as this will also protect the CE panel from water damage.
SO get some 3M strip caulk from the Body supply store and then get a new Pod from Roger and also drop out the Blower motor to lube it it weill drop through the blower well.

Otherwise It seems silly to rig up a temporary fix that can cause other isses down the line, YMMV

FredR

Stan,

In the final analysis when I worked out what I was looking to achieve it took 5 minutes to implement a temp fix. To be fair I was not sure whether the housing/fan could be removed without dropping the entire dash and in the case of the fan, having to lift the hood off altogether. From what you say it sounds as though the whole lot will drop through. I seem to remember there is one tricky bolt that has to be removed from the top?

I pulled the thing apart previously when stipping the late S4. I should have kept the housing but then several house moves later and limited storage etc..

I am also losing gas and need a top up every 3 months or so. We have chased out everything we can see including resealing the compressor seals [static and dynamic]. Thus I fear the "leak" is from the evaporator and we all know what that means if one wants to fix it but that is assumed- not proven.

Herman- useful write up- do you hae any pics of how the actuator assembly is mounted?

Regards

Fred

Leon Speed

I think someone described finding a champagne cork in there for the same reason a few years ago.

mickster

Duplicated but... undeletable

mickster

I believe Mr. Anderson, the senior or junior, stuck a wine cork in my current car...