Anybody know of a source for the dual A/C vacuum actuators?

[jimtash]

Does anybody have a souce for the dual vacuum actuators that fit the '63's? I can find the single actuators from several different vendors but the duals are no where to be found. If they are no longer available new from anywhere, can the older one's be rebuilt? Thanks.

[TexRiv_63]

I have not dealt with them, but try Old Air Products in Fort Worth, Texas - www.oldairproducts.com

I have seen them recommended by other ROA members.

[jimtash]

They sell the single actuators but not the duals.

The duals are located underneath the blower motor BTW.

Thanks though. Anybody else got any suggestions?

[alex bonino]

I ordered and received dual vacuum actuators from them for my 1964. By "dual" do you mean two vacuum ports, or two linkages.

In this case, I am referring to dual meaning two vacuum ports.

alex roa 11550

[Jim Cannon]

The dual diaphragm under the blower on the '63 is actually 2 diaphragm cans stacked on top of each other. It is not available new from any aftermarket supplier that I know of. Getting a good used one or looking for NOS is your only option.

You can make the 2-port diaphragm that Old Air Products sells work in this application, if you are willing to depart from original. (Because it is out of sight, under the blower, it is not very obvious that you are no longer original.)

The main problem you find with the OAP 2-port diaphragm is that you can no longer get the "part open" position of the actuator. You need to plug the vacuum hose that would normally put the diaphragm in the part open position, and T- the other vacuum hose (the full open hose) into both ports of the 2-port diaphragm.

I did this on my '63.

Then you get full open or full recirculation, never partial recirculation.

The reason you need to do this is because of the way the Old Air Product diaphragms are all inside the same can. The original stacked cans were separate and you could apply vacuum to one port or the other (or both) and not have anything leak between them. The OAP 2-port diaphragm requires vacuum on just the outer port for partial movement and vacuum on both ports for full movement. That is not what our '63 heating-A/C controllers gives us down at that position.

[jimtash]

Jim, you are a lifesaver. Thanks a whole bunch man.

[Jim Cannon]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jimtash</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jim, you are a lifesaver. Thanks a whole bunch man. </div></div>

No problem.

The next time I am in Asheville you can show me your car, and buy me a beer!

PS - don't throw that old double actuator away. I have not figured out yet how to open the can, replace the diaphragm, then reassemble, but I'm working on it. I will need some old dead units to experiment on.

[jimtash]

You got it.

I still have the dual actuators here as I was trying myself to figure out a way to repair them. I'll be happy to send them to you.

[Jim Cannon]

Just hold on to it until I figure out a way to open them without destroying them. Then I will be ready for a second "victim".

I was able to open my other vacuum motor on the firewall and rebuild it. The dual can has been a tougher nut to crack.

[jimtash]

I have several vacuum actuators that are in good shape except for one thing; the nipples are all broken off. Otherwise they function nice and tight. What would you suggest as a remedy? It would be a shame not to use them and have to spend money on top of it to replace perfectly good working parts for such a minor problem.

The top canister can easily be replaced with a new one. The bottom one though is a different story so let me know what you come up with. Your solution works just fine but it would be nice to have the system working just like the Buick engineers designed it to. I guess I'm just picky that way.

[Erick R]

ok  need a little help on my 64 Riv  in testing I found the dual port vacuum actuator on  the vent  does not work (tried direct vacuum to both ports did not move). Also checked after replacing all the vacuum lines that I do not get any vacuum from the valves. Is there a rebuild kit for the valves if so has any one done it ? If so how and where could I pick up a rebuild kit.  Thanks for any help. 

Erick

[rocketraider]

Check with GTO or Pontiac vendors. I believe Pontiac and Oldsmobile also used that dual port vacuum motor to switch between outside air and recirculated air.

[RivNut]

Either Vintage Air or Old Air Products sells new ones.  Find their websites and peruse them. 

[63 nut]

Can anyone post pictures of these actuators with the nipples and without. Maybe we can come up with ideas for repair.

[Riviera63]

On 5/7/2008 at 7:12 PM, Jim Cannon said:

The dual diaphragm under the blower on the '63 is actually 2 diaphragm cans stacked on top of each other. It is not available new from any aftermarket supplier that I know of. Getting a good used one or looking for NOS is your only option.

You can make the 2-port diaphragm that Old Air Products sells work in this application, if you are willing to depart from original. (Because it is out of sight, under the blower, it is not very obvious that you are no longer original.)

The main problem you find with the OAP 2-port diaphragm is that you can no longer get the "part open" position of the actuator. You need to plug the vacuum hose that would normally put the diaphragm in the part open position, and T- the other vacuum hose (the full open hose) into both ports of the 2-port diaphragm.

I did this on my '63.

Then you get full open or full recirculation, never partial recirculation.

The reason you need to do this is because of the way the Old Air Product diaphragms are all inside the same can. The original stacked cans were separate and you could apply vacuum to one port or the other (or both) and not have anything leak between them. The OAP 2-port diaphragm requires vacuum on just the outer port for partial movement and vacuum on both ports for full movement. That is not what our '63 heating-A/C controllers gives us down at that position.

 

9 hours ago, Erick R said:

ok  need a little help on my 64 Riv  in testing I found the dual port vacuum actuator on  the vent  does not work (tried direct vacuum to both ports did not move). Also checked after replacing all the vacuum lines that I do not get any vacuum from the valves. Is there a rebuild kit for the valves if so has any one done it ? If so how and where could I pick up a rebuild kit.  Thanks for any help. 

Erick

Read Jim Cannon's response from earlier in the thread which I have attached. He does a good job of explaining the problem and how to fix it. I did this on my 63 several years ago with Jim's guidance and all is good. Take your time and fix everything that needs fixing. This is a job that you do not want to do twice.

 

Bill

 

 

[Turbinator]

On 8/7/2022 at 5:38 AM, 63 nut said:

Can anyone post pictures of these actuators with the nipples and without. Maybe we can come up with ideas for repair.

While you are working on other work arounds it was made clear to me to “doors” inside the heater box and plenum should close so you have no leaks. I took the vent system apart ( under the hood) and aligned and put replacement gaskets on the doors. I found this repair helps. Vacuum hoses in the system are color coded as when the hoses came from the factory. Knowing where the hoses go is important, real important, at least for me it was important if you want cold air.

Your question was answered by Riv_63 regarding the work around for replacing vacuum

svtuators 3&4. I found having the Service Manual helped.

Oh, a work around I tried but failed was cutting open vacuum actuators 3&4 and making repair. A gent on the forum said fixing actuators 3&4 were easy to repair and he achieved success in the repair effort. Good luck on your mobile AC adventure. As a “

No Nothing DIY’er” getting the original equipment to work with work arounds arounds is possible. The AC in my 63 is working to produce cold air.

Turbinator