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Heater Controls/vacuum lines

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by TigerShark, Aug 11, 2005.

  1. Aug 11, 2005
    TigerShark

    TigerShark Sponsor

    St. Louis, MO
    Joined:
    May 27, 2004
    Messages:
    333
    I'm in the process of refurbishing my heater in the CJ5. I have a heater set up out of a '71.

    [​IMG]

    The diaphrams seem to still be in good shape so I am hoping to hook everything up and get it working again. I have a few questions and was hoping you guys can help.

    1. Does the length of the vacuum lines make a difference? I would like to make these a little longer than the originals so I can route them around the dash wiring, etc. but I'm concerned that longer lines might affect their performance.

    2. On the controls, there is a vacuum valve that diverts vacuum from the heat flapper to the defroster flapper. This could use a little lubrication to make it rotate easier. I assume there is some type of rubber seal inside to keep it sealed. Does anyone know if there is a safe lube to use for this application?

    Any help would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Jim
     
  2. Aug 11, 2005
    etu

    etu Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2005
    Messages:
    68
    Tigershark,

    I just noted the time you posted this and wondered do you ever sleep?

    My experience is the length of the vacuum hose will not matter, just as long as it doesn' t pinch or collapse.

    For the diaphrams, I don't think there are any lube points on these except where the rods extend through the housing and the main thing is to clean up any dust or grime that accumulates there. Function of the diaphram is limted to a) When the rubber gets hard and doesn't flex well and b) shortly after that when it develops cracks in the rubber and won't hold vacuum.

    You can test the latter by hooking it up to a vacuum line and then after it moves to its end point (if it moves that a good sign) - pinch the line closed with a pair of needle nose pliers. If the diaphram is good it should hold in place. If its cracking and getting pin holes it will slowly leak down.

    If its holding vacuum but slow to move, anything you could use to retore softness and flexibility to rubber might be worth trying but if its hardened and brittle its probably time for a new diaphram.

    I sprayed mine with a small shot of silicone lube on both sides (down the vacuum tube and on the shaft side a year ago and its still working ok.
    Thanks again for your help on the sticker
    Eddy
     
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