advice: vacum operated Heat/defrost dampers. Remove altogether?

[thixon]

I'm thinking of removing the crappy push button, vacum operated defrost/foot vent dampers on my distribution box. If I do, then I'll have air moving to the windshield and the foot vents at the same time all the time. That beats the crappy vacum leaks I have now though. Anyone done anything any different?

[FSJ Guy]

Why not replace the rubber lines? I'd bet that is what is leaking.

Never trust 20 yr old rubber (hose). :D

[Lindel]

Ethan's right, these things specialize in vacuum leaks...

[grand_wag_85]

Ethan's right, these things specialize in vacuum leaks...

And just about every other kind of leak you can think of:D

[thixon]

I tried that. It appears to be the push button assemble that leaks. Funny thing is, its a new part, bought from the local jeep dealership. Its hooked up to a barb on the intake. Maybe too much vacum?

[drlocke]

It can be made to work; they work fine in my Waggy. Tracking down vacuum leaks can be a pain; global replacement of the small rubber lines is indicated. You might want to check the vacuum reservoir ball and make sure it is not leaking, and that the check valve is working properly.


If you attempt to defeat the pneumatics to supply air to all vents then there may not be sufficient air flow at the defroster vents for complete clearing of the windshield. On some raw and rainy days with my Wag even having all the air go to the defroster vents is not enough to completely defog the glass.

[Jayrodoh]

If you remove the vacuum stuff, the vents will probably be closed unless you open them up manually. I'd fix the vacuum stuff.