ventillation dysfunction: no air through panel vents

[beckertb]

I have recently acquired a '97 RT/10 Venom 600 and have noticed that no matter what I try, I am unable to create air flow through the panel vents. The temperature control works, but I only get air flow through the defroster vents and floor. Does anyone know the solution?

Many TIA

Ben

 

[HP]

Your vacuum operated vent door is dysfunctional.
The vent door is powered by vacuum off the motor intake.
On my RT-10, it is a black, plastic line that comes off the
back of the intake, on the passenger side, and goes thru the firewall.
Your problem may be a kink in the line, do a visual check.

 

[beckertb]

Well, the line from the passengers side of the intake plenum is capped off. I don't see anywhere in the firewall the line should pass through. Why in the world would anyone do something like that? Is there a way to see where the line should pass through the firewall into the appropriate position in the HVAC system?

Thanks again,
Ben

 

[HP]

Ben, I've often wondered "just what were they thinking"
when I find certain modifications from a previous owner.
My car is a 96, so I'm not sure if the plugged vacuum hole
is the vacuum source for your car. If you don't have a 97
manual, find someone that can track down the vacuum source
for your car. I had the same problem with my car, and
the problem was- as I stated. It shouldn't be hard to
track down, since there can't be more than 1 or 2 vacuum lines
running through the firewall, and the functional part of the
vacuum system can be viewed underneath the dash by removing the
plastic trim cover. Keep at it, you'll solve it.

 

[beckertb]

Does the tubing exit at approximately the center of the firewall? I believe I have found a piece of firm (not rubber) tubing exiting at this location with a rubber gromet; however, the tubing is fractured approximately 1/4 inch beyond the rubber. If this is the tubing, at least I'll have isolated the problem......not sure how to fix it, though.

Thanks again,

Ben

 

[HP]

Ben, after I posted last I took a look under my hood, I
couldn't see where the vacuum line entered the firewall, but
my vacuum line is thin black plastic(unlike most rubber lines)
so it would be easy to see. It snaked down between my heater hoses and I couldn't get a good view. It comes off the intake right above the back end of the passenger valve cover(there is a formed area in the intake where it enters). Since your motor is GEN-II, there will be some difference. I misplaced my manual, but I'll check on the point of entry at
firewall tomorrow if you
have no luck. If your vacuum line is damaged, I think the dealer can
come up with another, since I've seen similar ones on other cars, or you might get lucky and splice it.---------------
Hugh Perkins
96 RT Black/Blue Stripes

<FONT COLOR="#ff0000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by HP on 11-30-2002 at 12:25 AM</font>

 

[NDW]

While you are at it, be sure to install a one-way check valve on the vacuum line. This will keep the air valve open when you go WOT. They are around $4 at the local parts store.

 

[beckertb]

Well, I was able to squeeze a piece of tubing to the small fractured end piercing the firewall and attach it to the rear of the passenger side manifold and voila--my vents work

So, I applied a thin coating of silicone to the inner portion of the tubing and reattached it. I'm hoping this will hold. Thanks again for all of your help.

Happy motoring,


Ben