Community Forums

Daddycool · 08-21-2019, 10:56 PM

I have a 1989 Elite Coach that I'm fixing up. It has low miles and fortunately most everything works. But I'm having a real trouble with the automatic entry step. It is controlled by a switch in the door jamb that controls a vacuum valve. I tested the valve and switch and they check out. Seems to have decent vacuum at actuator as well, though I'm going to go over the vacuum line routing and check it all over to be sure it's tight. I suspect the actuator itself is bad. I can not for the life of me find that damn part. The labelling on it says: A&E Systems, Inc #1384. After exhaustive research it look suspiciously like an old Corvette headlight actuator.
Does anyone have experience with this? Id love to keep it as original as possible. I need a lead to that part.

Mike

MSHappyCampers · 08-22-2019, 09:53 AM

Hi Mike! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

I don't have a clue. Just noticed you are kinda new on IRV2 and wanted to say hello! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Chargerman · 08-22-2019, 09:59 AM

Having not seen the actuator my thoughts may be off base but it would seem that it would be a pretty simple device. Have you tried disconnecting it from the step and assure that the step moves freely? Also have you tried applying air directly to it to see if it moves properly.If the actuator itself doesn’t function I would think it could come apart to check the seals/o rings?

Bahamaniac · 08-22-2019, 10:35 AM

Charger man has some great points. Check operation of the steps with drive disconnected. Also check actuator with steps disconnected. Its probably a diaphragm or oring.

Ray,IN · 08-22-2019, 07:03 PM

Are you sure it is vacuum-operated, all I have seen are operated with air pressure or an electric motor.

Chargerman · 08-22-2019, 07:18 PM

That’s a good point. Mine is air pressure activated but I wasn’t sure of his vintage. Now that I think about it, it would take a lot of vacuum to activate it. Seems more probable to be pressure driven. Let us know what you find

completelymo · 08-23-2019, 08:59 AM

My step will work only when my main engine is running creating enough air pressure in my system ... this maybe how yours works.

Daddycool · 08-23-2019, 10:15 PM

It is definitely vacuum powered. Needs engine running to lift as stated. Have yet to disconnect mechanism, doing that tomorrow. I did check all vacuum lines to it and everything looks sound. Vacuum pressure is solid, though not measured. The vacuum actuator is a sealed unit, so not rebuildable. If diaphragm or internal seal is bad, well, that is the very definition of garbage.

I'll know more tomorrow night.

Roy1 · 08-23-2019, 11:37 PM

My 1976 GMC had an aftermarket vacuum step. I worked nicely for the 30 years I owned it. The step had grease fittings that I kept well lubed. If your step moves easily with the linkage disconnected it should work ok with the vacuum unless the diaphragm has a leak in it.

Chargerman · 08-24-2019, 08:02 AM

If you find the actuator to be bad maybe you’ll get lucky and it’s the same one used on the GMC’s

Roy1 · 08-24-2019, 11:24 AM

No mine was after market. I do remember it was used on other production vehicles but I don’t remember what or where. It would be easy to trouble shoot though. Just connect to a vacuum source if it pulls in and holds the vacuum with a finger over the hose the diagram is good.

Daddycool · 08-25-2019, 12:51 AM

It works!

Turns out there was a plugged filter on the other side of the actuator. The diaphragm couldn't move due to the vacuum resistance on the other side. Figured it out when I finally took the entire assembly apart and checked each item individually.
So, greased it up, new hose and clamps and I'm off to the races!