failsafe vacuum headlight system
Posted: Sat Aug 14, 2010 12:10 pmHi all,
After 16 years of +2 ownership, I have finally got a properly working pop-up headlights!
I have repaired and made do with that awful solenoid valve that controls the vacuum. It finally died at the MOT station a few weeks ago. The young lad was not impressed whe I pressed the solenoid in manually to operate the headlights, and said it would be an MOT failure if the headlights were not up during the test. Pulling one of the pipes off when he wasn't looking sorted that out.
Anyway, I asked Sue Miller how much a new solenoid was, and to my horror was told ?75 +VAT. Sue said she had to charge that much because they are expensive for her to buy in, and she doesn't make much on them.
I have sourced a much cheaper and better alternative, from a company here in the UK called Connexion Developments in Yate Bristol. I spoke to a really helpful chap in the sales dept called Mike, and he understood exactly what I was on about, and turns out he is a classic car nut like us. I ordered the valve and it arrived the next day, for ?27.89 including VAT and postage. (http://www.solenoidvalvesuk.com) 0800 808 7799 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting??????????????0800 808 7799??????end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
The valve works beautifully, is really well made, and for the first time in my ownership of this +2 my headllights go up and down.
I would like to add I have no connection with this company or it's products, but just wanted to pass on super service, and an alternative to the "old" solenoid valve.
The part you need is PU32002A8 1/4 bsp 3/2 N/closed 1/4 bsp exhaust 12vdc.
I have added a few pics of the valve in situ.
Hope it helps someone.
Kind regards
Jeff 72+2
After 16 years of +2 ownership, I have finally got a properly working pop-up headlights!
I have repaired and made do with that awful solenoid valve that controls the vacuum. It finally died at the MOT station a few weeks ago. The young lad was not impressed whe I pressed the solenoid in manually to operate the headlights, and said it would be an MOT failure if the headlights were not up during the test. Pulling one of the pipes off when he wasn't looking sorted that out.
Anyway, I asked Sue Miller how much a new solenoid was, and to my horror was told ?75 +VAT. Sue said she had to charge that much because they are expensive for her to buy in, and she doesn't make much on them.
I have sourced a much cheaper and better alternative, from a company here in the UK called Connexion Developments in Yate Bristol. I spoke to a really helpful chap in the sales dept called Mike, and he understood exactly what I was on about, and turns out he is a classic car nut like us. I ordered the valve and it arrived the next day, for ?27.89 including VAT and postage. (http://www.solenoidvalvesuk.com) 0800 808 7799 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting??????????????0800 808 7799??????end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
The valve works beautifully, is really well made, and for the first time in my ownership of this +2 my headllights go up and down.
I would like to add I have no connection with this company or it's products, but just wanted to pass on super service, and an alternative to the "old" solenoid valve.
The part you need is PU32002A8 1/4 bsp 3/2 N/closed 1/4 bsp exhaust 12vdc.
I have added a few pics of the valve in situ.
Hope it helps someone.
Kind regards
Jeff 72+2