C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Whats a Plenum Valve????

Old 08-29-2001, 08:03 PM
  #1  
OzVette75
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
OzVette75's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2000
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Whats a Plenum Valve????

Cheers to the guys that answered my query on K&N filter cleaning!
Got another really dumb question now, whats the vacuum assembly I see on the right hand side behind the kick panel?
I looked through my assembly manual and I think it is a plenum valve.
Can someone tell me what this thingi does!? Be gentle, I am a mechanical moron!
Old 08-29-2001, 10:54 PM
  #2  
steelblu75
Intermediate
 
steelblu75's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2001
Location: Lake Saint Louis MO
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (OzVette75)

Hi OzVette75, The plenum valve functions as a shut off for outside air when your A/C control is set for MAX. Sort of a Recirc control. It tends to not shut completely and lets warm/hot air into the cars interior in many cases. There's a good write up in one of the books I've read on Airconditioning strategies for 63-82 Vettes. Hope this helps. I remember reading on this forum that some folks just permanently seal the valve in the closed position.
Old 08-29-2001, 11:01 PM
  #3  
JmpnJckFlsh
Safety Car
 
JmpnJckFlsh's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2001
Location: Spicewood, Texas, USA TX-Texas
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts

Default Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (OzVette75)

To further elaborate on what Steelblu75 said, the plenum valve is located in the cowl plenum right under the top of the right fender. It consists of a flat rectangular piece of black plastic with an integral vacuum actuator. The door behind the right kick panel opens when the AC control is moved to "Vent"


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 10:29 PM 8/29/2001]
Old 08-30-2001, 02:04 AM
  #4  
DR'76
Pro
 
DR'76's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jun 2001
Location: Florida
Posts: 698
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (OzVette75)

OZ,

My kick-panel plenum opens when A/C is on MAX and cowl area plenum closes, which as mentioned above, blocks all outside air from entering system and allows inside air to recirculate.

Since the vacuum isn't strong enough to overcome the pressure in the cowl (when driving), this "door" is usually sealed by those who can't stand the heat (like me). I would NOT seal the kick-panel door, as this would prevent the the "cooler" inside air to recirculate. I actually took mine completely out, to MAXimize air flow (remember to seal the vacuum lines)
Old 08-30-2001, 09:53 PM
  #5  
OzVette75
Advanced
Thread Starter
 
OzVette75's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2000
Location: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Whats a Plenum Valve???? (DR'76)

Excellent work guys! This explains a lot to me now.
Damn cold air on my legs ! :eek:
Best rip it out and take a look at some stage.
Thanks again guys for your patience with a moron, now if it was a PC.............! :lol:

Get notified of new replies

To Whats a Plenum Valve????



Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Whats a Plenum Valve????



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:03 PM.