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70 Air Grabber Lube?

HawkRod

HawkRod

Formerly hsorman
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I have a 1970 Plymouth Road Runner with an original Air Grabber system. The vacuum actuator (pictured below) does not operate smoothly as it "grabs" a bit - like it is dry in there are the rubber seals are sticking to the sides. Other than that, it works fine to both open and close the hood scoop. I have never seen the inside of one of these so I don't know how it is designed.

I wonder if I can improve it and make it operate more smoothly by squirting a little bit of oil in each vacuum connector. But before I do that, has anyone done this? I don't wan't to screw up an original, working part, so I appreciate any advice anyone might have.

Thanks as always,

Hawk

upload_2019-5-14_21-32-13.png
 
There's nothing worse than going "dry" in the middle of the operation.

Lubrication is your best friend!!

Be careful what lube you choose, a broken rubber can have bad consequences.

Some stories I've heard......that if it's approaching 50+ years, the equipment may not be as limber as they once were......and may need a boost.

Sorry for the humor, couldn't resist, but i do remember using Marvel Mystery Oil on mine back in the day. That stuff has been around forever. I think George Washington lubed up his.........whatever with it.
 
moparwacko said:
There's nothing worse than going "dry" in the middle of the operation.

Lubrication is your best friend!!

Be careful what lube you choose, a broken rubber can have bad consequences.

Some stories I've heard......that if it's approaching 50+ years, the equipment may not be as limber as they once were......and may need a boost.

Sorry for the humor, couldn't resist, but i do remember using Marvel Mystery Oil on mine back in the day. That stuff has been around forever. I think George Washington lubed up his.........whatever with it.
Click to expand...

I've got the oil needed for THAT figured out!

Photon440 said:
Rather than oil, I would use something specific for lubing rubber.
Click to expand...

Great thought and that makes great sense

moparnation74 said:
This thread has @Richard Cranium written all over it....
Click to expand...

...but he is away for a few days! How will we survive??? :D
 
Just an update for those that are curious:

Per Photon's recommendations, I purchased a silicone lubricant that was safe for rubber. I sprayed just a little bit into each port of the vacuum canister and worked the mechanism back and forth. I definitely think it improved the operation, because it seemed less "grabby" and more smooth right away.

I still can't say that my Air Grabber opens very quickly, but I think it is as good as it's going to get.

Hawk
 
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