My scuttle does not open. HELP

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Fri, 01/12/2007 - 15:18

Alan you only have a manual vent. Handle is located below center switch area but I am sure you have found that. You most likely have a frozen mech. which if you have been very good you can release by removing the outside lid and spraying and the inside mech. If you have been not so good you will have to replace the hinge and it is a major task. George Camp

Submitted by zurdo_1@univis… on Wed, 01/10/2007 - 09:55

could be the vacuum actuator/valve gone dead, check the vacuum hose going to it, see if it is pulling vacuum, if yes, then it's the vacuum valve, typical failure in Saloons and Small Saloons, and those are no longer available, but you can try substituting one from a Series 3 XJ-6 (1980-1987).

The one I'm referring to is located in the XJ-6 a/c blower cases, one on each side, which opens the (you guessed it) ventilator flaps or "scuttles". It is very similar in mounting, linkage, and pull-strength, to the one in old Saloons, though you might have to do some rigging/alteration. I already pulled one from a junked car because mine is starting to leak vacuum, so the scuttle opens fine initially, but then starts to slowly close itself during idling!

Another alternative is an Australian firm who rebuilds ignition vacuum diaphragms to like-new condition, if you want to preserve the original part. I plan to send mine to them in the future.