tri-power vacuum switch repair?

[David Greenburg]

The vacuum (slider) switch for my tri-power leaks; it will not hold vacuum with all outlets plugged.  I opened and cleaned it, and nothing looks bad inside.  Is it possible to repair the switch or have it rebuilt? A used one appears to be made of unobtanium without paying an absurd amount for it.

[David Greenburg]

I have been advised by a reputable national  carb. shop that the tri-power vacuum switch "does not go bad" unless it physically breaks.  Mine operates smoothly, but when you apply vacuum to the switch input with a vacuum pump/brake bleeder, it does not hold vacuum; it drops to 0 within a couple of seconds, making it hard to understand how it would properly operate the diaphragm.  So I continue to believe I've got a bad switch.  Any of you tri-power guys have any thoughts?

[76eldo]

Have you spoken to Mike Prizzuto from Mastermind, Inc?

Brian

[David Greenburg]

Brian- No, I have not, but he sounds like a good resource.  Still learning my way around the tri-power world.

[76eldo]

He rebuilds and supplies specialty parts for broughams and tri power.
I hope he will give you a few minutes I the phone to help you troubleshoot the switch.

Brian

[David Greenburg]

I just tried calling and there is a message saying that no longer takes phone calls; all communication is via the website "which is being expanded to answer all your questions.  It sounds like he only wants orders, not questions. The website lists "vacuum control unit" and "vacuum power unit" but there are no pictures.  One of those is probably the diaphragm unit.  The other might be the switch.  Or not.  Hard to tell without picture or better description.

[76eldo]

I guess he isn't as user friendly as he was a few years ago.

These switches come up on ebay periodically.  I am not sure why yours would be leaking but can you post some pics of the internals?

Brian

[David Greenburg]

I emailed him and got a prompt response. He does rebuild the switches; not cheap, but substantially cheaper than the one other source I found, which was stupid expensive.  And he rebuilds what you send him, so you know you're getting the correct part, instead of something off a different GM tri-power.  There appear to be several different part numbers out there. 

[76eldo]

David,

Try this guy:    http://www.wiperman.com/

The Ficken family has been in the Trico wiper motor repair business for decades.  The vacuum switch is a Trico part and he may be a quick and economical source for a repair or replacement.

Please report back.

Brian