We have a functional canister - can anyone tell us where the pump is that drives the level ride system? Car came to us disassembled and we need to install again.
Should we install an alternate level ride system? Suggestions?
Thanks All!
fairly certain the pump is on passenger side behind front wheel under hood.
Do a search on this topic, it has been discussed a great deal and there is a lot of good info.
Do you have a shop manual?? Dirt cheap on ebay. It's located on the LH strut.
Pump is vacuum-powered and integral with the canister. Probably non-functional. Made by Hadley (air horn manufacturer). No repair parts available. Pretty simple to disassemble and cleanup though, you might be able to get it working if you're lucky.
An electric solution with a small reservoir maintained at ~100psig is a functional equivalent -- but doesn't look quite right unfortunately.
I'm with Bob, I think it hangs on the left strut / cross brace under the hood. By 71 it was in the right fender.
The Hadley level control compressor and reservoir tank are attached to the drivers side cross-brace. See photo.
It is difficult to keep a pump functioning for very long. Over time, engine heat dries out the elastomeric components inside the compressor, and the diaphragm. If any replacement parts are available for sale, I am not aware of them. My brother collected about 5 old compressors and scavenged the best components from each to build one compressor that works. Once you finally succeed, and get some pressurized air to enter the plastic service line to the height adjustment valve and air shocks, you get to start the leak-chasing process.
But when you finally get one of these 50 year old automatic level control systems to work, there is absolutely no substitute.
One quick point: if the rubber vacuum line is still connected between your engine manifold and your compressor, check the system carefully for vacuum leaks. My failed compressor was causing a massive vacuum leak and a rough idle until I was finally able to figure out the cause - 2 years later. So consider plugging that vacuum line until your compressor is repaired and functional.
Good luck.
P. Nesbitt