[bjohnsontx]

I recently purchased a 1971 Trans Am and am trying to get the flapper for the air induction on the hood scoop to work. It looks like all the parts are there and when I put 12V to the wire that connects to the scoop, the motors twitch but do not open the flapper. When I take it all apart the flapper works freely. How do I know if the motors are good or bad and what I need to replace? Thanks, Bruce

[317th FMS]

Do you have a good ground? Wire from air cleaner to firewall.

[bjohnsontx]

I took the scoop off the car and connected a jump box to it to get power to it. I connected the ground to the scoop and touched the power wire to the positive side. The scoop flapper just twitched and when I repeat it, nothing happens.

[squanguy]

I've done the same test on mine and the solenoids open the flap all the way. Double check your ground, Assuming the door moves freely it's possible you have bad solenoids. Remove and test them independently of the scoop.

[bjohnsontx]

Thanks. What is the best way to test the solenoids?

[Norwood]

Just hook them up to any 12 volt power

[2manyT/A'S]

Make sure you scrape the solenoid housing or scuff with emery cloth/sandpaper to get a good ground.

The plated housings tend to oxidize.

[bjohnsontx]

I haven't thought about that. Thanks. I will give it a try to make sure that they are well grounded.

[squanguy]

using a 12 volt battery and a couple of test leads check the solenoids seperately. Connect the ground to the outside of the solenoid and touch the positive to the lead wire.
Good luck, I'm not sure where to find them if they are bad.
Bill

[Dens71TA]

Tiawan made reproduction solenoids have been available for many years but they don't have the power to pull the door all the way open and the dust boots fall apart after a few years. I think I payed $39 each about 10 years ago. They're probably a little more pricey now.

[bjohnsontx]

Both solenoids are connected to a throttle switch on the scoop. What is the switch supposed to be connected to and how is it supposed to work? Should the scoop open when the car is started or does it only open when the accelerator is pushed?

[squanguy]

The 1971 model year operates off a switch attached to a bracket that bolts on the top of the carb, then a cam plate that mounts on the main shaft throttle lever.
there is a wire in the engine harness that supplys power to the switch from that point a wire plugs into the plug on the bottom of your hood scoop and last, a ground wire that plugs into the ground on the firewall. I have some photos of the set up if that will help. Bill

[squanguy]

It should only open when the throttle is opened.

[bjohnsontx]

Bill, please post some pictures and/or diagrams. That would help me a lot. Bruce

[squanguy]

I posted some pics in a album on my member page. I think you can see them by clicking on squanguy and looking for the photo album . . .

[bjohnsontx]

Thanks again for all you help. Once I scuffed the solenoids and adusted them, the flapper works well. However, the carb is missing the actuator bracket and connection.

Classic Industries sells the parts for the carb. Has anyone used bought and installed them?

[Norwood]

PY Sells them as well. They are true to the originals

[Dens71TA]

I have the entire reproduction switch and bracket setup on my '71 T/A. It works and fits well.