Best source for FX3 actuator?

[ram_g]

I think I have a bad front actuator on my "new" low-13K-miles acquisition that i think has just sat around for a few years (do these sort of things go bad from just sitting)?

I have a persistent SRC code 14 indicating right front actuator time-out, and the code cannot be erased. Removed and looked at both front actuators - both look clean but on ignition turn-on the left one moves quite a bit while the right one moves not at all or just a slight bit with a bit of coaxing.

I am presuming I need a new actuator. Eckler's and Zip Corvette both have them for ~$200 each - Zip says they are made by the OE supplier while Eckler's says they are reproductions with "modern manufacturing techniques" - no idea if they're actually the same or not. Interestingly both companies list the same units for all years of FX3 C4 Corvettes. Fortunately I came across a post in CF from Dynomite indicating that the early and late actuators were interchangeable, so presumably these suppliers are correct.

Any preference between Zip or Eckler's or would anybody suggest an alternative?

Thanks!

[-=Jeff=-]

First suggestion.. swap the front left and right to confirm it is the actuator.. then I personally have no experience with either of them.

[secondchance]

Another option is to have it rebuilt.
http://www.captainzcnc.com

[conesare2seconds]

I had a time out on a front actuator. At Marc?s suggestion I cleaned the actuator. Problem solved.

[ram_g]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

First suggestion.. swap the front left and right to confirm it is the actuator.. then I personally have no experience with either of them.

OK just did that. Had some difficulty removing the right side actuator from the car because the harness was jammed tight between the coolant lines and the bulkhead, but I figured I had to remove it anyway so loosened a bunch of bolts and got it out. Sure enough when swapped the former-left-side-actuator-now-on-the-right works great while the problem unit is still barely turning.

Thanks for the suggestion, seems to confirm my issue.

[ram_g]

Originally Posted by secondchance

Another option is to have it rebuilt.
http://www.captainzcnc.com

Thanks, I am contemplating buying a new one and sending this off to see if it can be repaired, then keeping it as a spare.

[ram_g]

Originally Posted by conesare2seconds

I had a time out on a front actuator. At Marc?s suggestion I cleaned the actuator. Problem solved.

Clean it how? Seems pretty clean already, in fact if anything the one that is working good seems visually to be dirtier. But happy to try something before shelling out $200!

[conesare2seconds]

Aerosol electronic parts cleaner is all. Just dislodged the dirt and grit without leaving unwelcome residue.

[Flyman 27]

I have an extra front actuator. I have it listed on ebay for $100.

[-=Jeff=-]

That is a good price