actuator question, 3 way manual valve question

Edited: 4/10/2008 4:32:13 PM by notlowyet

I got a 6" stroke air actuator for a hidden license plate, and it has a 1/8" hole at the top and one at the bottom. How could I hook up a manual valve so that it goes up and down? Do I plug the top hole and run the bottom only, or run both holes?

You will need both ports if you want the plate actuated both directions. One port will raise the plate and one will lower it. Wheen you are lifting your dump for lowering will need to be open as well and vise versa for the oposite direction.

Or, just use the top port and put a spring to retract the actuator when you dump the air.......

So I would need 2 single switches for it, or is there a 3-way manual? I just don't feel like running power for that as well.

I've been thinking about how to plumb this. How would I be able to open the opposite port when filling or dumping?

i have that exact setup on my truck now, i use 2 1/8 master image customs manual valves. you have to open the one to let the air out of the top or bottom of the cylinder and open the other to let air from the tank to press it up or down. with them both on the dash you push one up and one down kind of twisting your hand and vise versa for the other way. its simple. they are 3 way manual valves,

so depending on which port I use on the valve, I could just push both up or down, correct?
And does anyone know of any other manual valves that don't cost $30 a piece?

Originally posted by tuckntiremaz



i have that exact setup on my truck now, i use 2 1/8 master image customs manual valves. you have to open the one to let the air out of the top or bottom of the cylinder and open the other to let air from the tank to press it up or down. with them both on the dash you push one up and one down kind of twisting your hand and vise versa for the other way. its simple. they are 3 way manual valves,

why not just flip the second valve over? you could push both up for up and both down for down. Or are they joined by a bar like a two valve set in a mounting plate?

i put them in the dash and used 1/4 line when i should have used 1/8. with how close they were together the line would kink. it was in a pinch to get it to a show. now its not even hooked up actually. but when i redo it i will be able to do that. i liked it, cause i run 200 psi and my plate would slam up and down when you opened them the whole way. he he he