Where can I find a replacement for the thermal vacuum switch next to the air filter that controls the stove pipe valve in the intake snorkel? I know GM made a million of them in all different cars, but I'm having trouble finding a new one.

 

My old notes say many GMs use 6484244. Good luck finding a new GM one. Might be able to find an aftermarket equivalent using an interchange. Make the Oreilly commercial guy dig out the paper catelogs.

 

That's probably a gross understatement. Between Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Holden, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Vauxhall, and other labels it had to be orders of magnitude beyond that. Consider back in the late 1960s when EFE systems were introduced, and annual sales volume of 4 million vehicles was considered a "soft" year. Nearly every one of those had a TVS in the air cleaner, and some vehicles had TWO of them, like Mk IV Chevelles and their GM stable mates. That went on at least into the early 1980s.

Some of those were "ThermAC" systems with a semi-integral TVS, but almost every vehicle came with one until the owners removed/lost the air cleaners in favor of a chromed "hot air intake" without the EFE provision.

Original GM 3043015, 6484243, 6484244, 8995654, 8997493, are other part numbers to search.

Some aftermarket suppliers had their own numbering systems. You might find what you are seeking as:
AC/Delco 213-114, 231-116
AIRTEX 5S1088, 5S1089
Borg Warner Division BWD EC401, EC403, EC408, EC419,
CarQuest 71-1521, 71-1525
Carter TS1
NIEHOFF FE618
SMP ATS13, ATS18
Wells E102, E114
779-916

Some of those even show up on Amazon.

Some later installation used a sensor in the coolant passage of the intake to accomplish the same function, but refitting that could be cumbersome. Those used p/n 14003930, 14009008, and others fro the sensors.

 

So really, any part number thermal switch that looks similar to these should work right? There's probably not much variation in temp settings, vacuum levels etc, at least not much to really make any difference between models.

 

I ended up finding a Carter TS1 on ebay, NOS in the box. All the others were either not available, or ridiculously expensive. Seriously, $110 for a thermal switch?
But anyway, ill followup and see if i have any luck once it arrives.

 

Just a follow-up. Installed the Carter TC1 switch in the intake. It's a different style, but it does fit. A little testing shows its open when cold and closes up around 85°, which from my reading, is pretty much exactly where the stock one is set.
I paid $31 for it with free shipping, which based on the prices I was seeing for other direct fit numbers, was a deal.
So thanks for the help Vader, you hooked me up on this one. 👍