I have a 1980 300SD with about 290K miles. I change oil and filters and do little else to the car. Recently the engine started making a new ticking noise. Before I identified the source, the ticking disappeared. Simultaneously, I lost all vacuum. I looked at the vacuum pump on the front of the engine and see that it has self-destructed. The case is cracked, with pieces missing. What is involved in replacing this pump? Is there another underlying problem that has caused the pump failure? Thanks.
I can only suggest the replacing the whole vacuum pump assembly since yours is obviously shot to pieces. Otherwise, you could have rebuilt the pump yourself with a repair kit. Or you can try finding a working unit in a junkyard from a W123 or W126 (80-85) turbodiesel.
Don't think the Aussie site will be of much help since the W116 300SD model was a USA exclusive.
Vehicle: 1980 300SD, 1992 Jetta w/ 2.0 ABA conversion, 1968 Ford LTD and 1965 Ford Fairlane
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 113
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim x 3
I have a 1980 300SD with about 290K miles. I change oil and filters and do little else to the car. Recently the engine started making a new ticking noise. Before I identified the source, the ticking disappeared. Simultaneously, I lost all vacuum. I looked at the vacuum pump on the front of the engine and see that it has self-destructed. The case is cracked, with pieces missing. What is involved in replacing this pump? Is there another underlying problem that has caused the pump failure? Thanks.
I've never heard of a vacuum pump cracking the case before, thats odd. Any way those pumps are not cheap. But, they also dont normally go kaput like yours has.
My suggestion to you is, go to a junkyard. If you live near any major US city there will be a junkyard with a mercedes diesel in it. That vacuum pump was used for a loooong time. You will need a #5 allen and a 17 mm wrench. I'm sure you can get a good used one for $5-$10 instead of $300-$400 new.
Be mindful though. When you install the "new" pump, make sure that the lobes on the IP timing device are at positions 12 and 6 o'clock. The IP timing device is the big gear lookin thing behind the vacuum pump. Another little hint. On your old pump, what looks like a brass fitting that connects to your brake booster hose is a $50 check valve. Take that off and put it to the side in case your junkyard pump has a faulty valve.
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