Unfortunately, all the vacuum systems in these cars are interconnected. A leak in one of the actuators of the climate control systems can badly affect the engine shutoff operation. Do as advised by others: Get a vacuum test pump, test the valve first by itself. Then, if the valve if good, proceed to the ignition lock solenoid vacuum valve.
Do you have other symptoms, like harsh transmission shifting, slow or inoperative door locks, or improper air flow through the A/C registers? If not, chances are, your problem is the shut off valve itself.
Warning: if the shut of valve is defective, do not try to replace it by yourself unless you know exactly what you are doing!!!! The reason is there have been cases where people hooked the valve actuator arm too far on the pump rack and as soon as they started the engine, the engine went to full throttle and raced itself to utter destruction! There is no way to shut off a runaway diesel unless you immediately block the air flow. So, if you chose to replace the valve yourself, make sure you know how to do it, and before you start the engine, disconnect the turbo elbow and stand by the intake with a telephone book ready to immediately block of the air intake should the engine start racing.
Also, one should not attempt to shut off a runaway diesel as it can be extremely hazardous. Better a blown engine than a serious injury.
Actually, the trans shifts great. The locks and hvac need work though.
Vehicle: 1982 300TDT 150,000 miles 1985 380SE 130,000 miles 1991 560SEL 81,000 miles (a/k/a the nightmare)
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,657
You've gotta get a Mityvac... they're really no fun at all, but a prerequisite for W123 ownership.
__________________
"I don't think it's nice, you laughin'. You see, my mule don't like people laughing. He gets the crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, like I know you're going to, I might convince him that you really didn't mean it."
"I love the smell of diesel in the morning... smells like... like victory"
Yea, I know. I saw one in the harbor freight catalog for $38 or something along those lines. I'm gonna stop by napa to see if they are any cheaper (after you figure in shipping). Maybe by the weekend? I'm sure I could fix a ton of sh1t with one.
Linear Mode
