[robarco]

One vacuum Y piece is failing and needs replacing. However I note that I have 2 types, one for 4(?) mm pipe and one for 5mm pipe. There are both size vac pipes on the car. The connectors have numbers on them and the numbers differ, so I am not imagining when I measure one type at 9mm OD and the other at 10mm OD i.e. yes they are different not just stretched to a different extent.

The only problem I have is that I am only finding one part number, 1170780145, and as I write and continue to search I found this listing here 3 Way Y Shaped Vacuum Hose Connector for Mercedes 3 5mm ID Ships Fast | eBay that seems to indicate that this "common" connector is for 4mm vac pipe and not the 5mm which I need.

Well if this is correct (is it?) I seem to have answered my question, but now have a problem, because I have not found the part number (or part) for the y piece to fit the 5mm pipe. Dammit!

Basically this Y piece connects to pipework that leads to the large vac reservoir under the front wing. Any help greatly appreciated, as even if I go to Benz I won't be able to ID the part.

Car is RHD by the way... hope that's not the reason for the issue, do LHD cars also have 5mm OD vacuum pipes or just 4mm OD throughout?

 

[Aussiemerc]

My car is RHD and I too have both sizes. Any dealer should be able to tell you the number.If you are in Europe you could also try SLS parts in Germany (just Google them).
They don't have everything but worth a try.

 

[robarco]

Thanks, I think I solved the mystery, just went back in the garage and inspected other Y connectors and did some measuring.

It would appear that there IS only one type, the different numbers I noted on the Y connectors may just be manufacturer mould numbers or something of the sort.

Figured this out because I found a Y piece of the supposedly "small" type (same number) on a 5mm pipe (large).

For ref I found the numbers 3643/3 - 2 and 3643/4 - 2 on the Y pieces and assumed they were different, apparently the /3 or /4 is of no significance.

Makes life easier. For now!

 

[jsm_6321]

I have been looking for the bits to renew the vacuum system plumbing on my 1980 280SL. It has the earlier form of pipes and connectors, and the rubber bits (the connectors) are now just too old, with the material losing its resilience and not able to do their job reliably. I have not found any new parts for my generation of system, though you can get some bits for the later type. Apart from anything else, it's not a good design; it has too many joints, and the joints are weak and too easy to disturb when working in the engine bay. Therefore, I'm making up a manifold machined out of brass and using modern silicone vacuum hose.

 

[plinker17722]

Buy them both , and keep until other goes down ..they are not expensive to buy so whats the problem ?

 

[nobby]

Therefore, I'm making up a manifold machined out of brass and using modern silicone vacuum hose.

THIS I want to see.

PICS!