Hi everyone,

I've got another addition to the wonderful "What the heck is this thing" post series!

Today's candidate is a bolt protruding from a bracket of some sort in between the main fuel filter and the power steering pump on an OM617 engine in my '82 300TD.

The bolt is loose, which is why my attention was drawn to it, however, it does not seem to want to tighten, just spin around. The bottom of it seems to be attached to something rubber, and no nut is to be found. I can't pull it all the way out, either.

Nothing feels loose besides the bolt, but its clearly there for a reason, so I'd like to figure out what needs to be done to tighten this little renegade.

The first picture is from farther away, and the second picture is a close up of the bolt in question.

Thanks for any insight!

peace,
Sam

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"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

That is the bolt that you use to adjust the belt tension on the P/S pump. You loosen the 3 (I think it's 3, have to go look) nuts and bolts holding the pump to the bracket and turn the bolt clockwise to tighten the belt, counterclockwise to loosen. If it just turns freely, then it may be stripped from someone trying to turn it with the pump tightened down.

Ahhh.. That makes sense.

The belt seems to be at a good tension, so I suppose I'll worry about it when it comes time to replace the belt...

Thanks,
Sam

__________________
"That f***in' biodiesel is makin' me hungry."

1982 300TD Astral Silver w/ 250k (BIO BNZ)
2001 Aprilia SR50 Corsa Red w/ 5.5k (>100 MPG)

The reason it is loose is because the pump is tightened down. If I were you I'd just "snug" it so you don't break or strip it. Someone has tried to loosen the bolt, but the pump stayed still so the bolt just popped out the top, that's all. Nothing to worry about. If you were to loosen the pump nuts and bolts, it would then loosen the belt up or the top of the bolt may have to be tapped since the pump could be somewhat reluctant to move.

Sorry if too much info, but it's also for the archives....

Thanks
David

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2000 Honda Accord V6 137k miles

1972 300SEL 4.5 98k miles

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