79 TD Vacuume pump problems? original style VP? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vstech · #1 10-28-2006, 10:02 PM

my vacuume pump has slotted screw heads, not allen heads holding it together... this sounds like a bad thing to me. I was planning to take it on a 400mile trip and back, in a few weeks, but now I think I should replace the pump before it implodes my engine... I have read here that the pump can make a ticking sound before if fails, and I hear a low ticking sound through the diesel clatter while on the road, so it may already be failing.

What exactly does the bad style VP look like?
Where would the allen screw heads be that I am looking for to verify good/bad style pump.
and How much approximately would the correct style VP cost? is fastlane the best place to get the pump? if there is a Lower price/faster source please let me know where to look.
THANKS VERY MUCH!
John

#2 10-28-2006, 10:52 PM

I don't believe the old/new style pump issue is applicable to 617s, I think it's one of the 60x engines, is that correct anyone?

However, I did have the original vacuum pump on my 617 fail at about 325K miles, causing a bunch of collateral engine damage (about $2500 worth). Mine failed in the middle of a long drive without warning (that I could hear at 80 mph). If you are hearing something from the engine, try to locate the source before you start replacing parts, it could be something else altogether.

This is the replacement pump (depending on engine number):

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1CQ0J3JZ41XJ1CW1K9&year=1979&make=MB&model=300-TD-001&category=All&part=Diesel+Vacuum+Pump&appEngines=_any

These are rebuild kits for the pumps:

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1CQ0J3JZ41XJ1CW1K9&year=1979&make=MB&model=300-TD-001&category=All&part=Vacuum+Pump+Repair+Kit&appEngines=_any

Jim W. · #3 10-29-2006, 08:06 AM

I just completed a rebuild of the vacuum pump on our similar diesel and would recommend the rebuild approach. To replace the pump you are going to have to go through the same removal and install process as a rebuild and to rebuild is much less costly. The body of the vacuum pump doesn't receive much wear, just the internal replaceable parts. It is quite easy to replace the diaphragm(s), springs, gaskets, check valves, etc. in the pump and can be done within 1/2 to one hour. The most difficult job was to remove the old gasket off the pump housing and the engine block but gasket solvent provided the needed removal device.

A few things that are handy for the job; a mirror for seeing the mounting bolts at the bottom of the pump, gasket solvent (usually an aerosol), parts cleaning solution such as carburetor cleaner which can be bought in liquid bulk at an auto supply, a tub for cleaning the parts (an aluminum bread baking pan works well), a parts cleaning brush (a stiff paint brush works also), gasket cement lightly applied to the pump before putting on the gasket to hold the gasket in position on the pump during reinstall and a muffin tin for putting the parts in to keep them organized. It is also prudent to note the position and order of the parts as you remove them so washers and parts are reassembled correctly. Be sure to clean the engine block carefully. It is easier to do a preliminary clean of the block area before taking the pump off thus reducing the chance of getting anything in the engine at the hole that is there when the pump is removed.

Pump repair kits and the gasket (bought separately) are available from Fastlane through Phil at this site.

Jim W.

vstech · #4 10-29-2006, 10:11 AM

oh, good. the 617 VP does not have the Grenade effect. I was worried, due to all the posts I read about looking over the VP for allen head screws, and if my aincient engine does not have the problem, I will not worry much about it., I wonder what the ticking sound is coming from the engine area. I guess it's time for the rubber hose trick.

John

Palangi · #5 10-29-2006, 05:33 PM

As Craig illustrated, a 617 vacuum pump can certainly grenade an engine. It seems to be rare compared to the 603 engine, but it has happened a few times.