89 300d won't shut off/hard brake pedal
 

I am looking to buy a 1989 300d that won't shut off with the key-you have to use the shut-off lever to stop it. Also, the brake pedal requires extreme effort to stop the car. Does this sound like a total vacuum pump failure? Or where would the most logical place be to look/check for a vacuum leak? Could a bad check valve be the problem too? Thanks in advance!!

disconnect the vacuum source hose at the power brake booster, start the car and feel for vacuum present. If no vacuum is felt, then back probe the hoses coming off the source hose. Pull each nipple one at a time and plug it off to see if vacuum returns to the booster end of the hose. Could be vacuum pump, could be massive vacuum leak, could be failed power brake booster?

ok....thanks! that sounds like a good way to start. i'll keep you posted-will be looking at the car tomorrow afternoon.

There was a 300D in 1989? :confused:

I'm giving thanks right now that I didn't buy this car sight unseen! The owner told me it was a good running, good shape 1989 diesel-she said she had the title right in front of her when I talked to her on the phone-so I had to take her word for it. But, as it turned out, it was a 1987 300D with a gasser dash (and odometer), inop vacuum pump, bad water pump and fan clutch, broken windshield, no coolant in reservoir, #14 head, and the list goes on. I asked her dad if I could see the title and was told no. So I don't know what the real story is as far as the title goes. Rough neighborhood, rough car. I guess 1K doesn't get you much anymore!

Well you definitely ain't no TURKEY on this Thanksgiving ! :D