How big a job is this? More specifically how is the vacume pump driven, but the timing chain? and can it be resealed with out breaking the chain to do so?

I got a big leak.. and a small window of opportunity, can I get it done in a morning?

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

A much talked about subject.

Are you sure its only your gasket and not the internal components? I'm not sure if its common to have the gasket fail; rather the internal components tend to go (check valves etc.)

The vacuum pump is not driven by the timing chain, its driven by a cam/lobe; not sure what the name is. Unbolt the Allen key head bolts and remove. You may have to remove the power steering pump belt and fan (I got mine out without removing either, but some prefer to do so) to make it easier to remove the vacuum pump. Check the valves and rubber gaskets inside the vacuum pump. Most likely the failure will be here if you've narrowed your vacuum problems down to the pump. If not, check the lines out of it and secondary lines for leaks.

Good luck, try the link here on the site to rebuilding the 617 vacuum pump.

Rebuilding the Vacuum Pump on the 617 Engine
http://207.210.95.34/~boostd/easley/Rebuild_vac_pump.htm

1982-240D-Vacuum System
1982-240D-Vacuum System

Vacuum pump lesson learned
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/121744-vacuum-pump-lesson-learned.html#post872760

Vacuum Pump Gasket Sealer & Torque
Vacuum Pump Gasket Sealer & Torque

Rebuilding the Vacuum Pump
http://207.210.95.34/~boostd/easley/Rebuild_vac_pump.htm


Vacuum System Diagrams and Information (More Links Inside)
http://server1.serverway.net/~boostd/Vacuum/

Here's my thoughts on the seal replacement. My post is more than your doing but it covers it and give techinque on replacing the vacuum pump seal.

Replacing the 300TD front crankshaft seal and other front of block oil leaks

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

My pump repair issue is with the amount of oil that the gasket is allowing to drip down the block... not so much with the vaccume issues of the pump itself... thanks for the information.. I will have to get in there and give it a good cleaning, before taking anything apart!

__________________
46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

I just had the same problem with the vacuum pump gasket leaking oil. Replacing the gasket is really simple. Just disconnect the vacuum line and remove the six socket head cap screws. Nothing to it, except that a couple of the screws are a little hard to access.
After replacing the front crankshaft seal, IP gasket, oil filter stand gasket and vacuum pump gasket, my engine is now drip free.

And what makes this cam go round, if not the timing chain?

Just what I am dreaming of... but a LONG way from that.

__________________
46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

Was just saying that in order to fix any vacuum problem with the pump that it does not involve breaking the timing chain as was asked originally. Its my understanding that the cam with its lobes that make the arm/spring inside the pump actuate is driven by the timing chain. I've replaced my pump, and removing/installing does not involve messing with the timing chain.