Boycott vacuum go electric!!! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

MBeige · #1 03-10-2007, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derherr65

Just re-read.... manual ac? Now you've got my attention. Please tell me you documented and photographed that?

It was a European car, it came with it I believe.

It also has a Ford engine. I don't think you'd want to do that too?

derherr65 · #2 03-10-2007, 03:41 AM

Not so much, I like the 617. Only exception being it's a touch low on power.

#3 03-10-2007, 03:42 AM

How about going with hydroboost brakes and switching to a manual transmission?

Monomer · #4 03-10-2007, 05:47 AM

Vacuum leaks > Grounding/shorts

I'd MUCH rather replace a few vac connecters/lines/pods than have to troubleshoot an entire electrical system.

pmckechnie · #5 03-10-2007, 08:31 AM

When I got my 500SEL the vacuum pump was missing from the trunk. The replacement I needed was unavailable (cost wise). The car has orthopedic (sp) seats which use the same pump. I ordered a door lock kit from JC Whitney which is designed for cars without power locks. I forget the cost but it was less than $100.00 for a 4 door car. The conversion was fairly easy as the actuators simply replaced the vacuum pods. I latter added keyless entry and every thing works great. I know this doesn't solve all your problems but it will make a good start.

MBeige · #6 03-10-2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmckechnie

When I got my 500SEL the vacuum pump was missing from the trunk. The replacement I needed was unavailable (cost wise). The car has orthopedic (sp) seats which use the same pump. I ordered a door lock kit from JC Whitney which is designed for cars without power locks. I forget the cost but it was less than $100.00 for a 4 door car. The conversion was fairly easy as the actuators simply replaced the vacuum pods. I latter added keyless entry and every thing works great. I know this doesn't solve all your problems but it will make a good start.

So the JC Whitney item also fixed the orthopedic seat?

pmckechnie · #7 03-10-2007, 09:42 AM

No, it didn't fix the seats. I only gave that information so you would know why the pump was so expensive. The orthopedic seats are just disconnected. When you buy a car for $500, you can't expect everything to work.

greasybenz · #8 03-10-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmckechnie

No, it didn't fix the seats. I only gave that information so you would know why the pump was so expensive. The orthopedic seats are just disconnected. When you buy a car for $500, you can't expect everything to work.

Are you talking about the vacuum pump that sits in the spare wheel well? I have a working one from a diesel W126. Pm me if you want it ill let it go for cheap.

Monomer · #9 03-10-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmckechnie

When I got my 500SEL the vacuum pump was missing from the trunk. The replacement I needed was unavailable (cost wise). The car has orthopedic (sp) seats which use the same pump. I ordered a door lock kit from JC Whitney which is designed for cars without power locks. I forget the cost but it was less than $100.00 for a 4 door car. The conversion was fairly easy as the actuators simply replaced the vacuum pods. I latter added keyless entry and every thing works great. I know this doesn't solve all your problems but it will make a good start.

I got a a used pump from a fellow forum member for $40 shipped, including connector. It looks brand new, and works like new.

my w126 needed it.

derherr65 · #10 03-10-2007, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monomer

Vacuum leaks > Grounding/shorts I'd MUCH rather replace a few vac connecters/lines/pods than have to troubleshoot an entire electrical system.

I live in North Texas. It's so hot and dry that corrosion rarely causes grounding problems. It does kill vacuum hoses, dashes, seats, paint, and weatherstrip regularly though.

dkveuro · #11 03-10-2007, 12:17 PM

The Audi 5000S used a bi-pressure pump mounted in the trunk.
The door switch reversed the polarity of the pump so it would pressurize to open the locks or vacumn to close the locks.

You could use that for you seats pmckechnie

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Eskimo · #12 03-10-2007, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkveuro

The Audi 5000S used a bi-pressure pump mounted in the trunk.

At least some models had the pump under the back seat, IIRC.

dmorrison · #13 03-10-2007, 01:37 PM

Going all electric and getting rid of vacuum in the Mercedes is quite an ordeal.

Here is a list of all the vacuum elements in your 300CD.

Lock system:
Drivers door control valve.
Passenger door element.
Seat back control elements.
Fuel filler door element
Trunk element
Vacuum reservoir
All lines and connections

AC elements:
Floor heat element
Defrost element
Fresh air element
recirculation element
Center vent elements
All your air valve control switches

Engine vacuum controls
Vacuum pump
Brake booster
Engine shutoff
Transmission shift control
EGR control
ALDA input

So to eliminate all the vacuum would require redesigning the AC control, engine control and transmission control????

Do you really want to take on those problems??

It is easiest in the long run to maintain the system as designed by Mercedes, And less frustrating.

To change your car to a manual AC system you need a manual donor car and all its parts. Then you still have to figure out how to attach the wire harness to the manual system.

Dave

dkveuro · #14 03-10-2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eskimo

At least some models had the pump under the back seat, IIRC.

IIRC the pre '82's where in the trunk but they got wet...later where under the rear seat on left side in a foam housing.

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