How bad did I screw this up?? - Vacuum Issues

[Picaz78]

Alright, I come humbly to the masters, again, for some advice. My problem, my 1982 300D wouldn't shut off, the brakes seemed okay, maybe not great, A/C would blow ambient air, and door locks were incredibly sluggish, as it the lock pistons on the door were gummed up, and transmission shifts a little hard, with the seemingly popular revving up between 2nd and 3rd. I figured, naturally, I'm having some vacuum issues, possibly among other things. Either way, I read the vacuum pressure coming off the pump itself and the needle was fluctuating between 10-20 at idle. I bought the rebuild kit from ******** and finally set out to do the rebuild yesterday. My plan was to remove the pump and go to work from there. Well I was able to get three of the six retaining bolts off, the other three wouldn't budge. I believe I actually have started to strip the three bolts that I couldn't get out. I WISH this was the problem...

Well I figured I'd just take the cover plate off and replace the three diaphragms and whatever gaskets I could access, and take it from there. Well, as I was putting things back together, I guess I overtightened the nut that goes on the piston rod, and the end of the piston rod snapped off...

Well at the very least, I need to get the pump off the block now to be able to access the piston rod, right? ALSO, is it possible to just buy a piston rod without the rest of a new or reconditioned pump?

I would welcome ANY and ALL advice here, but I ask that any creative name calling be reserved for the end of the thread! Thank you all in advance.

-Paul

[ImBroke]

Salvage yard time. IMHO

[leathermang]

Did ImBroke mean go to a salvage yard and get another vacuum pump to work on.. you used up your mulligan... LOL...
or take your car to the Salvage yard... ?

[Picaz78]

Yeah, that's what I thought too. I have been having a hell of a time finding ANY parts for my car down here in the Miami area.

If anyone either has a pump that they'd part out, or comes across a piston rod (rocker arm), I'd love to talk to you!

Any pointers on getting the stripped bolts out? The work area is so damn tight.. I did remove the radiator, so it's a little better.

[Picaz78]

I'm hoping he meant to get the part from the salvage yard... perhaps my ignorance is bliss!

[leathermang]

I assume he meant that..but the other thought crossed my mind....
Have you asked Phil at the " buy parts" button at the top of the page ?
They may have a complete rebuilt one they can sell you ... given the bolts situation that might be a bargain at any price...
One type is more expensive than the other...but the kits for rebuilding it are cheaper I think I remember...

[Larry Delor]

Had I known, I could've picked one up today at the local yard.
Wanna go for a daytrip to the Gulfcoast?

[Picaz78]

May be worth it. I need this part ASAP. Do you have the name of the place you use out there?

[Larry Delor]

Al's pick-n-pull in Osprey

[ImBroke]

Boy did I not phrase that right.. Sorry.. Yeah, I meant salvage yard to get the part. Didn't mean to cause undue stress.
I have a pump that is off of the car now, but it needs a rebuild (didn't get around to it). It is in one piece. I'll even throw in the allen bolts. Let me know if you need it, I can get it to you for like 20 shipped. It came from an 85, but it was the same as my 82 was.

[leathermang]

Call Phil at the top of the page first...
if he can not get what you want check these people....

http://www.performanceproducts4benz.com/

Search for vacuum... they have them rebuilt already.. the two types of pumps may not be on the same 'page' when you search... there are two types..
ALSO, send for their paper catalog... some of the best exploded line drawings of engine and stuff with the names ..... very helpful...

[Picaz78]

ImBroke, if you don't mind, that'd be great. When you say it needed a rebuild, I'm assuming you meant just the diaphragms and gaskets, and that the rocker arm and all the internals are in good shape?