I have always worked with AL Bernal.

I've got the exact same problem with my '81. I tore apart the hatch, adjusted the vacuum actuator "away" to take up any free play and disconnected and plugged all lines to and from the gas cap actuator.

After all that, it seemed to be working well so I put everything back together again...now this AM there is no door lock action at all!
Frustrating!
How did you fare with your wrenching?

I owned a 1987 300d for nine years and never once had to have the emissions tested; diesels are exempt from emissions certificates last time I checked in California. I got reported to the authorities by a righteous citizen once (probably a liberal from Berkeley) due to my diesel smoking when it was cold sitting at a stop light.

When I received a letter from the authorities there was a box to check "If your car is a diesel check here".....and that was the end of that.

Carl

I suggest you also search for " hydropneumatic" on this site. I have done this complete job on the 300TD leveling system and received very helpful specific instructions on this site . It is messy but you will be very glad you did it. I believe the system when healthy enhances the the car's cornering performance . Generally I think you will find the idea of putting std shocks in there has not worked for anyone, although I know some guys were actively pursuing it. Now that it is working I love the hydro pneumatic system. Regards,

Hi shawnster, yup I did fix the hatch. Lots of PBBlaster and adjusting the thing that pushes lock, seems to work fine.
edit. didn't read your whole post. Mine does that too after not running for a few days. Look for vacuum leaks. Good luck and hang in there.

__________________
96 Legacy LSi wagon
92 Mitsu Expo
95 525iT
1983 300TD clackclackclack sold
1972 Toyota Corolla wagon TE28 sold
1991 Galant VR4 pshhhhh non-op
1989 Montero RS pop's ride