How challenging is it to change the pump? Is there any way of rebuilding it, or does it require a complete change?

Andy

__________________
'95 E300D 313k miles
http://www.ourfullhouse.com

Andy, its not hard UNLESS its comes apart before you change it out. I read here that 250K is the magic number, and it will fail ( sends metal throught the engine adn can waste the gear it rides on) WITHOUT warning.

Do yourself a favor, email Phil and get one ordered up. They arent cheap ( $350 or so), but the R&R is easy, only requiring you to get the belt and upper radiator hose out of the way.

Mine failed at 262K, and it filled the engine with metal. There was NO warning. In fact, I had listened closely to the pump a few months before and nothing odd, and then SHAZZAM! Now I have a not too fun winter project, an engine rebuild. Plus another $350 for the pump, $X for the gear, $Y for the timing chain, gaskets ,bearings, etc. Makes $350 and less than a hour of time e good preventative maintenance.

BTW, for those reading the thread, I used Valvoline Max Life ATF in my 95. The tranny shifts better than before.

Until the pump failed, then it shifted like a drag car.

Do you really have 9 kids? Holy Schnikes!

But I digress. Changing a vac pump is not too hard, Basically slack the serpentine belt and remove the radiator shroud and you should be able to reach all bolts without removing the fan, at least it worked for me.

The vac pump is an expensive sucker, mine was $350 from Fastlane in April. Not rebuildable. If you have no evidence that yours has been changed, I would bite the bullet and go ahead. 250K miles is pushing the limit, IMHO. You don't want it to fail and take out the timing device which is not a DIY job unless you are some of the pros and semi-pros here on the board. I paid a shop to do my timing device because I pushed the vac pump limit too far...

Change the pump and see what happens to the shifting and shutdown. If you still have problems then at least you've eliminated the pump itself.

Rgds,
Chris W.

Guess what just moved to the top of my "To-Do" list.

__________________
'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
______________________________________

"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman

I have 273k on mine now...haven't the slightest if it was changed prior to me owning it...ok, this needs to be done then. Other than that, the car is running well.

Yes, 9 children today...but in March, #10 will be here *grin*. Yes, I'm well aware of what causes this *another grin*.

Thanks for the input gents!

__________________
'95 E300D 313k miles
http://www.ourfullhouse.com

Thats why I posted it , DO IT man!

Although I did find a mint 97 for the time being!

HAH! Now I see why owning old MB diesels becomes an addiction. Every time something goes wrong with one it's pretty easy to run out and buy another one to get you around while you work on the first one!

Thanks for the tip, I will be changing it out.

__________________
'95 E300D ("Tank") - 231,000 miles
'79 240D ("Biscuit") - 197,250 miles (Sold)
'83 240D ("Ding-Ding") - 217,000 miles (Death by deer)
______________________________________

"Back off, man. I’m a scientist” ~ Peter Venkman