I wish I was here simply raging about my bleeping center vent vacuum pod having failed. Unfortunately I am here raging my ()$@*)(&$# center vent vacuum pod failed AGAIN! AHHHHH!

This was such a PITA to pull and repair last time (2-3 years ago) it was the only time I can recall cursing having large appendages.

Sorry it's to early in the day for beer, and venting was required.

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1972 280SE 4.5

It's 3:30 pm here. I'll have a cold one for you. Are you referring to the vacuum pod? If you are then what I have done in the past is disconnected it and jammed the center dash vents where they are wide open all the time. If you want to close them you can do it by closing the vent itself (if it is a w123).

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Jim

Yeah, IMO this is the best approach, so long as the pods dont create other secondary vacuum leaks/issues.

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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)

Before you condemn the center pod, are you sure it's not the defrost pod?

Check pic three in this thread: Scans of airflow for W123 climate control

The center pod shares vacuum with the defrost pod and that one's easy to get to near your right foot. Two bladders in there, two valves, more to go wrong.

Is any of the layout the same for a W126?

Thanks,
Jeff

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1984 300SD 300,000 miles--two tank WVO setup
2.88 diff & 500SEL anti-squat rear end

The W126 is laid out differently. (similar but different) The biggest difference is that dash removal is not needed for pod replacement. However, even on the W126, the center pod is the most difficult to repair. If you are having problems, start another thread or send me a pm and I can provide you with the layout and schematics in pdf format. Many of the W126 pods can be replaced by pulling the glove box.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

Thanks but I checked that already and I put mighty vac straight to center vent pod, no movement, will not hold any vacuum.

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1972 280SE 4.5

X25. A functioning center vent pod is entirely unnecessary in a 123 with closeable nozzles. Mine's been disconnected for 5 yrs at least.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13