I have a vacuum issue to track down tomorrow on my '83 300D. I just replaced the RR door, and was very careful with the vacuum lines removing and installing the doors. The system is now very sluggish and will only operate one cycle with the engine off. The engine shut-off is also very sluggish. The lock actuator is leak-free, I tested it with my MV. Perhaps I disturbed a connection somewhere in the door post. The system worked perfectly before I touched it, it would hold vacuum for weeks.

maybe the reservoir in the trunk drained while you were working on the door? it might take it a while to "fill" back up with the motor running in order for the locks to cycle more than once with the motor off.

i don't know how that would relate to the car not shutting off though, unless there was still a big leak somewhere

well, just to conclude this thread, i fixed all my door lock issues. turns out my fuel door wasn't functioning fully, i guess i tested it wrong or something, and the passenger door was shot as well. replaced the right elements, replaced a lot of the connectors as well. also found the break in the reservoir line and replaced the whole front half of it rather than trying to pull it out of behind the dash and re-plumb it following the same path.

so, it's all up and running and working great!

as to the question from rscurtis, i agree with sleepstar on that one. i had to start the car and rev it a bit and leave it in order to fully test the lock and unlock cycles. and as far as what goes on under the hood in a diesel, i'm not the guy to ask!

thanks again for all the help!

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1985 300D - 1984 Euro 280E AMG Clone (SOLD) - 1978 280CE (SOLD) - 1983 300D (SOLD) - 1981 300D (SOLD)

I found the culprit. I checked all the systems with the MV, they all held vacuum fine. The problem was the quad fitting that feeds the check valve, the climate control, and the stop circuit. The hoses were loose in it and I think a couple days of no vacuum in the system allowed it to leak. All is well, including the replacement door thanks to another member.