I bought an '83 300D Turbo a few weeks ago and have been chasing vacuum problems. When I bought it, the car shut down properly but in looking for leaks and changing valves and fittings in the engine compartment it no longer shuts down with the key. I do not notice any oil in the line from the shut down device and I can shut the car down with three pumps from a Mityvac. However,when I checked the "ignition" switch, I see oil dripping from it. I also notice other oily (black motor oil) components under the dash but have yet to find the time to check all the ACC components ( the center vents don't work)or vacuum system aft of the firewall. The vacuum pump (piston type) pulls 22-23 inches vacuum. The question is ..can this oil be coming from the shutoff if the shutoff is still working pretty well? Where else could motor oil come from?

Rick
Deltona , FL

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

The oil under the dash is probably the oil pressure guage leaking. A pain in the butt, but not impossible to fix. Replace those vacuum hoses!!!

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1982 300D Turbo "Helga"
380,000 miles

I agree. It is most likely the oil gaige leaking from the instrument cluster. I had this same problem on my 300TD, only it looked like it had been leaking for years! My floorpan and carpet were covered in oil when I bought the car. It is easier to simply replace the cluster with the gauges on it, than to fix the gauge itself. Once you remove the cluster, you'll see what I mean.

You should be able to find a good used cluster on ebay for under $50.

Good luck to you.

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Sean Roland

2004 Saab 9-5 AERO 138k (for sale)
2000 VW Jetta GLS TDI 215k (sold)
1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 - 132k (sold)
1999 Saab 9-3se -- 84k (sold)
1986 MB 190e 2.3 16v -- 221K (sold)
1985 MB 190e 2.3 16v euro -- 145k (junked)
1992 Saab 9000t 5sp. -- 142k (sold)
1994 Subaru Legacy -- 264K (sold)
1998 Audi A4 1.8TQ -- 102k (sold)
1983 MB 240D stick -- 160k (sold)
1988 Saab 900SPG -- 156K (sold)
1983 MB 300D -- 270K project or parts (sold)
1986 MB 280SE Euro stick -- 150K (sold)