Removing the Vacuum Shutoff Valve on a OM616 is pretty easy to access but a OM617 it is a little tighter between the IP and the Oil Filter housing.

You really can`t get a 10mm gear wrench in there because they are recessed behind the square plate around the valve. a 1/4" ratchet and 10mm Socket works best for me, but the handle is too short to really get any leverage on it.

Iam usually on top of the engine so I can reach down with my left hand to hold on the socket as Iam ratcheting with my right. I don`t know how many times I have dropped the damn ratchet and have to crawl under the car to retrieve it.

Sears has a longer handle 1/4" ratchet with a swivel head, but it is $40. (in store price) no way, when they have the 1/2" long handle ratchet for $32. what gives with that?
Interesting to read up on the comments on this wrench

Sears.com


Harbor freight has a 7" long 1/4 and 3/8" ratchet that I finally bought, and really does the job. it is long enough to stick past the IP to keep a grip on it. the best part it is $15.

1/4" and 3/8" Drive x 7" Double Head Ratchet Wrench



I still get on top of the engine to access the bolts, easier that trying reach from over the fender. And this is in PNP, Iam really not having a rash of shut off valve failures. But for the price of new one`s $150 on up, this is ridiculous. Always good to have some spares on hand.

DO NOT suck on them with a piece of vac hose before pulling them out to see if it is a good one. good way to get a mouth full of black oil.
And once you get it out, point the vac nipple away from you, push in the lever and hold your finger over the nipple to see if it will hold the lever in.

I pulled one that was full of oil, good thing I pointed the Nipple away from me. it shot oil 4ft.

Getting the valve out of a OM616 (240D) is no problem, however on the OM617 (300D/SD) remove the coolant hose behind the Oil Filter Housing, or you will fight to get the valve out.

Hope this helps someone.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

On my 84 & 85 300D's it has been fairly easy since I got a Craftsman ratcheting wrench set. They have a fine ratchet so you don't need to swing the wrench very far to get the next click. Works great on glow plugs too, swinging between the fuel injection tubes.

It is a little tricky working the shutoff valve past the oil filter housing. I suck in the stem with a vacuum pump and use the vacuum hose to help direct it. You must work it out of the pump, tilted towards the engine, then suck in the stem and rotate it. Of course, if it failed, you have to keep pumping to try to pull the stem in. I would never pull one before testing it with a hand pump.

I keep on forgetting to remove those buggars every time I visit the yards. I know a lot if them have been crushed before I can even think of them.



.

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1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System

I generally can remove them in about 15 min. I must have close to a dozen.


Charlie

__________________
there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works