I posted a thread asking for help tracking down a vacuum leak which I though might be in the master door lock vacuum switch. Thanks again for all who posted.

I thought I had it solved by replacing the rubber connectors in the engine compartment.

But now it seems that was not it either (at least not entirely).

The problem seems to be coming from the green line that goes to the climate control system. It holds a vacuum when the engine is off. However with the engine running it does not hold vacuum and door locks work slowly and shut-off is not instantaneous as it normally was before this problem. If I pull and plug the connector to that line door locks work and engine shuts off normally.

Any help is welcomed.

P.S. The black line that goes through the fire wall from the vacuum control valve is just hanging out unconnected under the dash. I recall reading that this is normal but just wanted to confirm.

Thanks, Jim

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JIM


83 300TD
2006 Sprinter 2500 (RV Conversion)

06 E320 CDI, Sold

83 240D, manual, Sold
79 240D, automatic, Sold

You need to get into the climate control lines. Don't over think the process. Check from the switch over valve to vacuum pods then the lines running to the switch over valves. Professor Google had year and model specific vacuum diagrams the last time I looked for the 126. You have the same basic system.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

P.S. The black line that goes through the fire wall from the vacuum control valve is just hanging out unconnected under the dash. I recall reading that this is normal but just wanted to confirm.

Correct.

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83 SD

84 CD

A Mityvac is your friend with ANY vacuum issues.

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1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."

Thanks for the advice. Yes, my Mityvac has been my friend of late. Found test procedures at Startek for switch-over valves and vacuum pods/actuators and opened up the center console and pulled under-dash panels. http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/12265/disc_2/program/Climate/83-604a.pdf
4 of the switch-over valves tested fine. One (#15 far left looking at dash) leaked down slowly on B port. But only the #42 (main air flap) pod/actuator hold vacuum. So I guess it is time to replace that marginal switch-over valve and replace or rebuild the actuator/pods. Consensus on the forum says you need to remove the dash to do so. Oh boy.

Cleaning the evaporator seems to be a wise thing to do at the same time. Any advice or suggestions about this project will be welcome -- especially rebuilding pods vs. replacing them. Thanks, Jim

__________________
JIM


83 300TD
2006 Sprinter 2500 (RV Conversion)

06 E320 CDI, Sold

83 240D, manual, Sold
79 240D, automatic, Sold

No need to remove the dash to replace the pods. The only problem will be the center vent pod. I have replaced it without removing the dash but when it broke again, i just glued the center vent door open, plugged the lines and disabled the switchover valve. Rebuilding or replacing the pods is your choice. I dont think the defrost pod is rebuildable and if you decide to replace the center pods i would get new ones.

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'85 300D Cal 280,000 miles
'14 GLK 350 60000 miles

You can get most of the vac pods with the dash installed. I forgot which 1 was the problem but eventually got that also (on the 126).

__________________
85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

Thanks to all who have posted with advice, especially that I can replace the vacuum pods/actuators without removing the dash.
I do have a couple more questions though:
1) Are there any other parts I will need in addition to pods/actuators to complete the job? FSM mentions "locks" which are relatively inexpensive.

2) Would removing the center console make the job easier? Seems like it would but FSM doesn't mention this.

Thanks,

Jim

__________________
JIM


83 300TD
2006 Sprinter 2500 (RV Conversion)

06 E320 CDI, Sold

83 240D, manual, Sold
79 240D, automatic, Sold