603 vacuum pump gaskets - which one - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

surfblau · #1 11-14-2002, 12:23 PM

Almost ready to install my new vacuum pump for my SDL, but I have two gaskets- the one that came with the pump (black painted metal) and the blue gummi gasket that is listed as the 'vacuum pump gasket'.

I have seen a few other posts that say people have just used the blue gummi gasket and tossed the black one.

I am more inclined to use the black one (because it has the oil dam) and maybe even stack it with the blue one.

Anyone have any other ideas?

jobah · #2 11-14-2002, 01:21 PM

I used the metal one that came with my pump (the one with the oil dam. Incidently, the instructions indicate that the protective cage is to be removed prior to installation (it appears to be an upgrade).

This was about 50kmi ago, and everything seems to be ok?

Thanks.

lrg · #3 11-14-2002, 02:44 PM

I did just the opposite, used the fiber gasket and tossed the metal one. I was worried I wouldn't get a decent seal with the metal gasket and when I removed the old pump it had only a fiber gasket and was covered with oil so I don't think the oil dam, while a nice idea, was really necessary. Phil checked for me and the fiber gasket is the only one listed on the MBZ parts manual. You can probably use either but both is probably unnecessary. I also removed the timing basket. The instructions that came with the pump were pretty explicit that you needed to remove it. I did keep the part though, just in case. My repair was 10,000 miles ago with no problems.

mbdoc · #4 11-14-2002, 05:47 PM

Choice of gasket is dependant on ENGINE number. Early engines need the gasket with the oil dam as the lubrication comes from there. ON later engines there is an oiler for the pump & requires the normal gasket. MB service info. 07.1/37
IN either case the basket must be removed!

lrg · #5 11-15-2002, 01:14 AM

Thanks M.B.Doc. Am I safe to assume that since my original pump had the gasket without the oil dam that I'm OK using the same (non-oil dam) gasket on the new pump?

gsxr · #6 11-15-2002, 11:35 AM

For the 1986/87 OM603, which is what surfblau has, the EPC only shows one gasket. It is a coated metal gasket with the oil dam. It works just peachy, with no RTV or other crap on it. Make sure the surfaces are flat & clean. Aftermarket pumps usually come with fiber gaskets because they are CHEAP, but Mercedes spec'd the good metal one. You decide which to use. But NEVER install two gaskets at the same time!!!

On my car I installed a dealer coated metal gasket. The basket does not *have* to be removed unless the new gasket interferes with one of the mounting bolts of the basket. The OE gasket did not, and I left the basket in place on my one car. On my sisters' car the (Pierburg) pump came with a metal gasket that interfered with a bolt and we had to remove the basket. The basket is used to hold the IP timer & sprocket assembly in place with the IP removed. It does NOT hurt to leave it in there. If you remove it, don't throw it out...

Regards,

mbdoc · #7 11-15-2002, 03:57 PM

Dave the removal of the BASKET has nothing to do with interference of the bolts or mounting. IT has to do with oil supply for the vacuum pump. Please read SI on subject & then you will understand. The replacement VACUUM pump needs to have the basket removed. Newer cars didn't come with this centering basket.

gsxr · #8 11-15-2002, 06:16 PM

Hi Doc,

What I meant was that the basket mounting bolts can interfere with certain design metal gaskets, where the head of one of the bolts touches the "dam", and won't allow the gasket to seal. Other gasket designs clear the bolt head. So removal of the basket is required to make some gaskets work, regardless of the pump version.

As to the oiling supply for the new vacuum pumps, I'd love to read the SI! How would I access this? I can use a WIS system if it's in there, if not, where do I find it?

Thanks!

md21722 · #9 11-15-2002, 10:59 PM

A mechanic installed my vacuum pump about 11,000 miles ago and insisted on leaving the basket in. He used the gasket w/out dam - same as engine original. Based on this info, I should remove the basket at my earliest convenience, elsewise the vacuum pump is not getting correct lubrication? Any other side effects?

Thanks!

md21722 · #10 11-15-2002, 11:07 PM

Dave,

Found reference to 07.1/37 and the basket on the shop manual, Disc 1, Prog_Repairs, comb3.pdf, page 6-7.

Brian

md21722 · #11 11-15-2002, 11:39 PM

.

surfblau · #12 11-18-2002, 01:39 PM

Well, I completed the vac pump replacement that I started this thread with. It was pretty uneventful and took about 1hr.

I ended up using the black gasket with the dam and removed the basket like the paper instructions said.

When I took the old pump out for inspection, on one side of the roller bearing, one of the bearing retainers was broken, allowing the ball bearings to move around a little too freely in the old roller bearing races. It probably would have been ok for a while longer, but I could easily see a catastropic failure coming when the bearing retainer more thouroughly broke apart.

There is a little less rattle to the engine idle now.

thanks everyone.

gsxr · #13 11-20-2002, 05:13 PM

FYI, here's the PDF of the section of the service manual that details the update. Seems that any engine in the USA will likely have the extra oil spray nozzle, unless you got one of the first couple dozen that rolled off the line (not likely):

http://www.meimann.com/docs/mercedes/OM603_vac_pump_mod.pdf

(The last 2 pages show how to adjust the IP max speed governor and full load fuel delivery, in case you're feeling like causing trouble with your IP!)

Regards,

jobah · #14 11-20-2002, 05:37 PM

true for 87 300D owners, but for early 190D owners, we have the old pump (i.e., 601 engines manufactured for 190D's starting in October of 1983). I have motor number 354 which is the 354th 601 2.2 engine made. I have the old design for sure.

gsxr · #15 11-20-2002, 05:55 PM

Ooops. Good point. I was thinking OM603 only, you are correct that the OM601 will need the updated gasket with the "dam" which may require basket removal. I still say to leave the basket in, if the gasket clears the bolts (place it on the timing case & see if it fits.)