Ok this is my problem. My '76 240d has been blowing a little smoke and shudders a bit when I turn it off. I notice that there is oil in the vacuum line that goes to the intake from the vac. pump so I figure I need a new diaphram. Ok easy enough. I think to myself it might be a good idea to check the fluid level in the pump to make sure I have enough. Now I have only had this car for about a year and a half and have never done this before so I crack the plug on the side and out comes clear fluid, not engine oil, at first I thought it was fuel but it dosen't smell like it. It smells more like mineral spirits. Any Ideas? How can I figure out what it is? The car runs fine and there is plenty of whatever this is in the pump which has been there for at least the year and a half that I have owned it.
Thanks,
John
240dude

I would bet it is a very low viscosity gear oil?

I dont know why its in there ... I would replace it with 10W40 ASAP just to be safe.

It dosen't even seem like oil. Maybe it is synthetic. Anyway how do I get it out without removing the pump. Like I said it runs fine and has been doing it for quite some time so I'm not too worried.
John
240dude

I thouight the IP used engine oil from the filter hoising.

The IP has its own supply of engine oil. It takes slightly less than a quart, if I remember right.

Anywho, I dont know how to get it out. I would guess a pressure bleeder would work, because their is a spillover in the pan.