metal gasket on vacuum pump leaks
 

Hello all,

I know that I was supposed to put in the paper gasket but it did not come with the pump and I am have not self control so I put in the metal one. Now it leaks pretty good from the pump.

I did not torque it down that tight just snug. Does any one have a torque recommendation. Is it possible to get the metal gasket to seal up or should I just go with the fiber one.

Please understand that I have no self control and it will most likely cost me another 2 hours playing with this pump. Why dont I ever listen to the little vioce in my head.

Thanks alot for any imput.



bob c

PS 1987 300d om603

Well, if you have no self control it is nice to have a sense of humor about it....
How about taking it out and cleaning it really well... like with lacquer thinner.... then use some " Aviation gasket cement" where you need it to seal ? That is what I would do....

" Aviation gasket cement"

Or you could get some gasket material (good to have around anyway) and "tap" out a gasket with a ball peen hammer.

I was going with his description of having no self control.... it takes some careful tapping to cut a gasket with a hammer.... LOL
Perhaps his first try at that should be on some old cast iron water pump... rather than his cast aluminum vacuum pump.... LOLOLOL
Actually multiple layers of brown paper from sacks with Aviation Gasket cement between each layer ( like petit fores.. the little cakes with more icing and layers than cake ) works well sometimes.. if one is opposed on religous grounds to getting the correct fiber gasket to install....

"careful tapping" ... Roger that ... or just "tap" enough to make the "lines" then carry on with a razor to finish the job, should be able to make one quicker than running to the parts store even if there was a parts store that had that gasket :)

1- Did your metal gasket have a built in "dam" at the bottom?

2- If it did, had you removed the metal basket and 3 mounting bolts before installing the dam gasket? If not, that's why it's leaking. BT, DT.

3- I have used the metal gaskets with NO leaks at all, with no extra sealer applied. The surfaces have to be extremely clean. There's no reason why yours shouldn't be able to work.

4- Don't use RTV, use Hylomar as a gasket dressing if necessary.

5- More info on the dam gasket is in this PDF somewhere: http://www.meimann.com/docs/mercedes/OM603_vac_pump_mod.pdf

Thank you for all your replies.

I did remove the basket and the three bolts that were there.

I did not torque it to any specific spec. Just a bit snug. Any suggestions on the torque specs

I thought that I had it clean but maybe not. I have ordered the fiber gasket and should get it in a couple of weeks (my brother sends it to me from the dealer in Fla) hopefully sooner

anyway I am kind of short on time and i do not want to play with it until I get the new gasket.

Do you guys feel that I can just tighten it down a bit and get it to stop leaking or do I have alot better chance with the fiber gasket.

It is kind of a tight fit with all the belts and bs. I do miss the simple days of my W123.


Again thanks for all of your help.


bob c