Vacuum Pump Gasket Sealer & Torque

[pdxwaker]

I just removed, rebuilt, and replaced the vacuum pump on my 220d... now I've got an oil leak around the pump/block gasket.

I cleaned the old gasket off very well and used airplane gasket sealer on reassembly... torqued the hex bolts down pretty hard... perhaps too hard?

Anyway, it looks like I need to pull the pump and replace the gasket once again. I'm looking for suggestions on bolt torque and gasket sealers... any recommended brands? (hopefully something I could find at autozone or the like) Any other tips on preventing oil leaks in this area?

In hind sight I should have probably attempted the rebuild without removing the pump from the block...

[pdxwaker]

bump...

[New2MB]

I don't know what the torque should be but did you torque them in a sort of star pattern like you would for head bolts or lug nuts?

[pdxwaker]

Originally Posted by New2MB

I don't know what the torque should be but did you torque them in a sort of star pattern like you would for head bolts or lug nuts?

I did this...

[dmorrison]

Do not use anything on the gasket, Mecedes does not call for it. Clean both surfaces very well. I use a razor blade to make sure it is clean.

The manual does not specify any torque for the vacuum pump mounting bolts. However the bolts are the same size as used to mount the Hydraulic pump. The manual calls for 10NM for the hydraulic pump mount bolts, so this is the torque I used.

Dave

I had to replace the shut off valve gasket on my 82 300sd a few months ago and I did not use any kinda gunk sealer stuff, but I did use 2 gaskets and she is bone dry, not a leak at all.
One time though I replaced the turbo drain tube gasket and I used some Indian Head gasket sealer and guess what. Leak. so I removed it all again. cleaned surfaces really good and applied it dry. now no leaks.
hope this helps . zachariah

[pdxwaker]

I'll try it dry. The gasket sealer really helped hold the gasket in place during reassembly... this was especially true because I had to push hard on the pump to mate it with the block (pump must have been on up-stroke when engine was stopped).

I'll try to rotate the engine so the pump is not on the up stroke this time...

[dmorrison]

To get the gasket to old use High Tack

Dave

[minimike1]

Also called gasket adhesive, Not gasket maker or instant gasket. It's more like a spray contact cement just to hold the gasket in place.

[Stevo]

I use a thin coat of blue RTV, holds the gasket in place nicely.

[nitrostamped]

I have been working on different cars for years and a few tips when it comes to gaskets.

If you do apply gasket sealer put a light amount on your fingers and rub it in on both sides for a very very light thin seal if it smashes out the sides you went way over board.

Let it get tacky for a few minutes and then it will stick to the pump for an easy install.

For a turbo oil line it is recommended never to use any gasket sealer since it can cause excessive premature wear. If you absolutely need something to make a gasket stick you can use a few spots of automotive grease to stick it to the surface this won’t harm a turbo.

Side note if you don’t have a gasket and need one if the old one is still in decent shape you can make a trace on gasket material (in a sheet or roll at any auto parts store) and cut it out with a razor blade you can derive a certain satisfaction from building your own gaskets that seal every time. (This involves detail work so if you don’t do detail work don’t try it)

Good luck