I picked up a vacuum filter pt#000 078 06 56 today. Now I need to know axactly where to put it in a '82 300SD. Any good directions would be appreciated.

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82 300SD 100K
91 Caprice SS
92 Jetta TD

M-B used these clear in-line filters in the engine compartment of some W123 & W126 diesel powered vehicles, to permit rapid visualization of engine oil in the vacuum system (due to a ruptured vacuum pump diaphragm) and as a trap for the errant oil. Central locking, engine shutoff and climate control vacuum elements are adversely affected by the presence of oil.
(Note, however, that the W126's central locking vacuum source was different from the W123, in that it used an electrically driven trunk-mounted vacuum pump, physically separate from the diesel engine's vacuum pump.)

Vehicles without the filter can be retrofitted. Brake booster vacuum line (with supply hose taps) and supply hose layout varied within the 123 and 126 series; you'll need to decide which installation location will offer the most protection for your application.

Are the taps available as a kit for the filter or is it something I will need to make up?

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82 300SD 100K
91 Caprice SS
92 Jetta TD

Perhaps "tap" is a confusing term; it can also be described as a "port". Either way, the hard black plastic line that runs from the vacuum pump to the brake booster typically has one or more "ports" from which various systems draw vacuum; the location and number of these ports are model specific and fixed.

The vacuum filter is installed downline from a vacuum port; if you are replacing an existing unit, then locate the original (left side of the engine compartment, in the vicinity of the oil filter housing), disconnect its two vacuum hoses and renew.

If you are retrofitting, then typically you need to cut open and remove a portion of the hard-walled white plastic vacuum line that is connected to the port and install the filter, using two short segments of vacuum hose [sequence, e.g.: brake booster vac line port - vac hose - filter - vac hose - vac line - etc]. You decide which system(s)you wish to protect. The procedure is quite simple; ensure that all fittings are leakproof.

You didn't mention why you purchased a new filter; unless you're retrofitting, these units aren't normally replaced unless they become oil logged or are damaged (cracked housing, resulting in loss of vacuum). If the unit contains oil, then you need to service the engine-mounted vacuum pump immediately.

[This message has been edited by jgl1 (edited 06-25-2000).]

Thanks. You have been most helpful.

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82 300SD 100K
91 Caprice SS
92 Jetta TD