1975 280 Vacuum Pump Issue

[rump]

Hello all,


When I first got this car, I had to disconnect the hoses going to and from the engine-mounted vacuum pump because it wasn't pumping and there was very little vacuum for the brake booster. The brakes have seemed OK since the bypass with the little driving I've done.


Now that I'm finally getting around to repairing as much as I can to get her road-worthy again, I looked into why the vacuum pump wasn't working. Unfortunately, the connecting rod to the piston is broken:


https://imgur.com/a/XVFx1nl


A few questions:


1. I've heard that the pump can be deleted permanently with no ill effects to the brake booster or the door locks. Is this actually true? (I just don't want to have an issue since Mercedes originally put the pump in for a reason.)


2. If I delete the pump, what do I use to cover the end of the camshaft? I've seen some cover plates for sale, but I think those are for the engine block. Where can I find a cover that will fit?



3. If I should keep the pump, I already have new diaphragm repair kits. Does anyone have a pump, or a piston and connecting rod I can buy for a reasonable price?



Thank you!

[rumb]

You might try these people, they have a lot of parts.
https://www.dieselmercedes.com/

[Frank Reiner]

Originally Posted by rump

The brakes have seemed OK since the bypass with the little driving I've done.
I've heard that the pump can be deleted permanently with no ill effects to the brake booster or the door locks. Is this actually true? (I just don't want to have an issue since Mercedes originally put the pump in for a reason.)
If I delete the pump, what do I use to cover the end of the camshaft?

Delete the pump, it is superfluous (braking, while simultaneously holding the throttle open, will be impaired due to poor vacuum!). The cover is composed of ingenuity, aluminum plate, and the application of a hacksaw & drill.

[rump]

Originally Posted by Frank Reiner

Delete the pump, it is superfluous (braking, while simultaneously holding the throttle open, will be impaired due to poor vacuum!). The cover is composed of ingenuity, aluminum plate, and the application of a hacksaw & drill.

Thanks, Frank. Doesn't everyone floor it before an accident??