OK all, new thread. Each of my issues during my five days of ownership has been addressed effectively by the collective wisdom and experience here.

Spent some time today crawling around under the '72 280SE 4.5. Investigated the unusual flexible hoses running from the trunk floor to the rear parcel shelf. Are these remnants of the original hydro-compensator? This auto now has a straight spring setup in place over the pumpkin. Whatever rubber fittings were below the trunk, above the rear axle underneath the car, have been cut off and these hoses are pretty much just sitting in place due to gravity. Why the route up to the parcel shelf? Any insight on this system is appreciated.

Also, on the power lock issue. In trying to determine if the lines are intact, I followed a suggestion and hooked the manifold vacuum line to the the door lock tee at the firewall. Saw no change in anything but I now realize that I can only get in my trunk by using the key whereas before my experiment, the latch was set to open just with a push. In studying the mechanisim and its habits, I see the vacuum is apparently pulling the lock to the "key only" position. How long until this vacuum bleeds off (from the tank behind the LF fender panel?) or how can I bleed the system so I can get in my trunk without turning off the car?

As always, your patience is appreciated...

kpb:

The plastic hoses are water drains from the interior vent system. Air goes out at the base of the rear window and exhausts at the front edge of the trunk lid. Water can get in there, so it is drained out the hoses. Make sure they are sealed to the rubber bits going through the trunk floor, or you will get water in the trunk. Check the well on the driver's side for rust while you are in there, water collects there since there isn't a drain on that side, tends to rust out the area around the tow hook.

If you have the trunk locked when you apply vac to the supply, you may have either a bad vac switch on the driver's door or someone has fiddled the lines. Trunk latch tends to stick on these cars, too -- you may need to lube it.

The vac in the tank should last for 4-5 lock/unlock cycles. Doors should all lock and unlock from the driver's door.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!