Greetings Kyle,

Actually I did remove my vacuum pump and replace the diaphragm without removing any other components. Some need more room to work and end up removing the radiator as well. If you take it slow it can be done while still installed in the car. I pulled the outer bell off that houses the diaphragm not the entire unit from the engine block. There was only one spring behind the bell housing and not a bunch of parts that end up dropping all over the ground. From the price you mention I'd say they quoted you for the diaphragm as well as the reed valves housed behind the oval plates on the outer bell assembly. I didn't replace those when I did the diaphragm, rare for them to go bad and just an extra waste of money. I did however spray carb cleaner through the assembly when it was off to clean these reed valves and let it dry completely before reassembly. The diaphragm here at fastlane I think runs about $9.00 or so, a real cheap fix. What were you doing for two and a half hours? I think removal of the bell assembly, cleaning of the valves and reinstallation of the new diaphragm and replacement of the bell housing runs about an hour if you stop for a snack in between. I think I'd look elsewhere for the part or see if you can just get the diaphragm for the pump and not the rebuild kit. Shouldn't cost you more than $15.00 to back up and running without a trail of blue smoke.

Charles

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"Tell me and I will listen, Teach me and I will learn, Show me and I will accomplish, Involve me and I will succeed."
'84 300SD 256,000 Gold on Brown (Mileage Award)
'86 300E 246,000 Blue on Tan