After reading some of the many threads having to do with the convoluted Mercedes vacuum system (especially my California version 1985 300D), I thought it would be fun to play with all of the hoses and such. Besides, I might just learn something.

I got out my beatup old vacuum gauge and pulled apart a fitting that looked innocent: I think it was for the EGR valve. Since that line has had a BB stuck in it since before I had the car, I knew I wouldn't harm anything. I discovered that the vacuum read between 10 and 12 inches of mercury and went away when the engine was shut off.

Was this normal? I realized that, on the pump side of the various check valves, there probably would not be any vacuum with the pump not running. The vacuum level, I saw from reading a few more threads, was more or less normal. I had expected much more, somehow.

The next thing I learned was that the little plastic barb fittings on the main vacuum line are fragile. Yes, I broke one of the little suckers. Fortunately, I was able to epoxy the broken end so that I could drive the car while I waited for a new line. Expensive lesson (they usually are -- but you remember those lessons better). See the first two pictures.

I had purchased a pair of inexpensive vacuum gauges on eBay -- they were surplus from a motorcycle carburetor synch manufacturing operation, the seller said. I wanted to measure vacuum in the engine compartment, as near to the pump as reasonable, and also in the trunk, next to the reservoir. That way, I could check vacuum with engine running and also see what happened when the engine was off. How much is lost every time you unlock the car, how much is lost just sitting, etc.

I didn't need to see the vacuum while driving (hence the inexpensive, non-illuminated gauges with hose barb fittings). One gauge was mounted in the engine bay and the other in the trunk. After installing the new main vacuum line, I replaced an existing three-way rubber junction piece with a four-way junction. The extra leg was for the vacuum gauge. There were lots of places the gauge could have been mounted. In the end, I put a cable tie base on the back of the gauge and cable-tied the gauge to the vacuum line. This is shown in the third photo.

In the trunk, I recycled the three-way junction piece removed from the engine bay to split the line going to the "egg carton" vacuum reservoir and installed the second vacuum gauge. This is shown in the fourth photo. I haven't yet decided how to secure this gauge; right now it is simply flopping around.

With everything buttoned up, I started the engine and watched the gauges. Since the system was at atmospheric pressure, it took a few minutes for the vacuum pump (the original? I have no idea) to evacuate the system. Eventually, the engine gauge read about 15 inches of mercury and the trunk gauge about 17. That was somewhat better than before -- perhaps my ancient test gauge has a leak or maybe I accidently fixed a leak while working on the system.

I will watch the system to see how it performs. My fuel economy will of course improve. Do your vacuum numbers look anything like mine? Some models have an electric pump (under the rear seat?) -- what vacuum does it pull? By the way, I noticed that the engine vacuum gauge reads lower as engine speed increases. Anyone know why that is?

Jeremy

Attached Thumbnails

       

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Simulates manifold vacuum on a gasser. Tells the tranny how firm/soft to shift.

I believe its only the SD's of those years that had the electric vacuum pump for when the car is off. I've only checked the vacuum right out of the main line but I got 22" at idle. Never checked it anywhere else.

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Seth

1984 300D 225K
1985 300D Donor body
1985 300D Turbo 165K. Totaled. Donor Engine. It runs!!!
1980 300SD 311K My New Baby.
1979 BMW 633csi 62K+++? Dead odo

various vacuum systems and sharing your findings with this FORUM. For me much of my initial learning about my diesel MZBs has been learing about these systems and how IMPORTANT they are for proper operation of these vintage cars.

Since yours is both a 1985 model and CA car, I challenge you to begin the process of learning about the vacuum system that is mostly located in the engine compartment and controls the tranny [ I'm assuming you have an automatic as most do]. Check out the links at:
http://www.peterschmid.com/vacuum/1977_1985/616_617_91/616_617_91.jpg ........... and
http://www.peterschmid.com/vacuum/1977_1985/617_95/1985_cal.jpg

I think yours is the latter. Make a copy for future reference of whichever is yours. Eventually I will have to take a closer look at my father-N-law's '85 300SD and I think it is the same as yours. Not looking forward to troubleshooting such a complicated vacuum system with so many components... included the dreaded "Control Unit"! I have started a THREAD about how "Critical" it is to understand the use of restricted orifices is to this vacuum system... and your's has 3+ such orifices. I started another THREAD on the vacuum lock system as well and ended up putting together a "user-friendly" diagram that some have found very useful.
Happy motoring,
Sam

Does this have any relation to hard shifting at start?

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1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
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