Has anyone changed out the vacuum pump on a 300SDL and how hard was it to do?? Other than for space it looks fairly simple, but I don't have a manual and things are not always as they appear. Would be thankful for any advice.

Ric

I changed mine on my 300D...same engine...it was fairly straightforward...just be sure to clean out the holes that the hex wrench is supposed to go into, you want to get that wrench in there as far as you can....also be sure to note which direction the checkvalves face.
I had to take off the fan and the shroud, along with some belts, so I could get to all of the bolts, and the unit itself. Use a torquewrench when reinstalling it so it doesn't leak.
Have fun, and don't bust any knuckles! :D

-Larry

Change out vacuum pump
 

Larry I don't see any hex heads on the pump, looks like 10mm bolts. Unless you are talking about the fan which I have not really looked at yet. Just trying to figure out the method of releasing tension on the belt.

Ric

releasing tension...
 

I am thinking that the powersteering pump belt is the one you are talking about, that needs to be relaxed. You may have regular bolts on yours, I had allen bolts on mine. The fan has four bolts that I think are either 8 or 10 mm, once it is off, take off the two clips on the top of the radiator and lift up on the shroud, you'll have all kinds of room to play with then. I'll check back later on your progress. have fun!
-Larry

Thanks Larry I will keep you posted, it is one of my projects for this weekend. The other is several thousand feet of fence, which has a slight prority.

Ric

Fencing...
 

I do not envy you one bit...I'd rather do the pump :D

Vacuum Pump
 

Larry!!! Both bearings that were in the pump are no longer there, there is a nice big hole in the bottom where they could have went through, does this drop straight into the oil pan??? This has obviously been going on for some time, the rail looks fine with no problems that are visible, and no burrs or such, so I am thinking this will be OK until such time as I can drop the pan and find out where these parts are??? Hope you or someone can answer this for me.

Ric

Larry if you pick up on this one the change went well, thanks for the help!

Ric