Source of my Vacuum Leak?
 

so i was changing the short coolant hose that goes under my thermostat housing to the water pump, and noticed that the two vacuum lines going into what i presume is the temperature sensor were not connected and that one of the stems was broken off.

i've only had the car for a week or so and haven't been running it, but it does have a problem with the vacuum system that i haven't begun to diagnose yet. i'm guessing this is the source. what do you guys think and is this the part to replace it?

specifically, what sort of problems would i be noticing if this isn't connected and working? i expected a temp sensor to have wires coming out of it, not vacuum lines.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2...2008wp0.th.jpg
http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/4...8001zb1.th.jpg

I believe that is a temp switch that goes to the EGR. I had the same problem and I removed it along with the rest of the EGR lines.

so should i just get that part, or should i just plug the lines with something?

Just leave it as is is. The lines are not leaking anything. No vacuum goes to or from that switch.

First, decide on whether you want (or need) your EGR valve to work or not.

For the time being, plug the broken vacuum line so you don't have a leak.

The EGR valve is vacuum actuated. The temperature switch prevents EGR operation (ie: blocks vacuum form getting to the valve) when the engine is cold. It doesn't have any wires because the valve is not electrically operated.

duly noted.
is this then, the proper part?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Engine-Sensor-Switch-Temp-Radiator-0065453924_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6755QQihZ018QQitemZ280190958002QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

You must have some inside information about this particular car that the rest of us don't have.

No.

What model/year?

This is likely what you need (or don't need):
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mercedes-Thermo-Vacuum-Valve-Switch-0011407360_W0QQitemZ320121755246QQihZ011QQcategoryZ6763QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1 247QQcmdZViewItem

1982 240d manual trans

and the part number is "000 140 33 60"

I'm making the assumption that it's the thermo switch for the EGR........and, accordingly.........I don't need any more information about the vehicle.

That switch is never required, unless you plan to run EGR.........for some unknown reason.

I'm sure it is the EGR switch, but I thought it would get vacuum when the EGR is supposed to open (unless it's blocked off). Wouldn't it be a potential leak?

The photo looked as though both ports were disconnected.........so, the switch is not functional..........unless I'm missing something.

I believe vacuum is suppled to one port and the other goes to the EGR. I was assuming that it was originally connected (but broken). I agree that the solution is to block the line.

Correct.........but, I don't see any lines. I see a switch with no lines connected. Accordingly, the switch can remain unmolested beyond the damage that it has already suffered.

Maybe the lines to and from the EGR are completely removed...........I don't see any...........