I need to replace the shut-off valve on my '85 300TD.

There is some vacuum component mounted on the IP directly above the shut-off valve that makes removal more difficult. See photo.

What is this called?

Can it be safely/easily removed to work on the shut-off valve?

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

That is the vacuum control valve that controls modulating vacuum to the transmission

Sure- take it off - carefully. If you can take it apart easily, clean it out while you can.

__________________
80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Yup you can take that off, just remember where each vac hose goes. I believe there are just two or three screws holding it on.

Also when you replace the shut-off valve, if it's not in there quite right the engine will run-away when you start it, so be ready with a block of wood to block the air intake. I would take the accordion hose off and block the air right at the air cleaner.

__________________