Ok guys, heres the deal.

I am working on buying an 83 300D that is about 750 miles from me. Its running/driving, but I have been told some parts of the Vac system are not operational. I know for sure the engine shutdown is not working, but I am not sure what else. The last comment was made that maybe the Vac pump is shot?

Would I hurt anything by driving it home as is? I really cant afford to have it delivered right now, but really need the car as I will be driving much farther for work soon.

I am aware that it might be something simple, and I intend to look through the lines and such before i drive, I am just trying to determine if its ok to drive if I cant fix the problem on the spot.

Thanks
Mike

Might be hard to stop with no vac.But if brakes work with vac,probably simple fix.

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1999 w140, quit voting to old, and to old to fight, a god damned veteran

Two issue that I can think of to be concerned about for a 750 mile drive with no vacuum:
1. No vacuum assist for the brakes.
2. If the vacuum pump trashes, it goes into the engine with possible trashing of the engine.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

Honestly... the brakes had slipped my mind. I guess if the brakes are working ok, then its an indication a different problem along the system.

I agree with #2.... Thats part of what worrys me.

as CR said.. and:

Bring:

a few 16d and 8d nails or something of a similar gauge to plug up open ended vac lines.

a stethoscope to listen to the vac pump to ensure its integrity before driving.

Some form of plumbing tape (that stretchy stuff is the best) in the case of broken vac lines / fittings.

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Vac leaks concerning the shut off valve are quite common.

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83 SD

84 CD

I have seen that!

Here is another question...

If the pump was bad... would it produce no vacuum... and not make any 'mechanical noise'??

Or... Would a total lack of vacuum be more likely just mean a bad hose or something...

^^ Depends on where you measure it. Use the nipple on the main hose, measure with a mity vac, should be around 22.
A bad pump would make noise, I would think.
Do the door locks work? Ask just what vac units are not working.

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83 SD

84 CD

I used branches in times of need. The cave man version of the golf tee you could say.

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Nice.

My personal FAv. is the lollipop stick. - 'killin' two birds with one stone since 1985'

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A Broken vacuum pump should make noises. It will sound kinda raspy if the roller bearing is gone and that could cause further damage to the motor!

See this post, hope you know this person before buying.


http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=243546

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DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, DON'T BE A HACK
Political Correctness is NOT part of my vocabulary
and finally FIGHT CRIME...SHOOT BACK

'82 240D Stick
'85 300D Auto
Drove my first MB at age 16 1960 300SL W190