I run biodiesel and was wanting to know if cork material will work for a vacuum pump. It is on a 1983 300SD Turbo. I know it is a little higher than the original, but was hoping to cut my own out with a piece that I have laying around. Any ideas?

There are some folks who do not think a gasket is needed for the vacuum pump. I did not use one when R & Ring mine. If you are getting fuel of any kind in your vacuum pump, you have serious problems that a gasket will not fix.

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Dave
1983 300D Daily Driver

Welcome to the forum

Biodiesel shouldn`t have anything to do with the vacuum pump.

the gasket is to keep engine oil from leaking out around the pump. cork should work, haven`t tried it.

Last time I used cork, I think it was in my old International valve covers, that
is what was used back in the 60`s.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works

Half of the population is below average when it comes to smarts.

Personally, I would go with card material (such as posterboard, not corrugated cardboard). It's very similar to the original gasket in thickness and probably will seal just as well. I'd be a little wary of some cork as it tends to crumble and wouldn't be good if it makes its way into an oil injector.

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Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

While a Cork gasket will seal I am not a fan of them. As SD Blue said Cork deteriorates over time and if you remove your Vacuum Pump later it is possible for pieces to fall off as you remove the pump.
I especially disliked the Cork Valve Cover Gaskets used in the past vehicles. I always played extra for rubber ones or for the higher quality Cork ones that have a lot of rubber mix in.
If the Cork you plan to use feels dry and has no rubbery feeling to it and if you pull it a little and it will not stretch some before it comes apart; it would not be for me.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

LOL, the other half is above average.

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83 SD

84 CD

Charmalu - I seem to remember that in the '60's we also cut gaskets from brown paper bags, the kind you get at the grocery store. They seemed to work fine.