300D oil leak - looks like vacuum pump gasket

[240Joe]

1983 300D. I have a pretty good oil leak, and I think it is coming from the vacuum pump to block gasket. Has anyone seen this particular spot leak. It's real hard to tell exactly where it's coming from. Can the vacuum pump itself leak oil?

Joe

I have not seen this gasket leak. It would seem odd if you are getting mass quantities of oil from there because it is just splashing around, no pressure at that point.

The good news, the gasket is cheap and very easy to replace. BTW, any time you pull the vacuum pump, check the roller in the pump. It should be solid in place and the bearing running smooth. The reason is that if it comes loose it can fall down and completely destroy the motor.

Good luck,

[240Joe]

Thanks Larry.

This car is new to me, and I've been working through the problems.

I cleaned the engine off pretty well, and took her out for a spin. I got about a 2 inch diameter oil spot an hour later.

The location is driver's side front of the engine. I can't really see it but if I stick my hand under the vacuum pump I get fresh oil.

I'll take the radiator out so I can get a little more room to view what's going on.

Joe

[CJ]

Try using a nirror to see where it is leaking from. I just replaced mine on my 93 300D. It turned out it was not the gasket that was leaking, but one of the diaphrams was leaking, so all I saw was oil leaking from the cover. Unfortunately the diaphrams in the newer cars can not be replaced, but I do understand that in the older models they can.
I have the repair manual for the 300D's, 240D if you need any help.

Yes, it would be a very simple job to pull down the pump, check the diaphragm, check the roller and replace the gasket. If the roller in the pump is in good shape, it would be an inexpensive fix to simply replace the diaphragm and gasket.

Good luck,