In 2001 we got a new (not rebuilt) engine installed for our 1977 300D. The engine model is 617.0107000 88.

Recently, the vacuum pump has not been vacuuming in any way shape or form. I took the pump out and took it apart, I found some seriously worrisome problems.

First off, the metal washers that (I assume) hold the diaphragm have shattered. The second issue is that oil is everywhere, I imagine the first problem is the cause of the oil though.

my good camera bit the dust so my crappy cell phone has taken its place




... So, what the hell happened? And, preferably without buying a new vacuum pump, what do I do to fix it?

Someone installed the retainer backwards?

__________________

1972 W115 220D/8 SLS, Coffman Starter "Ümläüt"

(\__/)
(='.'=) This is Bunny. Copy and paste bunny into your
(")_(") signature to help him gain world domination

I think a mechanic rebuilt it when the vacuum was low. What lovely news.

What could have happened is that the center bolt that holes the diaphragm to the arm assembly came loose. This will cause an impact effect, breaking the washers. There is suppose to be a little Loctite on the bolt to prevent it from coming loose. You're very lucky no pieces fell into the timing chain.

Depending on how much is damaged, there is a diaphragm repair kit, valve repair kit, and rocker arm repair kit. Not sure if the diaphragm or rocker kits come with those washers. Anything other than that and you are looking at a used or new pump.