Remove or not to remove? - that is the question
 

It has been many months since I have messed with my 87 300td to get it running. If you are interested - this was the thread. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=269891
After rebuilding the injectors Sean Watts came over to the house and helped me narrow it down to the injection pump. He was able to get me a really great pump by Monark, direct from Germany- MB's supplier now. What a nice unit!
Anyway, while removing the vacuum pump we noticed that the timing chain holder ("assembly basket"-held in by three bolts) was already in the car! I'm pretty sure it was not supposed to be there and maybe left there by a prior mechanic. I bought this tool thinking I needed to support he chain when the pump comes out. Since I had the old style vac pump I went to the local wrecker who has this engine and removed his newer vacuum pump. I was shocked to see that same retainer piece in that car too. IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE THERE or should it come out? -See picture- I can't imagine two mechanics left them in, or is is suposed to be there?

I'm ready to assemble now but need to be sure. Any help would be great

That is the original configuration on the OM603.96x, with the basket in place. The FSM references removing it with the new vacuum pump and dam-gasket IIRC, best to check the FSM to be sure.

Just have to say - You are a lucky man to have one of the board's only nozzle importers/rebuilders personally diagnose your car!!

I believe there is a VIN cutoff where you do or don't need it. One of GSXR's cars needs it because it is an early model. I sent him the damn gasket that came with my new vacuum pump and he sent me the gasket without the dam. Dave you out there and can you refresh my memory?

Nice pump!

Very nice.......like the Camaro in the background also!:cool:

OMG I can't believe I missed the Camaro!!! I love the RS/SS.
I've got a 67RS, and am just itching to restore it as nice as my 68 Drag Camaro, or at least as nice as my 72 SuperBee...:eek:

Thanks for the reply's. I did leave it in and FINALLY got it running this afternoon. Once the air purged out, it started right up.....and after a lot of other work!! I will update the original thread, up top, tomorrow with dirty pictures........of my old fuel tank, and trap oxidizer opened up.

It's running pretty good, but needs to be dialed in a bit more to be "right"

That is my 67 Camaro RS. I restored that one starting when I was 19. I've had it for 16 years now