I've been troubleshooting my vacuum locks, found the problem areas, and for the time being, just blocked off the lines to the leaking elements. The vacuum used to run out after about 10-15 minutes but now it's lasting much longer and it got me to thinking about how long it's *supposed* to last. Frankly, I'd be thrilled if sufficient vacuum was preserved for 1-2 days but I'll bet it's really supposed to last longer than that.

So, how long?

KenB
1980 300TD

I dont know if there is any spec on how long it should hold. However my 79 280CE can hold vacuum for a week...

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

Mine holds vacuum for at least a week as well.

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1984 300D, 228k, Light Ivory, Java MB-Tex

I was out of town for almost 2 weeks last year and when I got back home and went to unlock it... It unlocked as if I just got out of it.

My wife is constantly leaving stuff in the car and "locking/unlocking" the car. It is not a problem. Basically if you restore the system, you should never have to worry about running out of vacuum.

Not sure if you have checked. But, don't overlook the master vacuum switch and the connection at the reservoir.

If the door lock actuators are leaking, you can take the actuators apart and repair the diaphragms with "slime" patches if the tears are not significant. I have one "slime" repair that is still going strong after 1.5 years.

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

Our 85 has held vacuum for about 3 weeks. sure surprised me when I unlocked the door, and the other 3 unlocked.

I don`t think there is a set amount of time the system will hold vacuum. It is all about the rubber connectors, diaphrams, and the check valve being good.

I have also had the same car not shut off after driving if for quite a while. then the next time I get in to go, everything works flawlessly for the next few months. .

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

Interesting responses, all. I'll see how long I can hold vacuum for. Please tell me more about this "slime" repair. What is it?

everything perfect condition, the reservoir will hold vacuum for several months. or 20 unlock/lock sessions.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I don't know, but I suspect it's just making a sealant patch out of any slimy material (Green slime that you use to "fix" a flat tire, rubber cement, epoxy...) that will stick to the rubber diaphragms and tubes and things and seal up air leaks.

Could be dead wrong.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

Mine will hold vacuum locked much longer than it will hold vacuum unlocked. Unlocked it lacks enough vacuum to lock the doors after a couple of hours. It will open the doors days later if it is locked.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Mine is the exact opposite. 240D won't unlock itself after 15 minutes pass, but it'll lock itself from unlocked for over a week. Suspect we simply have equal but opposite leaks.

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~Michael S.~
Past cars:

1986 300SDL
1987 300SDL
1982 240D
1982 300SD


Current:

1987 300SDL

KenB

Here is a thread I put up last year. Pics are in the thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=250481&highlight=skabs

I actually cut the whole "skabs" into smaller pieces to make it work. I don't have a pic of the door lock actuator repair. But, I do have a pic of it holding vacuum after the repair. Also, I found that a couple of the actuators were leaking around the edge where the diaphragm seats in to the actuator. I used a tad of clear silicone grease around the edge to make a good seal. The result can be seen on the Mighty Vac gauge. It sat like this over night and did not budge.

The Slime Skabs worked wonders for the door lock actuator. But they did not work so well on the A/C actuators. The A/C actuators were tore up pretty bad.

My problem sounds similar to yours. But, don't be fooled. The leaks can be anywhere. I got lucky and my major leak was in a door lock actuator diaphragm.

You really need a mighty vac to do vacuum repair on the car. If you do not have one, go get one. It makes troubleshooting and testing so much easier! If you decide to play with the actuators remember to be careful prying the little tabs and popping them apart. They are old and easy to break.

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

Wow, sounds like I'll need to address MY door lock vacuum at some point!! In my case, the vacuum lasts about 15 SECONDS! Always a bit of a race to get out of the car so that I am able to lock the doors with the key and vacuum...
As far as I'm concerned, it's a very minor inconvenient, the vacuum being more needed when the engine is running (shutoff, transmission).
However, I'll add this to my almost endless list of things to do after I retire (next year)
Cheers.

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1983 300TD 240K - 1982 240D 215K - 1996 Dodge Cummins 70K

That's typical. The actuator rod penetrates the "unlock" chamber of the actuator. The rubber seals for the rods tend to be the first things to leak.

A vacuum leak anywhere can affect vacuum levels everywhere. Before you know it, you will be locking your doors in order to shut the engine down.

As many others have said, " these vacuum systems are great when they are working right" Both my Euro 123s hold their vacuum for weeks and everything works. My Dodge Ram, or my wife's Toyota don't have locking systems near as good.

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

I've use bike tire inner tube patches to fix torn diaphragms. I put one on both side of the rubber. It works for a while, but the patches aren't really meant to be worked back and forth like the do in the actuator. But it will work for a good while.

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