I am putting my project car back together in the hope of having it on the road in about a week. I thought I would inspect the vacuum pump while the fan and radiator were already out of the car. Can't tell if the pump is original or not, but seems to be the older style with the ball bearings inside. The bearings and wheel seem to spin smoothly with no noise, but there is a definite shiny area on the center of the roller as well as the center of the "roller coaster" that it turns on. Does this wear seem unusual? Is there anything else you would check with the pump off the car?
Thanks,

Shane

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1985 Euro 300TD Turbo

Unfortunately there isn't much you can do to check the pump with it off the car other than look to bad wear or obvious problems. The shiny spot is just where the roller bearing has been running along the "roller coaster". A long as it's not discolored or had wallowed spots or anything like that it should be fine. You won't know if it works until you start the engine. But it looks fine to me.

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+1.

A shiny, polished surface is fine. The "roller coaster" is a face cam.

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Chief

1991 350SD

Grab hold of the timing device and see if it doesn't have more than about 1mm of lateral movement. Theres a brass bushing on the intermediate shaft that can ware and cause lateral movement which can destroy the vacuum pump. Dont ask how I know

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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"

Supporting evidence:

New Vacuum Pump Ruined due to too much Timer Shaft End Play (the title from my notes).
second vacume pump, help! on a trip-Toronto - PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I really appreciate all of the good information. There does not seem to be any play at all in the timing device. I guess a new gasket and re-install is all it will be for now.
Thanks!

Shane

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1985 Euro 300TD Turbo

I do not see how the end play could be checked with the Timing Chain still tensioned; unless the play was exceptionally bad.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Is there a moderately easy way to take tension off the chain without affecting my timing?
Thanks,

Shane

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1985 Euro 300TD Turbo

Next time you have a pump off check it out, the chain tension is not a problem. The timing device will easily slide in and out with the chain in tension if theres any ware on the bushing.

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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"