1981 240D -found a leaking diaphragm, bought a new actuator on Ebay -pictured below. I cannot get this damn thing to fit no matter I do. It seems the rod is too long for the actuator. I can only get the rod connect in the unlock position. When it's locked, it pushes the actuator nearly to the bottom of the door, never mind bolting it back to the door.



Everywhere I've looked suggests that this is in fact the part required.
Anyway with experience swapping these two? (edit: black one is the new one)

My 80 240D has the older blue type actuators. Think maybe from 82 and newer they used the newer type.

There are or were new rubber diaphragms for the older types.

The older one has a "C" Clip that holds the rod to the actuator.
The new type you show uses a rod that looks like it is threaded on the end.
Push it into the slotted part, then push the collar up to secure it.

You will need to locate a rod to use the new type.
The 82 - 85 300D uses this rod as well as the 82 - 83 240D.

The older type actuator is probably NLA. When new were really pricy.

OK I was poking around on Google and found this repair guide for the older type.
He does not say where he got the new diaphragms.

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repairing+Mercedes+W123+Door+Lock+Vacuum+Actuator+Early+Style/20147

I was looking for a guy named George Murphy, he supplies part to MB`s.
This this is the site. He shows they have the diaphragms.
go to the solutions tab, and click on gears & Door lock Diaphragms.


Performance Analysis | Climate Control | Diaphragms | Blower Motors | Pushbutton Panels | Vacuum Door Locks | Autotemp | Cruise Control | Engine Oil Analysis | Mercedes-Benz Parts | Mercedes-Benz Club of America | Oak Ridge | Car Care

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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

I pulled 1 each from a 300D on either side of the rear doors in the junk yard. I take a look at the 2 parts and find the push rods are different length and shape. However, when I move both the pods to unlock position and measure the length from top of the rod to the mounting holes and they are the same. So they are interchangeable. You may need to get the push rod also. Which one in the photo is the new one from the photo, top or bottom? Good luck.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

Bob, the top one (black) is the new version.

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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

Yep, rods seem to be different sizes.
I appreciate the links, thank you.

I wonder... has anyone attempted to repair the diaphragms with a bike tire patch?

i never trusted the idea enough to try it, but if replacements are $12 each (on perfanalysis dot com), i am listening in.

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.

I went and made the repair using a patch kit -so far it's holding. I'll update the thread if and when it eats it, but for now, cautiously optimistic.

We`ll keep our fingers crossed that it holds.
I pulled a few of the old one`s at PNP. My Indy said to clean them up and
treat the rubber with spray Silicone.

When you see the older 123`s in the yards, say 81 and older, check for the older style
actuators, and stock up on them.

Picking up on cheap 123`s for back up vehicles or for parts is a good idea......
That is if you have the room. I have 3 so far. ...and looking at another one....

No Iam not selling parts off them, these are to keep my own fleet up and running.

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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

charmalu- What's the function of the spray silicon? Reinforcement?
If so, wonder if it's not a bad idea as a preventative measure on the remaining diaphragms...

you can order replacements from Kent if you google "1973 to 1980 Vacuum Door Lock Actuator Single Rubber Diaphragm"

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Andrew
Montclair, NJ
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1982 300D Turbo
120k
Petrol Blue Green

Ya I saw what he offers, they are $12.98 ea or 4 for $52.50.
The work on the 107/116, 114/115/ and the 123.

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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

I have used the later style black actuators on 3 of my 123 cars with good results. The black plastic sleeve must be forced down in order to attach the metal rod and then forced up into the locked position after attaching the metal rod. The black plastic sleeve may need to be spread apart slightly with a screw driver before attaching the metal threaded rod. It is best to attach the metal rod before attaching the actuator to the inner door panel. Pushing the black sleeve up into the locked position takes quite a bit of force. My 3 cars are 1982, 83 and 85.

Edited: I got my up and down directions backwards.

Ya it`s for a preventative measure to keep the rubber from further deteriorating.

If the rubber is already cracked, it won`t make it like new again.
I would wash them good to get the dirt and grime off before using the spray.

The new type like in the above picture, has a rubber diaphragm inside the two halves. They are glued together, so impossible to take apart w/o destroying it.

I took apart an old leaker to see what was inside.
I think on the new one`s, it is usually the rubber piece on top the rod sided through that goes first.

I have pulled them in the yards, (PNP), and the guys want to call them a Solenoid and charge $10 or so ea. I tell them it is a vacuum operated actuator.
Their computer only tells them one thing. For that price, might as well buy a new one for a few more dollars.
Not all parts on these old cars are 30+yrs old, I have seen new parts, so ya never know.

__________________
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

There is another type of Actuator where the rod goes in, and a plastic
piece snaps over it. Made by VDO.



This Pelican Parts write up shows this type Actuator.

Pelican Technical Article - Mercedes-Benz W123 - Door Lock Actuator Replacement

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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

$12 for a thin piece of rubber is hard to swallow. maybe there is a turkish or polish supplier than can offer a realistic price. having a few extras on hand from the junkyard is good too, but i rarely see the old style. anyone want to trade me some old actuators for some new-style ones?

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'77 240D, 504H, OM617.952, etc.