Reviving Vacuum System on W123
 

Hi All,

My vacuum system has been in bad shape for the last 6 years. Life got in the way and I kept driving the car without power door locks. Well, the engine stopped shutting off with the key and then I was locked out with the fuel tank lid, so I started working on the system. I found it is harder to fix everything when you have multiple problem spots instead of just one like I did in previous years.

Anyhow, I determined my driver door vacuum door lock valve is bad. It is probably the only vacuum part I have never replaced. My car is a 1984 300D and it has the plastic valve that is supposedly not rebuildable. So, I found a new one on eBay, which I suppose is technically compatible but I can't attach it because I don't have the metal bracket. Does anyone have one of these they are willing to sell? (see picture)

Thanks,

Dkr.

You should post what year your car is.

The pictured one has slots because there is an adjustment process. My 84 uses the white plastic one with 2 holes and no slot.

My car is a 1984. It uses the white plastic one as well however there are none available new anymore and they are supposedly not rebuildable.

Dkr.

I have yet to tear into my door panels and that's coming soon, but it's a pretty rare thing to find something that is totally not rebuildable or something that can't be recreated or repaired on these cars.

With that said, I am looking forward to getting my locks working correctly.

Can't you fabricate a bracket for yours???? Jb weld the sucker onto your new valve and install it... What is this new valve that you did find? Got a part number? I'm betting mine is junk too. :-(

It is a simple bracket to hold the switch in place. You can improvise it if necessary. The vacuum system is simple to fix. If you can't find the pod then just plug the line until you find one. I can't see anything stopping you from getting it partially working to shut down the car or getting the driver's door working.

A neighbor has a high tech sound magnifier for work. We used it on my 85TD and the leaks are at the rubber connections to the vac line. Most are 3 way but any can leak. Also the tank.

There are vids and you can try using zip ties on the various branches. You can also find the cabin vac diagram and trace the system using the diagram.

The fuel door can be manually opened by removing the interior panel then plug the line with a golf tee to stop the leak.

What did the magnifier do? Identify the source of leak noises???

My neighbor works on big trucks and he was telling me about something they use that listens to stuff. This thing can pick up a failing bearing in an alternator. Pretty amazing stuff. Generates his company a lot of money in preventative maintenance.