Need Vacume Help in Dallas - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rderton · #1 12-27-2003, 01:39 PM

I drove up in my 84 300D from Austin to Dallas this morning. When I reached Dallas I had to use my brakes and I discovered the whole vacuum system was down.

No power assist, I had to use the stop switch to kill the motor.

I had a leak in my drivers door for the locks. Could this have failed completely and drawn off all the vacume.

Looking for a quick fix to get the brakes back and get back home to Austin.

My cousin here is fairly tool free, so I can't do alot of diagnostics.

leathermang · #2 12-27-2003, 01:58 PM

My impression is this... your V pump is needing a new diaphram....

If all these things happened... then it should not be just a leak on the perimeter of the vacuum tree.... engine shut off or brakes are supposed to be protected by a one way valve so a leak outboard does not take them out... so with everything out I think it is the source of vacuum you need to check...

rderton · #3 12-27-2003, 02:04 PM

I was thinking about that too. Doesn't sound like something I can put together quickly.

rderton · #4 12-27-2003, 03:12 PM

Looked at FastLane, the vacuum pump repair kit doesn't seem too exspensive. I guess I know what I'll be doing the rest of my Christmas break.

leathermang · #5 12-27-2003, 03:22 PM

My 240 diaphram gave out about two weeks after I got the car home... I was out driving and whammy --- no brakes and would not shut off.... you are supposed to have ' regular no assist ' brakes when this gives out... but I had real trouble stopping for the few back road stop signs I had to go through to get straight home.....
There are two styles of diaphrams .... be sure to look at your pump to get the correct one...
But really check your stopping ability in a safe parking lot before you have more excitement than you really want...
If it is just the diaphram that cracked or tore.. then you have a shot of it taking a couple or three hours tops... I posted pics of mine being fixed .

Stevo · #6 12-27-2003, 05:07 PM

"I drove a 240D similarly afflicted from Houston to Temple and back "

300SDLLLL ........ I have driven my 240D w/o vacuum too but I think you need it if you have the auto tranny, but I am not sure and would like to know for sure....??

Greg

Wouldnt his be the new style, the one w/o the diaphram? I have not done one of those but there is a good write up around here I saw not long ago.

Wes Bender · #7 12-27-2003, 06:23 PM

rderton -

Before I sprung for a pump or rebuild kit, I would pick up a Mityvac and check the system and components. You will probably need the Mityvac in the future anyway so it is a good tool to have. You also will be sure of what needs repair/replacement before buying parts.

just my $.02,

Cheers,
Wes

leathermang · #8 12-27-2003, 06:25 PM

I have no idea...
THere are two styles of diaphram V pump... one is much more expensive to replace... but has the cheaper of the diaphrams...
Are you saying his is going to be a ' replace only ' ? Or just that it does not have a diaphram ? How is it fixed ?

Stevo · #9 12-27-2003, 08:27 PM

"Or just that it does not have a diaphram ?"

I was under the impression that the newer (his) style did not have a diaphram or do it?? thought it had a piston or am I thinking of something else?

I have not been into the one on my "85" 240D yet.

leathermang · #10 12-28-2003, 05:25 AM

There are single diaphram, double diaphram and piston types....
The piston types require replacing the piston seal and plate valves when fixing...
I do think the amount of work is about equal on all of them.... they look pretty simple....few moving parts..

R Leo · #11 12-28-2003, 05:44 AM

IF the main line from the vacuum pump to the brake booster is cracked/damaged, you would experience these same symptoms.

leathermang · #12 12-28-2003, 11:50 AM

Anyone seen the infomercial about a spray called " Leak Ender" or "leak mender" ? They show spraying it on leaking garden hoses and it later holding water pressure..... etc....
I wonder ( with adequate overspray protection ) if this would work as a ' one time temporary 200 miles from home fix ' ?
Has anyone tried this stuff on ANYTHING ? Did it work ?

Stevo · #13 12-28-2003, 12:14 PM

" Leak Ender" or "leak mender" ...... I have never heard of that, hopefully someone has, and it works, a can in the trunk might be a good emergency Band-Aid like the flat tire fixer.

rderton · #14 12-28-2003, 04:11 PM

Thanks for you're help. I made home, got to use the kill switch on the engine a couple of times.

Fastlane shows two rebuild kits for the pump, one valve, and one for rocker arm. I'm guessing I need the valve kit. I'll call them on Monday to make sure.

leathermang · #15 12-28-2003, 09:00 PM

Glad you made it back..

Steve..... Here is the url ...someone must have tried it already...

http://www.seenontv.com/prod-pages/leak-ender-2000.html