Thanks for looking at this post. I am having time of it diagnosing a system of problems...

1985 300TDT 176k or so. Need to know what parts of the vac sys need to be adjusted or replaced - for the first 10-20 mins of driving, until it reached about 80c or so...the tranny clunks as it downshifts back to first at 17mph. This condition stops however if the a/c (which mostly works, sometimes) is on. Having the a/c on also makes the power locks work much better (well, not to mention that the vacuum reservior has been replaced by a 4.5 gal tank for holding diesel for startups and cool downs - runnin on SVO the rest of the time - main tank conversion)(pretty cool, too). But the vac res there or not doesnt change the fact that the locks work when the a/c is on. When the tranny is warm, the downshifts are smooth, a/c or not.

Until yesterday, when I decided to plug what i thought was the leak. There is a part, which probably needs replacing, that apparently at some point had been sealed because it has a leak. It is the component that kind of looks like a blue and white fishing bob. I thought a little tape wouldnt hurt, but after i did it - the locks wont work at all, the a/c does not smooth the downshifts, and I have to use the stop button to shut off the car (which i of course do before i shut off the ignition as not to put an extra load on the alternator). the only other thing i did was extend one portion of the throttle linkage 4 turns because it seemed like there hadnt been enough power in the pedal.

So - I hope this is specific enough for someone to poinnt me to a post or something that would help figure out what is going on with my car.
Thanks for your time...

Glenn

__________________
1981 300TDT 250K+
1985 300TDT 174K

I would recommend posting this in the Diesel Discussion forum.
I would venture to guess that you have a vacuum leak somewhere in your climate control system...either one of your hoses or one of the actuators.
Definitely check all of your rubber vacuum hose connectors throughout the engine compartment, and replace any suspect ones.

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

The 85 model is totally different from all the previous 123 diesels. It uses the vacuum amplifier. For the downshift harshness you describe you are losing the vacuum to the modulator. For this to happen with this system you must have a problem with source vacuum. The AC vacuum was usually the green line. Disconnect it from its source and plug it.

Take a look here also: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/TransVacTune

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

would that be the green line coming out of the t going in the same direction but through different holes into the "router" withe the yellow lock hoses. I hope that makes sense. There is a 4 sided rubber T (more of a plus sign) one goes to yellow, one green, and one brown. Are you talking about that green one. I think you are. I plugged the one leading to the locks and no change. What is interesiting is that the lock system still has some pressure in it even when no hose attached to it. when i lock the passenger door, the rear passenger lock pops up. when i unloce the drivers side rear door, the lock sucks itself back into the locked position so i have to hold it up when opening the door. Gotta love mb vac system woohoo...

__________________
1981 300TDT 250K+
1985 300TDT 174K

I did post in d. discussion. got some good help there too...but i like to have as much info as possible. anyway - thank you both for taking the time to reply to my post.

__________________
1981 300TDT 250K+
1985 300TDT 174K