We use parts on our MB's that are quite often common to industry.

Stealerships (ya gotta love that term) are notorious for their markups and
parts houses are often not far behind.

For years I have saved by simply searching and asking.

One example is an oil drain plug for a 616 motor.
Advance Auto lists them $14 and change mentioning
the Dorman part number.

A google on the Dorman part shows the part number available
elsewhere for $1.89. I havent asked Advanced for either across
the counter but I sure intend to !

A Y vacuum fitting usually comes up with an $8+ cost ... for ONE.
IMHO....Boooooo. Outrageous.

Soo, off to fleabay I went. Pneumatics and vacuum circuits are very common and aquatics is one place both are used. Started looking for
fittings and check valves. Took about 3 minutes to come up with some
nice alternatives at a huge, huge saving. Yes, it took the mail from Thailand about 12 days to get here but !!

Pic 1 shows what I received for under $9. ALL those parts for under $9.
Actually plus one of each that I had separated for more pics.

Next question I had was 'How cheep was cheep?' Or were these quality parts. The check valves hold ~29" with my ebay acquired MityVac (delivered by the way for under $20) which should sure work on our vacuum systems. I tried to crush the fitting tips with my finger tips to NO avail meaning they do not collapse.

Im still teaching myself the in's and out's of my cam so the focus is a bit soft on some of these but most are readable.

Just one example of many I do hope to follow over time.

One part for $8.75 or ~20 fittings plus 6 flow valves for under $9 delivered which includes Y's X's and straight connectors along with the flow valves?

A Mercedes vacuum check valve 116-800-03-78 on fleabay is priced at $13.50 delivered.

My check valves were under $5 for 7 check valves.

Your choice, I know what mine is.

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__________________
1985 300D 198K sold
1982 300D 202K
1989 300E 125K
1992 940T

"If you dont have time to do it safely, you dont have time to do it"

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."