Mercedes Diesel 616 617 Vacuum Source Troubleshooting and Repair - by Kent Bergsma

Applies to 240D 300D 300CD 300TD 300SD Diesel

This guide is written specifically for owners of 123 and 126 diesels from 1977 up to 1984. There are some sections that apply to the 115 and 116 chassis but it is not specific to those models. For the 1985 (and some late 1984 California models) with trap oxidizer it does cover testing the vacuum pump and other basics but does not cover specific vacuum hose routing and connection issues for these complex models.

This manual covers understanding how the vacuum system works, common symptoms of trouble, possible causes, and testing and repairing the problems. Deals mostly with issues from the firewall forward like testing the vacuum pump, repairing shutoff problems, finding leaks, etc. It only gives a quick overview of the vacuum locking system (this subject is covered more thoroughly in my vacuum door lock troubleshooting guide). It does not cover the vacuum climate control system under the dash nor does it offer advanced vacuum diagrams (I do include a vacuum diagram forward of the firewall for the turbo 5 cylinder engine to 1984 and the 1980 to 1982 240D). Learn the tricks on how to fix that annoying shut off delay problem, hard brake pedal action and hard shifting, as well as other vacuum related troubles. 50 pages in length and loaded with pictures and descriptions.

Mercedes 123 Vacuum Door Lock Diagnosis Tip by Kent Bergsma