W123ce Vacuum

[RAD]

The Vacuum tank in the boot is in the way in my car ! Generally the system doesnt seem to work anyway . I was told that if it didnt work it would affect the gearchange ,but I cant see any connection to the g/box for this to happen . I never use it to central lock the car,so was wondering whether to remove the tank (cut the tube)Any comments please?

 

[TimN]

There is a vacuum connection to an automatic gearbox which can probably be found at the back of the engine in the vicinity of the oil filter. So long as the vacuum system is plugged when cut there should be no problem. Seems a shame to mutilate the system for the sake of a £25 slave solenoid.

 

[RAD]

Whats the slave sol do then?

 

[TimN]

Like with the braking system you have a master cylinder and a set of slave cylinders. Except for the vacuum system I refer to them as solenoids. You will find them on each of the components that operate from the vacuum system.

Boot lock
Petrol flap
Every door except from the driver's
Headlights (Them make them go up and down when heavily loaded)
And potentially other options fitted to the vehicle

Sometimes you can identify the faulty one by listening for hissing noises or perhaps the last one to operate. Removal of the door panels for closer inspection of the "slave solenoids" will often reveal the faulty unit. A small split will be founf in the rubber gaiter by the plunger. You can just remove the hose from the soenoid and plug it with a suitably sized nail. It will often get the system working apart from the affected component.

Worth looking at the headlights. It has been known that when refitting the headlight the rubber vacuum hose has not been reconnected.