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How long should door locks hold vacuum?

Started by raueda1, 28 August 2020, 12:36 PM

raueda1

For some of you guys it seems to be weeks or even months.  In my case it's about 6 days.   That doesn't present real world problems for me and I'd say "it works."  But obviously there's a slow leak someplace.  Does anyone know of a spec?   Short of not working at all, what's the threshold of "doesn't work?"  Overnight?  Couple of days?  Looking forward to experiences and opinions.  Thanks and cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

daantjie

Dave for sure you have a leak.  They should hold for weeks even months, not days.
Likely culprit is the seal on the vacuum tank at the rear parcel shelf.  You may have other leaks too but that is a good first stop.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

raueda1

Thanks Daniel!  Will look into it.  Definitely not worth opening up the door.  Cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

ptashek

Months, if unused.
If used, mine work for 6-7 close/open cycles and then get super slow to react.
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

raueda1

Quote from: ptashek on 28 August 2020, 03:15 PM
Months, if unused.
If used, mine work for 6-7 close/open cycles and then get super slow to react.
Ooohhhh....   Didn't think of that.  Car had been sitting a week or so but a number of open/close cycles.  Could easily be 6-7.  Will evaluate more carefully.  Not so easy though cause typically it's driven every few days.  Will have to wait into until bad weather sets in.  Thanks!
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

Type17

When I first got mine (ten years ago last week), it held vacuum for over six weeks, maybe longer, and at least six or seven locking cycles was possible before the vacuum became exhausted.
Since last year, it has developed a leak where it only works for about 15 minutes after engine shutoff.
I haven't had time to investigate yet, but when I move to a house with a garage (probably next spring), I'll finally have it on-site (has always been stored in warehouses/garages away from my house), and will sort it out then.
'76 350SE in Silver-Green

Rolo

Mine recently started leaking more.  It will lock after sitting for days.  Now it will only unlock for about an hour after shutdown.  That tells me it's either the distributor in the driver's door or one of the actuators bellows on the unlock side.