Message: 3 Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 8:14:44 -0400 From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [MBZ] 1981 300SD harmonic balancer - or not? To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Dieselvolk, Catching up on the digest - forgive if old news. Bill, I think I need more information here. When I read your post, I understood it to mean that you've got a problem with the driveshaft and maybe a problem with the transmission (I took the 'harmonic balancers' to mean the rubber flex discs at each end of the driveshaft). However, Marshall and Mitch understood that to mean the harmonic balancer (singular) on the front of the engine, attached to the end of the crankshaft. So, which is it? As to the transmission, as I understand it, unless it is slipping or not going into gear, it may simply be an adjustment issue vice a rebuild. If it is time for a rebuild, call Rusty (1-800-741-5252) for a quote on an MB remanufactured, which a couple years ago went for ~$2500 IIRC. Shop around for prices, as Rusty will (I believe) match or beat any advertised price. Kaleb Stiplin (see bottom of this post) may be able to help with a used one. HI - Thanks for the information. AS you can tell I am not a mechanic and the ones in my family are too far away to help. I think it is the harmonic balancer at the front, as that is the only thing I have heard about. I sent down the suggestions from Marshall and Mitch and am awaiting a response. >From your comment it sounds like the transmission should be OK, but need adjusting. I have a new vacuum valve for it, not yet installed, and it drives and pulls well - just the banging on downshifts at times, mostly when it is cold. I have been offered two or three salvage engines, one with 100,000 miles for $500 plus $100 shipping [also one at $900 plus]. If the fixes are not effective I will go that route. Thanks - Bill [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1981 300 SD 265K miles