Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
TimC - welcome to the list - I too have an '83SD, now with 210k miles. This car has had a 'flare' on the 3-4 shift for the last 20k miles, and it has been diagnosed as a worn clutch pack. One worn clutch pack wouldn't affect the other shifts, IMO. Getting the vacuum controls to work right can be a pain, and often the plastic switch on top of the engine valve cover is a good place to start with your checks. For now, I just try very hard to lift my right foot when it goes to shift the 3-4,and otherwise the tranny works just fine - perhaps too tight on the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, especially when cold (that's pretty normal, AFAIK). But its on my list of things to do to get it rebuilt, as I intend to keep the car for many years. Werner '83SD 210k miles '90D 220k miles - Original Message - From: "Tim C" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 10:16 PM Subject: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here Hello M-B folks, My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. I have a question on it and a fellow Rennlister (a glance at my email will reveal my other automotive "prior commitment" - all 10 of my allotted email addresses are in use for the time being, so this will have to suffice) referred me here, which is excellent as I found the Benzworld forums to be not quite as useful as I had hoped. Mr. Dave Gilmore (said R'lister) already replied with one take on my question, but I'd now like to cut/paste said question here and see what additional insights are generated. Original question, slightly edited for this presentation: I recently purchased an 83 300SD, approx 260k miles. Transmission slips on 2-3 shift - but all other shifts are solid and positive, both up and down - and the 3-2 (edit - corrected from "4-3" which isn't the shift in question, oops) downshift is also solid. My question is, if only the one shift is bad, is this likely to be an adjustment issue? I would expect if clutch pack wear was involved, other shifts would be off too - in other words, how likely is it that one clutch pack is toast while the others are totally fine (my impression is there are separate clutch packs for each gear - this is my first auto-trans car in quite awhile so please forgive ignorance there)? The car came with sporadic records (well-documented for a few years at a time, then nothing for a while), so I'm not sure if anything has been done to the tranny - another question is, how long should these go before some service is required - how likely is it that the tranny may have already received attention at some point? Finally, if anyone can shed light on how auto transmissions work/what can be adjusted (pre-electronic trannies that is), I'd appreciate it much. Here's Dave's reply to avoid duplication of info: "Mine does this too when cold. I have read a K-1 spring kit solves the problem and it can be installed while the trans is in the car. Rusty at www.buymbparts.com/ or 800-741-5252 likely can provide it. When I first got my car I changed to Mobile 1 ATF and that almost cured it. I plan to try the K-1 deal next. Mine has 75,000 on it. I have read the transmission in these cars usually last about 200,000 miles before a rebuild, although some people get more. The adjustment procedure is complicated because of the vacuum interaction. I suggest a fluid & filter change along with careful adjustment to the MB specs before doing anything radical. The adjustment does alter the firmness of all the shifts. That is why I am suspecting the K-1 in our cases." Oh, and I checked the records I have - the tranny fluid was changed about 7k miles ago, but no filter - I assume this is just like changing the oil without changing the filter - basically pointless? So might be a good place to start Thanks in advance, Tim 88 944 (reasonably good shape, needs a few things) 83 300SD (needs paint on roof, missing a/c, pretty much everything works, runs strongly)
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
On Thursday, Jan 12, 2006, at 10:59 US/Eastern, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: When you mentioned the vacuum modulator are you talking about the part that sits on top of the valve cover or as I look on Rusty's site a part that more resembles a gas cap ? Thanks, Dan Elliott 82 300D-T 91kmi _ The modulator lives on the left side of the tranny. Held in by 2 small bolts and retainer. If changing it get the updated, green version (part#A 123 070 00 46). Make sure you remove all the pieces of the old one and be careful on re-assembly not to cut the O-ring. Adjustment will probably be needed. Johnny B I Mac Therefore I am
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
Jim You said: >Tim, >Welcome to the list. >My 79 slipped for 3-4 years on the 2-3 part throttle upshift and I thought >sure it was terminal. About 6 years ago I replaced the vacuum modulator and >that cured the problem. Still on original bands and clutches at 261,000 >miles. Putting a mitivac on the old modulator revealed a very slow leak which >may >have been the cause but I really can't explain why this fixed it. >Regards, >Jim Friesen When you mentioned the vacuum modulator are you talking about the part that sits on top of the valve cover or as I look on Rusty's site a part that more resembles a gas cap ? Thanks, Dan Elliott 82 300D-T 91kmi Check Out the new free AIM(R) Mail -- 2 GB of storage and industry-leading spam and email virus protection.
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
GO to www.bulkpart.com and then work your way to Mercedes transmissions At 08:55 AM 1/12/2006, you wrote: the page didnt work Loren Faeth wrote: > I am contemplating trying an AT job. A friend of mine in HI has done his, > and recommended this place. > http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=2&Category_Code=Mercedes > He recommends buying the book first for $16. Read it and then plan your > diagnosis and attack.It takes special tools. The books are listed in > the transmission type. For 722.3 transmissions, go to the 722.3 and 722.4 > section and you will see the "Technical manual" listing. > > Loren > > > At 09:34 PM 1/11/2006, you wrote: > >>yes, you want to do the k1 deal, There used to be a writeup before >>mbz.org crashed but not sure if its still around. >> >>Tim C wrote: >> >> >>>Hello M-B folks, >>> >>>My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. I have a >>>question on it and a fellow Rennlister (a glance at my email will reveal my >>>other automotive "prior commitment" - all 10 of my allotted email addresses >>>are in use for the time being, so this will have to suffice) referred me >>>here, which is excellent as I found the Benzworld forums to be not quite as >>>useful as I had hoped. Mr. Dave Gilmore (said R'lister) already replied >>>with one take on my question, but I'd now like to cut/paste said question >>>here and see what additional insights are generated. >>> >>>Original question, slightly edited for this presentation: >>> >>>I recently purchased an 83 300SD, approx 260k miles. Transmission slips on >>>2-3 shift - but all other shifts are solid and positive, both up and down - >>>and the 3-2 (edit - corrected from "4-3" which isn't the shift in question, >>>oops) downshift is also solid. My question is, if only the one shift is >> >>bad, >> >>>is this likely to be an adjustment issue? I would expect if clutch pack >>>wear was involved, other shifts would be off too - in other words, how >>>likely is it that one clutch pack is toast while the others are totally >> >>fine >> >>>(my impression is there are separate clutch packs for each gear - this >> >>is my >> >>>first auto-trans car in quite awhile so please forgive ignorance >> >>there)? The >> >>>car came with sporadic records (well-documented for a few years at a time, >>>then nothing for a while), so I'm not sure if anything has been done to the >>>tranny - another question is, how long should these go before some service >>>is required - how likely is it that the tranny may have already received >>>attention at some point? Finally, if anyone can shed light on how auto >>>transmissions work/what can be adjusted (pre-electronic trannies that is), >>>I'd appreciate it much. >>> >>>Here's Dave's reply to avoid duplication of info: >>> >>>"Mine does this too when cold. I have read a K-1 spring kit solves the >>>problem and it can be installed while the trans is in the car. Rusty at >>>www.buymbparts.com/ or 800-741-5252 likely can provide it. When I first >>>got my car I changed to Mobile 1 ATF and that almost cured it. I plan to >>>try the K-1 deal next. Mine has 75,000 on it. >>> >>>I have read the transmission in these cars usually last about 200,000 >> >>miles >> >>>before a rebuild, although some people get more. The adjustment procedure >>>is complicated because of the vacuum interaction. I suggest a fluid & >>>filter change along with careful adjustment to the MB specs before doing >>>anything radical. The adjustment does alter the firmness of all the >>>shifts. That is why I am suspecting the K-1 in our cases." >>> >>>Oh, and I checked the records I have - the tranny fluid was changed >> >>about 7k >> >>>miles ago, but no filter - I assume this is just like changing the oil >>>without changing the filter - basically pointless? So might be a good >> >>place >> >>>to start >>> >>>Thanks in advance, >>>Tim >>> >>>88 944 (reasonably good shape, needs a few things) >>>83 300SD (needs paint on roof, missing a/c, pretty much everything works, >>>runs strongly) >>> >>>___ >>>http://www.striplin.net >>>For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >>>For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>>To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>>http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net >>> >>> >>> >> >>-- >>Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK >> 89 560SEL, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE, 85 300D, >> 84 250 LWB, 83 300TD, 81 300TD, 81 240D, 81 240D, >> 76 450SEL, 76 240D, 76 300D, 74 240D, 69 250 >>http://www.striplin.net >> >>___ >>http://www.striplin.net >>For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ >>For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >>To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: >>http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net > > > > ___ > http://www.strip
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
the page didnt work Loren Faeth wrote: I am contemplating trying an AT job. A friend of mine in HI has done his, and recommended this place. http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=2&Category_Code=Mercedes He recommends buying the book first for $16. Read it and then plan your diagnosis and attack.It takes special tools. The books are listed in the transmission type. For 722.3 transmissions, go to the 722.3 and 722.4 section and you will see the "Technical manual" listing. Loren At 09:34 PM 1/11/2006, you wrote: yes, you want to do the k1 deal, There used to be a writeup before mbz.org crashed but not sure if its still around. Tim C wrote: Hello M-B folks, My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. I have a question on it and a fellow Rennlister (a glance at my email will reveal my other automotive "prior commitment" - all 10 of my allotted email addresses are in use for the time being, so this will have to suffice) referred me here, which is excellent as I found the Benzworld forums to be not quite as useful as I had hoped. Mr. Dave Gilmore (said R'lister) already replied with one take on my question, but I'd now like to cut/paste said question here and see what additional insights are generated. Original question, slightly edited for this presentation: I recently purchased an 83 300SD, approx 260k miles. Transmission slips on 2-3 shift - but all other shifts are solid and positive, both up and down - and the 3-2 (edit - corrected from "4-3" which isn't the shift in question, oops) downshift is also solid. My question is, if only the one shift is bad, is this likely to be an adjustment issue? I would expect if clutch pack wear was involved, other shifts would be off too - in other words, how likely is it that one clutch pack is toast while the others are totally fine (my impression is there are separate clutch packs for each gear - this is my first auto-trans car in quite awhile so please forgive ignorance there)? The car came with sporadic records (well-documented for a few years at a time, then nothing for a while), so I'm not sure if anything has been done to the tranny - another question is, how long should these go before some service is required - how likely is it that the tranny may have already received attention at some point? Finally, if anyone can shed light on how auto transmissions work/what can be adjusted (pre-electronic trannies that is), I'd appreciate it much. Here's Dave's reply to avoid duplication of info: "Mine does this too when cold. I have read a K-1 spring kit solves the problem and it can be installed while the trans is in the car. Rusty at www.buymbparts.com/ or 800-741-5252 likely can provide it. When I first got my car I changed to Mobile 1 ATF and that almost cured it. I plan to try the K-1 deal next. Mine has 75,000 on it. I have read the transmission in these cars usually last about 200,000 miles before a rebuild, although some people get more. The adjustment procedure is complicated because of the vacuum interaction. I suggest a fluid & filter change along with careful adjustment to the MB specs before doing anything radical. The adjustment does alter the firmness of all the shifts. That is why I am suspecting the K-1 in our cases." Oh, and I checked the records I have - the tranny fluid was changed about 7k miles ago, but no filter - I assume this is just like changing the oil without changing the filter - basically pointless? So might be a good place to start Thanks in advance, Tim 88 944 (reasonably good shape, needs a few things) 83 300SD (needs paint on roof, missing a/c, pretty much everything works, runs strongly) ___ http://www.striplin.net For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 89 560SEL, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE, 85 300D, 84 250 LWB, 83 300TD, 81 300TD, 81 240D, 81 240D, 76 450SEL, 76 240D, 76 300D, 74 240D, 69 250 http://www.striplin.net ___ http://www.striplin.net For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net ___ http://www.striplin.net For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 89 560SEL, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE, 85 300D, 84 250 LWB, 83 300TD, 81 300TD, 81 240D, 81 240D, 76 450SEL, 76 240D, 76 300D, 74 240D, 69 250 http://www.
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
In a message dated 1/11/2006 8:17:21 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I recently purchased an 83 300SD, approx 260k miles. Transmission slips on 2-3 shift - but all other shifts are solid and positive, both up and down - and the 3-2 (edit - corrected from "4-3" which isn't the shift in question, oops) downshift is also solid. My question is, if only the one shift is bad, is this likely to be an adjustment issue? I would expect if clutch pack wear was involved, other shifts would be off too - in other words, how likely is it that one clutch pack is toast while the others are totally fine (my impression is there are separate clutch packs for each gear - this is my first auto-trans car in quite awhile so please forgive ignorance there)? The car came with sporadic records (well-documented for a few years at a time, then nothing for a while), so I'm not sure if anything has been done to the tranny - another question is, how long should these go before some service is required - how likely is it that the tranny may have already received attention at some point? Finally, if anyone can shed light on how auto transmissions work/what can be adjusted (pre-electronic trannies that is), I'd appreciate it much. Tim, Welcome to the list. My 79 slipped for 3-4 years on the 2-3 part throttle upshift and I thought sure it was terminal. About 6 years ago I replaced the vacuum modulator and that cured the problem. Still on original bands and clutches at 261,000 miles. Putting a mitivac on the old modulator revealed a very slow leak which may have been the cause but I really can't explain why this fixed it. Regards, Jim Friesen Phoenix AZ 79 300SD, 261 K miles 98 ML 320, 139 K miles
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
I am contemplating trying an AT job. A friend of mine in HI has done his, and recommended this place. http://www.bulkpart.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=2&Category_Code=Mercedes He recommends buying the book first for $16. Read it and then plan your diagnosis and attack.It takes special tools. The books are listed in the transmission type. For 722.3 transmissions, go to the 722.3 and 722.4 section and you will see the "Technical manual" listing. Loren At 09:34 PM 1/11/2006, you wrote: yes, you want to do the k1 deal, There used to be a writeup before mbz.org crashed but not sure if its still around. Tim C wrote: > Hello M-B folks, > > My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. I have a > question on it and a fellow Rennlister (a glance at my email will reveal my > other automotive "prior commitment" - all 10 of my allotted email addresses > are in use for the time being, so this will have to suffice) referred me > here, which is excellent as I found the Benzworld forums to be not quite as > useful as I had hoped. Mr. Dave Gilmore (said R'lister) already replied > with one take on my question, but I'd now like to cut/paste said question > here and see what additional insights are generated. > > Original question, slightly edited for this presentation: > > I recently purchased an 83 300SD, approx 260k miles. Transmission slips on > 2-3 shift - but all other shifts are solid and positive, both up and down - > and the 3-2 (edit - corrected from "4-3" which isn't the shift in question, > oops) downshift is also solid. My question is, if only the one shift is bad, > is this likely to be an adjustment issue? I would expect if clutch pack > wear was involved, other shifts would be off too - in other words, how > likely is it that one clutch pack is toast while the others are totally fine > (my impression is there are separate clutch packs for each gear - this is my > first auto-trans car in quite awhile so please forgive ignorance there)? The > car came with sporadic records (well-documented for a few years at a time, > then nothing for a while), so I'm not sure if anything has been done to the > tranny - another question is, how long should these go before some service > is required - how likely is it that the tranny may have already received > attention at some point? Finally, if anyone can shed light on how auto > transmissions work/what can be adjusted (pre-electronic trannies that is), > I'd appreciate it much. > > Here's Dave's reply to avoid duplication of info: > > "Mine does this too when cold. I have read a K-1 spring kit solves the > problem and it can be installed while the trans is in the car. Rusty at > www.buymbparts.com/ or 800-741-5252 likely can provide it. When I first > got my car I changed to Mobile 1 ATF and that almost cured it. I plan to > try the K-1 deal next. Mine has 75,000 on it. > > I have read the transmission in these cars usually last about 200,000 miles > before a rebuild, although some people get more. The adjustment procedure > is complicated because of the vacuum interaction. I suggest a fluid & > filter change along with careful adjustment to the MB specs before doing > anything radical. The adjustment does alter the firmness of all the > shifts. That is why I am suspecting the K-1 in our cases." > > Oh, and I checked the records I have - the tranny fluid was changed about 7k > miles ago, but no filter - I assume this is just like changing the oil > without changing the filter - basically pointless? So might be a good place > to start > > Thanks in advance, > Tim > > 88 944 (reasonably good shape, needs a few things) > 83 300SD (needs paint on roof, missing a/c, pretty much everything works, > runs strongly) > > ___ > http://www.striplin.net > For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ > For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: > http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net > > > -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 89 560SEL, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE, 85 300D, 84 250 LWB, 83 300TD, 81 300TD, 81 240D, 81 240D, 76 450SEL, 76 240D, 76 300D, 74 240D, 69 250 http://www.striplin.net ___ http://www.striplin.net For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
On Wednesday, Jan 11, 2006, at 22:16 US/Eastern, Tim C wrote: My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. Tim, Try disconnecting vacuum to the modulator. you should get slamming shifts.If you do it is likely that you could adjust the modulator by feel. There should be an adjustment key under the cap on the modulator. You need to stiffen the spring so it takes a bit more vacuum to overtake it. If you go in small increments and test drive in between you can get just the feel you want. If you go too far you will feel a harsh downshift. I am not recommending the entire adjustment procedure to you because with that many miles, so many things will be beyond spec that you'll never get it right. All the links and pivot points will be well worn. Once the shifting is firmed up you can expect a lot more life out of it. Leave it slipping and rapid degradation is imminent. I've had them so bad that I had to disconnect the vacuum permanently to keep from slipping, still got a zillion more miles out of it. Damn near whiplash too. Johnny B I Mac Therefore I am
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
yes, you want to do the k1 deal, There used to be a writeup before mbz.org crashed but not sure if its still around. Tim C wrote: Hello M-B folks, My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. I have a question on it and a fellow Rennlister (a glance at my email will reveal my other automotive "prior commitment" - all 10 of my allotted email addresses are in use for the time being, so this will have to suffice) referred me here, which is excellent as I found the Benzworld forums to be not quite as useful as I had hoped. Mr. Dave Gilmore (said R'lister) already replied with one take on my question, but I'd now like to cut/paste said question here and see what additional insights are generated. Original question, slightly edited for this presentation: I recently purchased an 83 300SD, approx 260k miles. Transmission slips on 2-3 shift - but all other shifts are solid and positive, both up and down - and the 3-2 (edit - corrected from "4-3" which isn't the shift in question, oops) downshift is also solid. My question is, if only the one shift is bad, is this likely to be an adjustment issue? I would expect if clutch pack wear was involved, other shifts would be off too - in other words, how likely is it that one clutch pack is toast while the others are totally fine (my impression is there are separate clutch packs for each gear - this is my first auto-trans car in quite awhile so please forgive ignorance there)? The car came with sporadic records (well-documented for a few years at a time, then nothing for a while), so I'm not sure if anything has been done to the tranny - another question is, how long should these go before some service is required - how likely is it that the tranny may have already received attention at some point? Finally, if anyone can shed light on how auto transmissions work/what can be adjusted (pre-electronic trannies that is), I'd appreciate it much. Here's Dave's reply to avoid duplication of info: "Mine does this too when cold. I have read a K-1 spring kit solves the problem and it can be installed while the trans is in the car. Rusty at www.buymbparts.com/ or 800-741-5252 likely can provide it. When I first got my car I changed to Mobile 1 ATF and that almost cured it. I plan to try the K-1 deal next. Mine has 75,000 on it. I have read the transmission in these cars usually last about 200,000 miles before a rebuild, although some people get more. The adjustment procedure is complicated because of the vacuum interaction. I suggest a fluid & filter change along with careful adjustment to the MB specs before doing anything radical. The adjustment does alter the firmness of all the shifts. That is why I am suspecting the K-1 in our cases." Oh, and I checked the records I have - the tranny fluid was changed about 7k miles ago, but no filter - I assume this is just like changing the oil without changing the filter - basically pointless? So might be a good place to start Thanks in advance, Tim 88 944 (reasonably good shape, needs a few things) 83 300SD (needs paint on roof, missing a/c, pretty much everything works, runs strongly) ___ http://www.striplin.net For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://striplin.net/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_striplin.net -- Kaleb C. Striplin/Claremore, OK 89 560SEL, 87 300SDL, 85 380SE, 85 300D, 84 250 LWB, 83 300TD, 81 300TD, 81 240D, 81 240D, 76 450SEL, 76 240D, 76 300D, 74 240D, 69 250 http://www.striplin.net
Re: [MBZ] greetings, newbie here
Hello Tim C. I'm also a Tim C., but my C stands for Campbell. :) Tim 1982 300TD Moby On 1/11/06, Tim C <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Hello M-B folks, > > My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. I have a
[MBZ] greetings, newbie here
Hello M-B folks, My name is Tim Clark and I have recently acquired an 83 300SD. I have a question on it and a fellow Rennlister (a glance at my email will reveal my other automotive "prior commitment" - all 10 of my allotted email addresses are in use for the time being, so this will have to suffice) referred me here, which is excellent as I found the Benzworld forums to be not quite as useful as I had hoped. Mr. Dave Gilmore (said R'lister) already replied with one take on my question, but I'd now like to cut/paste said question here and see what additional insights are generated. Original question, slightly edited for this presentation: I recently purchased an 83 300SD, approx 260k miles. Transmission slips on 2-3 shift - but all other shifts are solid and positive, both up and down - and the 3-2 (edit - corrected from "4-3" which isn't the shift in question, oops) downshift is also solid. My question is, if only the one shift is bad, is this likely to be an adjustment issue? I would expect if clutch pack wear was involved, other shifts would be off too - in other words, how likely is it that one clutch pack is toast while the others are totally fine (my impression is there are separate clutch packs for each gear - this is my first auto-trans car in quite awhile so please forgive ignorance there)? The car came with sporadic records (well-documented for a few years at a time, then nothing for a while), so I'm not sure if anything has been done to the tranny - another question is, how long should these go before some service is required - how likely is it that the tranny may have already received attention at some point? Finally, if anyone can shed light on how auto transmissions work/what can be adjusted (pre-electronic trannies that is), I'd appreciate it much. Here's Dave's reply to avoid duplication of info: "Mine does this too when cold. I have read a K-1 spring kit solves the problem and it can be installed while the trans is in the car. Rusty at www.buymbparts.com/ or 800-741-5252 likely can provide it. When I first got my car I changed to Mobile 1 ATF and that almost cured it. I plan to try the K-1 deal next. Mine has 75,000 on it. I have read the transmission in these cars usually last about 200,000 miles before a rebuild, although some people get more. The adjustment procedure is complicated because of the vacuum interaction. I suggest a fluid & filter change along with careful adjustment to the MB specs before doing anything radical. The adjustment does alter the firmness of all the shifts. That is why I am suspecting the K-1 in our cases." Oh, and I checked the records I have - the tranny fluid was changed about 7k miles ago, but no filter - I assume this is just like changing the oil without changing the filter - basically pointless? So might be a good place to start Thanks in advance, Tim 88 944 (reasonably good shape, needs a few things) 83 300SD (needs paint on roof, missing a/c, pretty much everything works, runs strongly)
