K-1 Tranny Confusion… Help Needed !

[Samuel M. Ross]

OK guys I'm counting on ya coming through with some help... with this my next hurdle with this 300K 300D[na] [123 chassis] beast!

I have done my homework and read all that I found in the archives about the K-1 kits and how much you have raved about how the kit helped improve the 2-3 shift of 722.3, 722.4, and 722.5 transmissions [ M-B’s P/N = 126_270_44_77].

However becuase the P/N starts with 126, I'm thinking this might not work for my cars 123 chasis tranny... # 722_118_02_098161 that was taken off right side of the transmission.

So here are your pop quiz questions:
Q1 – Does anyone know whether M-B has a K-1 kit for this tranny… or
Q2 - whether or not the 126_270_44_77 kit will work in my 722.118 tranny… and finally
Q3 - whether there is another P/N for a kit for my car's 722.1 series tranny?

I have repeatedly struck out at multiple M-B dealers and even the forum's two sponsors! I’m beginning to think I might have to identify the individual parts in the k-1 kit and somehow correlate these to comparable parts in my 722.118… and then finally purchase these parts individually !

Sor for extra points on your pop quiz grade, here is your bonus question:

Q4 – Does anyone have the P/N(s) of the parts in the K-1 kit [ P/N…126_270_44_77 ] ?

Seriously, your help would be most appreciated and quite possibly a ton of time !

Sam // Novato, CA

P.S. - Don't forget I'm maintaining 3 of these beasties now so I'm bound to come up with something later you will benefit from too !

[boneheaddoctor]

the part number does in fact start with W126. My kit did and it works splendidly.

[techguy512]

The other thing to keep in mind is that the official name of the kit, stamped on the bag label next to the part number, is
"thrust pin".

I think a lot of parts guys get confused when you ask for the "K1 spring kit" and give them the part number. What comes back is not "K1 spring kit" but "thrust pin".

[jbaj007]

Read post #7; see if it applies?

K1 spring kit adventures -- any ideas?

[Samuel M. Ross]

Thanks BoneHeadDoctor - then I can assume you did your K-1 on your ’83 300D W123 sedan? Do you know what series tranny that car has… is it by chance a 722.1… or more likely a 722.3, 722.4, or 722.5? These last 3 are exactly what everyone has indicated their kit’s are for.
I’m very much interested in what the transmission #(s) are that this kit has successfully been installed in.

Thanks TechGuy512 – I just returned from speaking with a young M-B parts tech and he indicates that their parts “system” does not even allow them to search by part name… so “thrust pin” might be useful for me working off the InterNet, but zero help for the dealers! I’ll try “thrust pin” at several of the on-line parts houses.

Thanks jbaj007 – Yes, I had looked at http://www.peachparts.com/shopforu...light=K-1+part and the other links/threads it led me to... and they spoke of their success and glee but no one identified what specific series of tranny they did surgery on… and for sure no one I.D.’d one that was 722.1 series.

Unless I get more revealing posts that pin things down for me... I’m going to order the $20 K-1 kit [ Marin county price ] and dig into the belly of my 722.1 tranny… comparing each part side-by-side as I go.

Wish me luck,
Sam

[raymr]

I just did this on my gasser and I could swear the parts came out backwards from whats in the pictures. But I put the new parts in according to the photos and everythings great.

Note that the screws holding the cover plate on are pretty soft and distort easily unless the screwdriver blade is squarely seated in the screw head.

It's also recommended to replace the shift lever bushings while you're down there. Makes the shifter feel like new.

[C32AMG]

The K1 spring does not work, fit into a 722.1,2 valve body. These valve bodies are totally
Different in design, then the ones found in 722.3,4,5 transmissions.

No kits are available for the 722.1 and 2 transmissions. Try Adjusting the pressure control rod and the modulator. The 82 300D mentioned, has a 722.3 transmission.

[rs899]

SMR
Does the tranny oil pan have 4 bolts or 6? If it has 4 , the K-1 kit will not likely work. The earlier 4 bolt trannys are a whole different animal than the later 6 bolts. Tread carefully.

BHD's 83 300D should have been a 722.315. Your 722.118 tranny is very similar to the 722.120 tranny in the W116 300SD, but I know of no K1 improvement kit for that.

Rick

[Samuel M. Ross]

and so TEAM:
(1) do you think it is worth my trying to identify the parts in my 722.1 series tranny that are comparable to those in the K-1 kit for the 722.3,.4.,5 trannies?
(2) I would then look to purchase these as individual parts?
(3) Or would I be just buying mostly the same poorly designed springs etc that I already have in my 722_118_02_098161?

Also keep in mind TEAM, I have a sneaky feeling my tranny is the original and if so, it will soon roll over the 300,000,000 mile mark!
But even so I was hoping to squeeze a few more miles out of her for my Son's pocketbook sake. Maybe if he gets to know this Old Lady, he'll see the merit of a completely rebuilt tranny one day!

The tranny actually still seems strong. It just shifts like sxxx… doing a double flare 2-3-4 if you don’t manually keep it in “S”. I also just discovered how to manually keep it in 2nd for an extended windup of the engine if anyone wants to know my trick... a trick that might not work with yours!

Thanks again C32AMG… back to the drawing table I guess
Sam

[jbaj007]

722.118 FWIW

http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com//722.118_transmission_adjustments

[Samuel M. Ross]

rs899... Admiral-Third World Fleet,
I have already gone through the entire engine/tranny vacuum control system and in the process replaced: (a) the vacuum switch on the valve cover, (b) the vacuum regulator on the IP, and the vacuum modulator as well. I even obtained a full set of all 6 different restricted orifices used to balance this vacuum system. I have adjusted and then monitored the vacuum being supplied to the modulator while driving and finally had the car up and down [until I lost track] making adjustments throughout the 20-turn//80 notch range of the modulator's adjustment... and yes I am very much aware of the article posted on Sunvalley's website [http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com]
regarding adjustments to the 722.118's vacuum system and modulator.

I think my best bet short of a rebuilt or used tranny is to try and identify the equivalent of a K-1 kit for the 722.1 tranny... and the only way I can think of just now of doing this is to first more clearly identify the parts that go to make up the K-1 kits for the 722.3-.4-.5 transmissions. Once I have these identified, maybe I can correlates these to parts in the 722.1 series. I canNOT help but think these series of transmissions are close enough in design to allow me to do this and have a chance for some measure of success... depending upon the co$t of course.

I'm also shopping around for a transmission shop who can clearly demonstrate by virtue of interview that they know more about the history of these trannies as well as their internals... maybe I will find one who will be able to convince me that they can do the equivalent of a K-1 kit install... but I won't be convinced too easily!!

I welcome anyone's advice as to how best to go about this mission... even your opinion that I'm wasting my time.

Sam

[Samuel M. Ross]

A WebSite known to this Forum for transmission parts
[ http://www.bulkpart.com ] has an ad that reads:
=======================
Technical manual, 722.0 / 722.1 / 722.2
Code: 58400 // Price: $16.50 - ATSG manual, Disassembly, inspection and assembly sections. Diagnosis, testing and lot of pictures
===========================
What I’m looking for is a greater understanding of the internals of this tranny so I can maybe come up with my own “K-1” kit that is also know on this Forum… the kit that has helped many resolve shifting problems on their 722.3/722.4/722.5 series trannies.

Q1 – Does ANYone have ANY experience with ANY of the series of technical manuals from this vendor?

Q2 – What does “ATSG” stand for… Automatic Transmission S??? Guide………?

ANY help will be greatly appreciated by me and the old 1980 300D !
Sam

[jbaj007]

I've got the ATSG (Automatic Transmission Service Group) manual for 722.3/722.4 and find it useful; not perfect, but useful.

[Samuel M. Ross]

Thanks " jbaj007 " your comment alone makes the manual worth the price!
Sam

[boneheaddoctor]

Originally Posted by Samuel M. Ross

Thanks BoneHeadDoctor - then I can assume you did your K-1 on your ’83 300D W123 sedan? Do you know what series tranny that car has… is it by chance a 722.1… or more likely a 722.3, 722.4, or 722.5? These last 3 are exactly what everyone has indicated their kit’s are for.
I’m very much interested in what the transmission #(s) are that this kit has successfully been installed in.

Quite honestly I do not know the exact transmission part number of mine, and Yes it was the W123 Sedan I did. I did it in conjunction with a fluid and filter change as I did not know when it was last changed. Not a difficult job, but it is a little time consuming. Made a big difference in the flaring.