1985 300D transmission ? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dawgdaze · #1 05-12-2006, 07:54 PM

All of a sudden today my transmission would only shift if I got up to 4000 rpms. From first to second sometimes would engage at about 3000 but three and up needed 4000 rpms. It shifts smooth when it shifts. Did not notice anything weird other than it not wanting to change gears while driving. Any advice?

Diesel Giant · #2 05-12-2006, 08:05 PM

Hey Joe

Is this on the silver car? Did you try adjusting your cable on the top of the valve cover.

Russell

dawgdaze · #3 05-12-2006, 08:19 PM

Hey Russell. I have no idea what you are talking about. Remember, my idea of wrenching is signing the check after learning what to do. Yes, it is the silver car. Been a dream so far. Getting 28 mpg. Putting 100 plus miles per day on it.

Diesel Giant · #4 05-12-2006, 08:20 PM

How many miles do you have on it now? A/C still cold?

dawgdaze · #5 05-12-2006, 08:26 PM

I think high 180's. AC is cold but had to replace auxiliary fan. Even with this South Georgia heat, you will freeze to death with the ac on. Had a wrenching get together with engatworks out of Warner Robins. Put new exhaust on it and replaced the driveshaft support bearing thingy. Drives like a dream now. I've got alist of things to do to it. I have all new wood off from ebay that I am putting on tomorrow.
Also to let you know, after wife backed into it, I had both rear quarter panels replaced and entire car painted. It looks like new. Thinking of ways to fix drivers seat now. I think I'll use your method on your site.

Diesel Giant · #6 05-12-2006, 08:30 PM

Well the folks that keep using 134a and slamming me for not using it should know when I did your A/C I used the Freeze 12 and BG oil. I remember when you got the car you said you had to turn the A/C down on the drive home because it was freezing you! LOL

I have an 84 with the same problem as you describe with the tranny here and will tinker with it and see if I can give you an easy fix for the high shifts.

dawgdaze · #7 05-12-2006, 08:34 PM

Your talking Greek to me with the 134 vs. 12. I just know it will freeze you. Thanks for the help with the tranny. I am waiting on engatworks to return my e-mail. I am lucky to have someone as knowledgeable as he this close to me. I still feel lucky to have scored this car.

dawgdaze · #8 05-14-2006, 09:41 AM

Still looking for help.....

Larry Delor · #9 05-14-2006, 10:10 AM

Maybe this will help..

The cable with the red line, is the Bowden cable (it was mentioned by Russel).

Circled in yellow, is the adjusting nut (plastic) for it.

You will see that part of the cable is under a soft crinkled rubber boot (crinkled like an accordion).

The cable springs into action, once you depress the accel. pedal.

If this cable is too tight, it will force the trans to stay in a gear longer than it really wants too. (too loose, and trans upshifts too soon)

There ought to be around 1/4" of slack before the cable under the crinkled boot gets taught, and starts to move. (see which linkages move while you are stepping on the "gas", and then mimick the movement by hand - so that you can see what is happening)

Turn the adjusting nut to adjust the "tension" on the bowden cable. (turn it one way, and if the adjustment goes the wrong way, turn it the other way)
If all appears to be correct, then it is not the bowden cable.