My new 80 300SD would not go into reverse until it was at operating temp. I drained some fluid out by way of the tranny oil cooler line. I then poured a whole bottle of Seafoam flush in the trans and drove it awhile. Then I drained the fluid (while hot) and changed the filter and cleaned the sludge out of the pan. I used gasoline to clean the pan it works great. Then I put in mobil one trans fluid ($6.40 a quart!) along with a can of Trans-X. The Result, an even more smoother shifting transmission and reverse now engages instantly. I'm very pleased.

Thanks for posting this archive info.

Was this car not maintained very well? Stored unused for a long time?? I am wondering why it was so dirty inside.

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1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
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1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD

The car sat for the better part of two years in a garage. It wasnt a very thick sludge or anything just a black film covering the pan.