Alright...took the 300TD to German Auto Center here in San Antonio. They basically told me "it's not worth fixing" "lot's of problems with this car" with the caveat "we haven't done a full check, of course"

said that there is a vacuum issue on the transmission, but also internal problems, which I don't know how they can diagnose without fixing the vacuum issues....maybe they can, just don't know how.

Anyway, sounded more like a blanket "we don't want to work on this car, because it's old, please come get it out of here"

Anybody know of anyone else in San Antonio that can take a look at this?

Anyone got a tranny they're willing to part with?

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Reverendxlt

1985 300TD

For a replacement tranny, check with Jim Harris over in the parts forum -- here's the thread. Parting Out-2-115's,2-116's, 3-123's, 2-124's and 3-126's
He has good parts at good prices, from little stuff all the way up to transmissions.

As far as shops, have you looked in "Good MB Shops" under General Discussion forums?

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Anthracite 1980 300D -- 64k original miles with a new engine, on the road again!
Silver 300D -- second owner, Sunny's old baby, Ilse, 210 miles,
Having to thin the herd….
Silver 1983 300SD -- second owner, 325k miles
Gold 1981 300D -- well-traveled, solid little car
Beige 1984 300D -- 292k miles, grease machine, parting out
Seafoam green 1981 300SD -- 250k, windshield frame damage
too many assorted w123 & w126 cars, parts cars, and extras

somebody had a stuck piston (right side of the tranny).
After cleaning it was fine.

Maybe worth a try.

Tom

I did look in the "Good MB shops" thread, that's where I got the name of German Auto Center.

By stuck piston, are you referring to the B1 and/or B2 that is often discussed as a problem?

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Reverendxlt

1985 300TD

I found the thread in the German forum.
I mixed up something.
It was model 124 and it was a stuck "rotating regulator". Behind a cover, some oil will come out, he took the regulator out, cleaned it and got it fine.
Now I remember, asked for pics, he did not take any.
You should find instructions on the CD.

Tom, sorry for the confusion.

I use Autobahn on 410 @ Starcrest (210-657-1181 ask for Mark) for stuff I don't have time or tools for - they seem very honest and straightforward and they know MB. I've had both the 83 300D and 78 280CE in for problems. They will likely adjust the tranny vacuum issues, but if it needs internals they will refer you to High Tech Transmissions on 8267 Bandera Rd just south of Guilbeau (210-520-1097).

I bought a used tranny from Insurance Auto Salvage (http://www.insuranceautosalvage.com/) and had it delivered to High Tech to swap it in for about $450 labor since I didn't have the necessary stuff to do it in the driveway. It was way cheaper in the long run to spend $800 and be running again than $2800+ on a complete teardown rebuild. I can do it 3 times and still come out ahead Heck the last one lasted 305,000 miles, I'll probably not be around when the car gives up the ghost.

Call me at 325-8984 if you need help or just want to stop by to chat mercedes.

John

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John Hughes, was in Landstuhl, Germany but currently in San Antonio, TX


1978 280CE Astral Silver now 59,xxx miles and counting "Silber-Kugel"
1986 300E Black Pearl Metallic 143,xxx miles 5-spd daily driver w/ blk leather "Schwarz-Schönheit"
1989 190E 2.6 (euro) 5-spd Desert Taupe 112,xxx kms Had to leave behind in Germany!!! "Helga"
1983 300D Pastel Beige now 312,xxx + miles SOLD

OBK#24

I'm going to PM you.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

Looks like John has you covered -- great! That's what I love about this forum. I wish there were more members near us out here in the woods!!

__________________
Anthracite 1980 300D -- 64k original miles with a new engine, on the road again!
Silver 300D -- second owner, Sunny's old baby, Ilse, 210 miles,
Having to thin the herd….
Silver 1983 300SD -- second owner, 325k miles
Gold 1981 300D -- well-traveled, solid little car
Beige 1984 300D -- 292k miles, grease machine, parting out
Seafoam green 1981 300SD -- 250k, windshield frame damage
too many assorted w123 & w126 cars, parts cars, and extras

I agree completely. Thank you for the help that has been offered. John I will check on your recommendation. Thanks also Hitman,

will keep updates coming. I appreciate it,

__________________
Reverendxlt

1985 300TD