My 81-300SD flares in first only. I have about 18" at the main booster line and about 12" at the line that goes to the tranny from the 3 prong connector. I checked the vacuum at the control box on top of the valve cover and I get about 12" there. I don't seem to get anything at the short hoses inside that box.

I have read the numerous posts and I couldn't find anything on first gear flaring.

Any info would be appreciated as this is my first tranny attempt.

Thanks, Don

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84-300D 256K
81-300SD 217K (Wife's)
79-300CD 212K - Project
89-Volvo 245 305K

well "flaring" is the term for slipping between shifts... and unless you are talking about downshifts... not sure how you could be getting "flaring" but if you are "slipping" in first gear, it could be low transmission fluid, and or worn clutches... VERIFY on a PURE level surface the exact fluid level on a FULLY warmed up transmission. if you are not on the warm line, get it there.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

I guess it is slipping instead of flaring...the motor revs and then kind of slams into first.

Fluid level is the main culprit in this kind of issue?

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84-300D 256K
81-300SD 217K (Wife's)
79-300CD 212K - Project
89-Volvo 245 305K

Fluid level is very important, but this could be a partially plugged filter also. Have you ever serviced the trans?

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'83 300D Turrrbo 295K miles

The engine cannot rev and slam into first unless the driver causes it. First gear is engaged from a standstill with the engine at idle.

So, where, exactly, is your problem? Does it flare on the 1-2 shift? If so, what's the situation with the 2-3 and 3-4 shifts?

Brian,

When I start out from a dead standstill and go very slowly, the car will shift smoothly all the way through.

If I want to have a faster takeoff, the engine will rev high and then slam into a gear even sometime chirping the tires. The other shift points are smooth.

I checked the fluid and it was a little low, but not more than 1/4 inch below full... would that little less affect it?

Thanks,

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84-300D 256K
81-300SD 217K (Wife's)
79-300CD 212K - Project
89-Volvo 245 305K

That is a completely different issue. You've got low internal pressure in the transmission at idle. The pressure rises with rpm's and the clutches engage.

When is the last time it had a filter change?

It sounds like to me the B2 piston is broken and can't apply any force to the band. This will definitely cause a slip while starting off (drive breakaway) and since half the geartrain is winging around at high speed, second applies and the tires chirp as second applies firmly. I had a broken B2 piston in my old 300D and the trans slipped in low but since the geartrain doesn't have as much mechanical advantage in higher gears, second and third were fine. The band comes off in forth. I have an ATSG manual if you want it, I can e-mail you the PDF. The piston is fairly easy to replace. Do some searches on it. Good luck. Eric.

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1984 300D, 246k, veggie, sold
1982 300SD 301k

Eric and all,

I have removed the b2 piston (81-300sd) and it looks fine...just like the new one I bought. The old one is not damaged at all. The little push rod that fits one the inside of the piston and tranny came out but looks good.

Is there something I am missing that the old piston is really not the problem?

The car was slamming into first.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Don

__________________
84-300D 256K
81-300SD 217K (Wife's)
79-300CD 212K - Project
89-Volvo 245 305K