Mercedes 190d Transmission sometimes won't shift into gear - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bmeares · #1 11-02-2007, 04:25 PM

I recently acquired a 5 spd '84 Mercedes 190D (4 cyl diesel) with 160k miles with the intention of using it as a commuter and converting it to run on veggie oil. Since I've had it, it has occasionally been tough to shift into 1st gear when getting started. When this happens, the shifter does not push into 1st, but with a little gas or letting the car roll a bit, it will click into place. No other gears are a problem. But, twice recently, I've exited the highway after driving in 5th gear for 30+ minutes and then not been able to shift into any of the gears. I'll put the clutch all the way to the floor, but when I try any of the gears, I get resistance from the shifter and feel a kind of rubbing - but not the typical screeching of gears not meshing that you would hear when you miss a gear with the clutch out. I can shift into reverse, but when I do this(with the clutch in) the car stalls. The last time this happened I turned the car off and then back on again and it shifted right into first like there was no problem.

I've surmised that the clutch is not disengaging completely. What could this be - clutch master cylinder or slave, pilot or release bearing, shift bushing? None are expensive parts, should I just replace them all?

I sometimes hear a metallic rattle when the car is idling, out of gear and the clutch is out, that goes away when I push the clutch in. Could this rattling be the pilot bearing?

Also, it has just started to get chilly, and I've noticed, when not warmed up completely, the engine will knock when I shift and it briefly goes to idle speed. It also shakes a good deal when idling (at about 500 rpm) but this stops at 600-700rpm. Can I just adjust the idle up a little - if so, how, and how high is too high. Any other tips for getting ready for winter would be appreciated!