Hi,
I have an '83 300d with 5cyl na engine and a Getrag 5-speed transmission. The transmission has always (for the last 8 years, since I bought it) made a peculiar clanking noise when the tranmission is in neutral, clutch engaged. It sounds sort of like a really bad throw-out bearing, except that the noise goes away when the clutch is disengaged, not the other way around.
The transmission is quiet and sweet when clutched-in in gear, shifts well.
One indy MB mechanic said that this is a shaft in the transmission. This makes sense to me. Then yesterday I read this in an article about Porsche 944 transmission FAQ's:
"Q: When I release my clutch in neutral, I hear noises, is this bad?

A: Not usually. The transmission has several shafts that the gears move back and forth on. On the end of one of these shafts is the 5th "floating" gear. This gear rattles back and forth because it has a larger tolerance than the others. Porsche apparently stopped all warranty repairs for this noise because there is no real repair - the larger tolerance is normal... Some owners have expressed that using Swepco transmission oil quiets down the rattle somewhat."

Does anyone on this site know whether this description of the Porsche transaxle arrangement applies to the Getrag 5-speed? I have been told is an overdrive transmission, but have never checked this.
Has anyone heard of or used "Swepco Oil?"
On a related note, I have been looking for a relatively rust-free 123 body that I could transplant my manual transmission driveline into. Has anybody done that job? Are the clutch-pedal brackets installed in all 123's or would I wind up welding under the dash panel?
Thanks.
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