81 240D manual shifting problem
 

After sitting in the garage about 6 months my boyfriend and I are ressurecting the 240D. It's a Euro manual tranny with an estimated 150-200K miles.

First issue: replaced leaky clutch master cylinder and could not get the thing bled, so we towed it to a local shop and had them bleed it, drove it home.

After driving it probably 50 miles with good feeling in the clutch and smooth shifting we parked. Next day the clutch pedal has decent resistance but it is very difficult to get the car to go into gear (it will go into gear but not smoothly). Reverse grinds even if put into 1st or 2nd before shifting into R.

There is a slow leak between the brake master cylinder and the vac booster. Fluid has not dropped below fill line since we had it back from the shop. Boyfriend thinks this is the problem and new master or a rebuild is the answer.

Does this sound reasonable? Searching the posts it sounds like changing the trans oil would be a good idea. What else should I try?

did you replace the slave cylinder as well? if there is a leak in the brake booster, it is very possible air is getting into the lines, and since the clutch hydrolics are tied into it, it could be causing your shiffting problem.

It is going to be hard to get into gear if your clutch is not operating properly... so the trans fluid is not likely to be a problem at this point in your description of the situation....
Don't neglect it.... but don't think it is your immediate problem...

I went through this exact same problem and it turned out my slave cylinder, although not leaking, was bad. Replaced that [$80 I think] and its been smooth shifting ever since.

Cheers,

Bill

ok
 

We did not replace the slave, I'll order one today. Thanks!