Ok... I'm going to try and have this thing road worthy by this Friday. I want to make the GTG next week over in Orlando, FL.

I got the fan clutch and belts done today after work. Easy job. Some idiot had ran a bolt through the center of the old fan clutch to make it a "fixed fan". This makes me wonder if the car has over heated in the past or someone was just a cheap ass and did not want to fork out the $$ for fan clutch.

So, here is my list of things to do tomorrow:

1. Trans fluid and filter.
2, Inspect center bearing and look for leaks underneath.
3. Change fuel filters.
4. Replace thermostat.
5. Adjust valves.
6. Change oil and filter over to syn.
7. Check diff. fluid.


Still needs:

Windshield gasket replaced (waiting for parts)
Vacuum leaks (waiting for vacuum pump)
Trans. check and adjust
Swap out rear axles (for free)


Those are some other things that need to be done. But, I only have tomorrow off and have to work through this weekend up all the way up until next weekend. So, this is it...

Couple things...

Exactly how much oil should I fill the trans with after draining/dropping the pan and draining the torque converter? I saw a tutorial on the newer cars in the resources section, but did not see it anywhere else.

How much oil does the thing hold? The owners manual is a little vague. Is it 7.5 or 8 qts.?

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

the owners manual will tell all

Putting in exactly 7 quarts will be the perfect amount of oil. 7.5 is too much.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I find that I put in one quart then let it all drain into the pan and add from there... 7.5 is usually what gets it since there is at least half a quart stuck in the lines and oil cooler

The 'Owners Manual" does not specify the spec. or the amount of transmission fluid for what I am doing. It specifically says to contact the dealer for information. I will look again in the capacities section. Either way, what is in the "Owners Manual" would show the entire system capacity. NOT the pan and converter capacity. Which is what I am doing. I am not "flushing" the system. Just draining the pan and converter. Assuming the age of the car I can assume it is Dex III like my Volvo. But I am not sure.

As above again... It is very vague as to the amount of oil. You guys here to do oil changes every day. It would be nice to just dump it in and be done with it.

I could by-pass all this crap and just go by what the "Shop Manual" says. But, most if not all of the shop manuals I have seen have lots of incorrect information in them.

__________________
AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

I do believe it does have the fluid capacity.. last time I was in there for the fluid capacity of the diffi it was there..


and mercon dextron III is the fluid you want

The "Owners Manual" says "8.5 US qt" for the oil. You say 7.5? This is why I am asking these questions. There are different things in the manual than what I am seeing in some threads on this forum... This is why I am asking.

It also says "7.7 US qt" for initial fill Federal and "6.3 US qt" for "fluid change". There is NO spec. listed for the oil anywhere in the manual. It says "Any authorized Mercedes Benz dealer will advise you on recommended brands". So, is draining the pan and the torque converter going to take 6.3 qt's.? Or will it really only take 5 or 4? This is what I want to know.

Here is the manual:

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

when I did the transmission fluid change I used 6 quarts. I drained the torque converter as well and let the system drip for about two hours. I also consulted with the search feature for the type of fluid.

I kinda cheated as well since I do own a set of factory manuals for the w123... those might go with the car when I sell it

Thanks Joe... I did the search. I came up with too many questions in the search. Too many people not knowing what they are doiing. I like doing things right the first time.

Maybe I should take pictures and do thread on a proper oil change and trans. drain on the 300D. I'm surprised that it is not pinned or linked somewhere?

AJ

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AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

someone already did that.

http://dieselgiant.com/mercedes_diesel_maintenance_tips.htm

though dieselgiant doesn't drain the TC, I would. I also use a topsider when I do oil change.

guess I forgot about those DIY's

I have been to site you mentioned. They don't mention anything about capacity for the oil change. Just how to do it... Hell... My sister could do it! The details DO matter. They probably want you to "buy the DVD". Seems like they want you to "buy everything" over there. Including $80 plus shipping for valve wrenches. I made a set from flea market extra long snap-on tools for $20. Heat and bent them to a set of Hazet's that my uncle has. They look better, are more comfortable and have more leverage (longer). I cannot believe what people want for these simple wrenches.

I followed the trans. tutorial as well. Not draining the torque converter is stupid? It is "right there". Why not do it? The more oil you get out of the system... The better...

Your amounts for the torque converter and pan sound good. Thanks a bunch for that!

__________________
AJ

1985 300D (SOLD)

The last time I drained mine was when I replaced my engine. I drained the trans and torque converter, and then didn`t mount the eng. and trans. back into the car for a month.


I was amazed as to how much ATF dripped

into the pan, there is quite a bit that still hangs up into all the nooks and craneys.

I replaced the filter, gasket and then added about 5 1/2 qts. drove around to warm things up. and added a little at a time till I was at the full line. It`s not rocket science.

the book has initial fill, probably a new trans. and fluid change, that is the amount to replace because of residual oil still in the trans. galleries.

If you add too much and you are above the dip stick line, loosen the pan plug and drain a little.

When you drain the ATF, get the trans warmed up, it will drain better.

Charlie

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there were three HP ratings on the OM616...

1) Not much power
2) Even less power
3) Not nearly enough power!! 240D w/auto

Anyone that thinks a 240D is slow drives too fast.

80 240D Naturally Exasperated, 4-Spd 388k DD 150mph spedo 3:58 Diff

We are advised to NOT judge ALL Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics, but we are encouraged to judge ALL gun owners by the actions of a few lunatics. Funny how that works