Hi all! Been absent for a while but time to get back into the MB groove! Was daily driving our bought-new '06 Jetta TDI until layoff forced its sale this past week, so I'm bring my 300D 4-speed out of mothballs. An issue that started to rear its ugly head was some clutch slipping under hard acceleration, especially in 3rd. After looking through several search results here on the forum I didn't find quite what I was looking for, so y'all search Nazis go easy on me! Basically I'm looking for a good heavy duty clutch and pressure plate combo if any here have gone through this issue. Thanks and looking forward to reconnecting with the oil burners!

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Joe Black
Get yellow fever at ACME!

Just the MB's: '82 300DT (stick), '81 240D, '80 300SD, '80 300D, '81 240D Manual

There are "high Performance" clutches like this one:http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://d5otzd52uv6zz.cloudfront.net/group-5625b004-b0c2-44dc-8e37-73fd5cc61951-350.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.progressiveautoparts.com/spec_clutch/spec_clutch_kit_stage_1/g-54720.aspx&usg=__QpHLD5e0NZscGv8QKVKX0usl6co=&h=262&w=350&sz=14&hl=en&start=54&um=1&tbnid=ZnYpttt_6X58wM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3DMercedes%2Bclutch%2Bkit%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN%26start%3D40%26um%3 D1

I do not know of anybody that has used one yet though, the stock clutch in good shape has plenty of holding power for even the most beastly 617

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1979 240D- 316K miles - VGT Turbo, Intercooler, Stick Shift, Many Other Mods - Daily Driver

1982 300SD - 232K miles - Wife's Daily Driver

1986 560SL - Wife's red speed machine

Thanks, but I failed to mention that my 300D turbo is a conversion that was made four speed using a 240D gearbox. At least I'm pretty sure that's how they did it, haven't crawled for numbers as of yet. I just want to make sure to use the best possible components as I'm going to need to replace the clutch goodies anyway to address the current slippage, so while its all apart might as well do it up right.

__________________
Joe Black
Get yellow fever at ACME!

Just the MB's: '82 300DT (stick), '81 240D, '80 300SD, '80 300D, '81 240D Manual

A normal clutch will last a very long time in your setup if used properly. This is not a weak point on these old diesels. In fact far from it. Exotic clutches are more likely to be problematic in my opinion.

I decided some time ago that if I ever needed a clutch in one of my 240ds. I would have the old friction plate relined for 50.00 and buy a new or reconditioned pressure plate.

Make sure your flywheel is smooth or have it ground. At least include a new release bearing and the pilot bearing should be inspected..