'95 E300 transmission ?

[Deezl]

My '95 E 300 D w/61K on it has developed a transmission issue. Car was hard to shifting weirdly from 2 to 3. Then, a small thud and some smoke from the tailpipe. I got out, looked around and under the vehicle, which failed to show anything. Drove the car home and left it. It's been one of those days, so, I drove home and parked it. Any ideas?

[sixto]

Originally Posted by Deezl

Car was hard to shifting weirdly from 2 to 3.

Can you try saying this differently?

Sixto
87 300D

[Deezl]

Sorry, I should've stated that better. The engine would hit about 2500 RPM and not want to shift from 2nd to 3rd. It only shifts into 3rd if I let it go to 2500 rpm and then let off the accelerator pedal.

In addition, the car is lacking some power. I changed the fuel filters about 150 miles ago. Everything was fine.

[sixto]

I don't know about a 606 low on power and that could be the culprit. Otherwise, I'd check the kickdown switch at the far end of the accelerator pedal travel and the transmission bowden/pressure cable.

Sixto
87 300D

[Chris W.]

I know you said you changed the fuel filters a very short time ago, but the fact it won't pull past 2500 RPM and lacking power points to fuel starvation. Is it possible you've got biocrud in your fuel tank? Have a look at the prefilter.

The main way I can tell when I need to change my main fuel filter is if my car will not pull all the way to ~5000 RPM. Guaranteed tell-tale for the fuel filter.

Check also for bubbles in the plastic fuel lines. If you can not see through the lines, it's time to change them, or at least do the O rings. Although your car has very few miles, age kills the O rings and air can get in.

Or perhaps air starvation? Changed the air filter lately?

Rgds,
Chris W.
'95 E300D 326K