84 300td only shifts into 1st with high RPM
 

I'm going to look at a 84 300td. The owner says that the linkage in the drivetrain needs repair. He says that the car won't shift into first gear unless you really rev up the engine. After that the other gears shift okay. I have a feeling this is a vacuum system issue. He says the vacuum system doesn't work, but in speaking with him, the climate controls are working, so I believe the vacuum pump is working okay.

My guess is the vacuum lines to the transmission are shot, as well as a bunch of other vacuum lines to other various systems.

Does anyone have any clues as to whether it may be something much more serious?

Thanks

Meaning that it won't downshift into first gear from a stop? Or?

I believe it downshifts fine. I'm looking at the car tomorrow. He was very unsure on anything technical. As he explained it briefly over the phone, from a stop with the car in D, the car won't move initially unless the rpm's are high, then the car shifts ok in all the other gears.

Possibly the car is just hesitating a long time when put into D and he's impatient. Maybe dirty tranny filter?

I just wanted to check with everyone here to see if they had any similar experiences. That way when I look at the car/test drive I can diagnose it better.

Thanks

Maybe really low fluid...dirty filter etc...

That's what I was thinking. Coupled with vacuum issues.

How else does the transmission get into first gear? I cannot upshift into first!!!

Ha! Yes, I realized this after I hit the enter key and sent the post! My 83 300 takes a few seconds to move after putting it in reverse. I have a feeling this is happening with this car I'm gonna look at. I am hoping that when I shift it into D and sit and wait that she'll start rolling.

I am thinking Tranny Filter. He had a mechanic look at it, but I don't think he was a Benz mechanic.

I just wanted to get some opinions on what could possibly cause the issue. Meaning can I spend $100 and tinker with it and be all set, or am I gonna possibly get myself into trouble with needing a new tranny.

Thanks

classic B2 piston seal leak issue.
150.00 B2 kit and an hour of time, and bobs your uncle!

Awesome. Thanks John. We'll see how it goes tomorrow then as far as what he defines as "not a lot of rust". lol

Thanks

Mine had the symptoms your are speaking of until the B2 Piston broke and I had no first at all.

However, changing the Filter and Fluid improved the symptoms enough I drove a whole year before the Piston broke.