Transmission issues for 300DT - Lube Gard?

[HuskyMan]

It was cold here last evening (around 20 degrees). The 1984 300DT shifted through the gears smoothly, no flaring, solid engagement from first to second and all subsequent upshifts.

I did notice something slightly unusual. When at a stop and shifting Neutral to Drive or Neutral to Reverse there is a one to two second delay. Amsoil Synthetic ATF (universal) is in the transmission, last time I checked the pan there were no debris, fluid looked red, no signs of burning. I'm thinking of using Lube Gard Redirecting... to improve the neutral to drive and neutral to reverse shift delay. From what I'm reading, several major auto manufactures including Mercedes approve the use of Lube Gard in the transmission. Does anyone have any direct experience with this product?

[Marshall Welch]

I haven't put it in my transmission yet, but have a bottle of the ATF additive, and will probably try it. I have used it before, probably the PS fluid additive, in the power steering pump for a VW GTI 16V, and it really seemed to quiet the pump down, and I had the car for ~14 years or so. Never had any trouble with the steering.

I've recently put 4 oz of their ATF additive, per Lubegard's recommendation, in the PS of the car shown in my signature, and can't say I've really noticed much difference yet- maybe the pump is a little quieter, although I only tend to notice the sound of it running when the engine is cold. It certainly doesn't seem to have caused any problems.

In general, from what I've read on these forums, my perception is that MB seems to frown on additives, but I doubt it would do any harm. A local auto show on the radio used to advertise it, and the host/moderator, who owns a shop and obviously knows a lot about cars, says it's a good product, and not snake oil. In my opinion, for what it's worth, he was being sincere. My 2 cents.