300 SD sitting for a year - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jenn300TD · #1 08-08-2015, 10:10 AM

It started up and idled perfectly after a battery recharge.

But it seemed all locked up and wouldn't move. I thought maybe the brakes were stuck.

After rocking back and forth it finally could go forward and backwards a little, but not with much power.

At this point, I'm actually stuck on the side of a declining gravel driveway.

I'm wondering what problem I'm likely looking at and if I'll be able to fix it without towing it off the property (out in the countryside)

On a downwards slope is how I just checked the transmission fluid. There was fluid way up the dip stick-way off, likely, due to slope.

At the tip of the dip stick it's a little sticky looking - not like the rest.

Other than the above, I have no clues on what the problem might be.

Am wondering if getting the vehicle on even ground and flushing the transmission fluid be a first thing to do? Should this be done by a professional?

As for clues, it has been sitting out in the elements, mainly in the shade in a climate with 4 seasons. It has a rebuilt engine from about 1997 (previous owner) It has at least 300k miles. This is the first time it's not been immediately drivable after a period of inactivity.

The transmission fluid leaked suddenly and badly a couple years back. It was professionally repaired, drove well and the fluid was good the last time the car was used.

Anyone have any thoughts on what I could be dealing with?

leathermang · #2 08-08-2015, 10:29 AM

How did you ' rock it back and forth ' ? Using the gear shift lever putting it alternatively in forward and reverse ?
Did the Parking Brake release for sure ?

dieselgirl85300D · #3 08-08-2015, 10:32 AM

The brakes on these cars will rust and "lock" up
Best to go through the brakes and change out calipers pads fluid and hoses, check for vacuum leaks and fix.

Transmission fluid frequently gets over filled. Vacuum lines to tranny deteriorate, and plastic
transmission modulator breaks, all DIY fixes

I'll let the rest of the guys chime in more on tranny stuff

These old cars go for years without the proper maintinance, and a lot of times just doing
basic fluid changes and getting the vacuum right and good brakes/tires cleaning will get you a reliable car.

Mostly the rubber pieces rot, and once replaced make a world of difference

Check for rust

But might be a good idea to find a mechanic who knows these old cars and get another opinion

Jenn300TD · #4 08-08-2015, 10:33 AM

Yes, the gear shift. I could feel the break engage and release, and the brake light indicator on the dash also went off/on.

Jenn300TD · #5 08-08-2015, 10:37 AM

Thank you about the basic changes, brakes, tranny info, diesel girl.
Thanks to all!

leathermang · #6 08-08-2015, 10:40 AM

So are you pointed up or down the driveway to where you could put it into neutral and see if it will roll.... perhaps freeing up rusted together brakes ? Not far.... a complete turn or two of the wheels will tell us something...

vstech · #7 08-08-2015, 10:43 AM

Throttle linkage and alda line cleared...

With the engine off, have someone step on the throttle... See if the ip lever maxes out or just barely moves...

leathermang · #8 08-08-2015, 10:47 AM

John, I think she is GONE...
7 years a member...
all four posts ToDAY...
on line 40 minutes ...
check back in 2023 to see her answer.....
lol

Jenn300TD · #9 08-08-2015, 10:53 AM

At this point doing complete turns while moving is something I can't really do - not in motion.
The car's facing downwards on a slope and really should roll, but won't , not with a lot of gas!

Going downhill there's a pretty sharp bend in the drive that I can't successfully make without backing the car up from where it is now. Unfortunately I lost some ground in trying to move it, so it's more awkward now. To get down the narrow driveway (off the mountain, actually) involves 2 hard turns to the right. After getting down that 300 feet of driveway there would then be the opportunity for more complete turns while in motion.

Seems it may need towing to get it to a spot where it can be more easily worked on!

Jenn300TD · #10 08-08-2015, 10:56 AM

Thank you, I'm reading all these replies....though I'm not certain how my replies to your show up

Jenn300TD · #11 08-08-2015, 11:02 AM

With the engine off, have someone step on the throttle... See if the ip lever maxes out or just barely moves...

I can get someone later on to assist me with checking this! Thanks!
What caused me to come back after a long time away was I got an email from this list. It may be spam, fishing, whatever the terms are - but it claimed someone tried to sign in with my user name 5 times.
There was a link, but I didn't use the link, I just came here directly, logged in, changed passwords, looked around. Then I decided to move forward on this issue with my Mercedes that I've encountered just lately and see if I might get a response. I am amazed with the quick responses. It is great.

Jenn300TD · #12 08-08-2015, 11:05 AM

I was mistaken -- on the notice from the shop forum, there was just an IP address given. 2 actually, in 2 different notices.

Jenn300TD · #13 08-08-2015, 11:07 AM

Romania and Montreal.

dieselgirl85300D · #14 08-08-2015, 11:14 AM

I had the same spam bots try my password too.
Just clear your password, ID name and browser after surfing

leathermang · #15 08-08-2015, 11:14 AM

I was only suggesting a few turns of the wheels to see if he brakes were frozen as mentioned by Dieselgirl...
It does sound like you need to tow it if that is an option...
since you can not even check the trans level where it is...