722.317 transmission Buying Used - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kelley312c · #1 03-12-2016, 05:31 PM

Hello all,

I am currently thinking about getting a use 722.317 transmission for my 87 300d that is supposedly in good condition. My current transmission has a leak at the front pump and I have been told by numerous people that I will have to replace/rebuild the transmission within the next year or two.

I have found a transmission from parts car that is supposedly in good condition (owner is checking on the miles). Besides that, is there anything else i should look for? also, what would be a fair price if the tranny is in good condition? Thank you! I called the seller, lives out of town. Offering $225...it has 185000 miles on it.

I am thinking of getting it, replacing some seals, and holding on to it till the tranny in my car gets worse. Is this an awful idea? $225 is a lot better than the quotes I have been getting for a rebuild in town or a swap with a transmission from sun valley.

What do you think?

Junkman · #2 03-12-2016, 08:02 PM

Depends. How would you feel if it doesn't work after going through some seals? What shape is the rest of the car in? Is it your daily driver? What are your plans for the car?

I've seen remans for < $1500. These are getting old and some parts drop in price because tere isn't much market. The other argument is that they are 'rare' and if you need something, you need it.

kelley312c · #3 03-12-2016, 08:14 PM

The plan is to have the car for many years, as long as the engine us strong.

w123fanman · #4 03-12-2016, 08:23 PM

I personally would get the used transmission if you get anything at all. Rebuilt is great but the used one could last a long time too. Your transmission should be salvageable as well if it is only a leak. I have never really done any transmission work though I did have a rebuilt transmission put in my 190D because a used one wasn't available at all and the original was shot. That was before I learned about fixing things so I could have saved a whole lot of money doing it myself.

babymog · #5 03-13-2016, 12:08 PM

If it's a front seal, you can pull it and replace it once the transmission is out, ... if the only problem I'd suggest replacing the front seal (pressed in place behind the TC, need a small slide-hammer with a hook to pull it).

kelley312c · #6 03-13-2016, 01:33 PM

Thanks for the advice! The other issue I have with the transmission is that after a cold start it slips between 1st and 2nd gear. I can feel it wanting to make the change, but it just won't. Once the car is warmed up then this issue goes away...any thoughts?

babymog · #7 03-13-2016, 06:44 PM

That is likely leaky internal seals, can't maintain control pressure until the warm fluid softens them, ...more serious.

barry12345 · #8 03-14-2016, 01:51 PM

A seal expanding transmission treatment chemical might help. It takes some time in service to tell. It is usually worth a try.

Adriel · #9 03-14-2016, 04:53 PM

Always a risk with used, however, getting hard to find independent rebuilt shops that are good. If I were you, see if you can, so when you have the original out, can save up the bread and eventually have it rebuilt. This was my plan, as then can be down only a short while and always have a spare ready to go.

I bought used form a reputable company, but most likely had been recently rebuilt. Paid way more than that, but rare automatic and came with extra parts (didn't know until arrived).

Hope this helps.

Hit Man X · #10 03-14-2016, 08:44 PM

IMO, waste of money to spend $250 for a used trans to use that will at minimum need all external seals and reverse clutches. $1500 is a pretty good deal for a reman with a warranty from Sun Valley? out in CA. I have also heard good things about Silver Star in Oklahoma City. Even if it really only has 185k, it is still 30 years old and the internal seals are long tired too.

These things are super simple. Scoop up a copy of the factory 722.3 PDF and the ATSG book which is decent for it. There are also a few long threads where members have gone through them.

Tools to help break down the internals are about $230 on ebay, a full master kit about $300ish plus bands. Alabama Bands sells relined B1 and B2 bands for pretty reasonable...this is the route I am going to take.

Lastly, front pump leaks are super common on these as the pump bushing is almost always the culprit. Four of my five do this, I am just going to rebuild each one as time allows.

2¢

ngarover · #11 03-17-2016, 04:50 AM

Got a really good used transmission in my 87 that I just recently put in. Shifts smooth and tight. Goes with rest of car you can drive home for 1500 and includes #17 head, 2004 CLK rims and lots and lots of new parts....

pwogaman · #12 03-17-2016, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit Man X

IMO, waste of money to spend $250 for a used trans to use that will at minimum need all external seals and reverse clutches. $1500 is a pretty good deal for a reman with a warranty from Sun Valley? out in CA. I have also heard good things about Silver Star in Oklahoma City. Even if it really only has 185k, it is still 30 years old and the internal seals are long tired too.

These things are super simple. Scoop up a copy of the factory 722.3 PDF and the ATSG book which is decent for it. There are also a few long threads where members have gone through them.

Tools to help break down the internals are about $230 on ebay, a full master kit about $300ish plus bands. Alabama Bands sells relined B1 and B2 bands for pretty reasonable...this is the route I am going to take.

Lastly, front pump leaks are super common on these as the pump bushing is almost always the culprit. Four of my five do this, I am just going to rebuild each one as time allows.

2¢

X2

kelley312c · #13 03-18-2016, 12:30 AM

Thanks for the advice. I'm going to pass on the transmission and just save of for the rebuild when it happens. The engine is strong, so I'll keep her up

I haven't heard bad things about trans-x, not too many at least, so I am going to put a quart of it in to hopefully, maybe slow the slow leak and fix the slipping between 1st and 2nd when cold...but maybe, I don't think I'll hurt anything. I'll report on the effects of the trans-x in a few weeks.