Transmission gurus please chime in..

[mabbonizio]

Alright, I've got an 82 240D 150k miles. The trans sifting is completely controlled by vacuum through the 3/2 valves on the valve cover, modulator, and vcv.

I have finally sorted out all the leaks in the system and adjusted the VCV to where i think i have normal shifts. Basically the 1-2 2-3 shifts are quick and firm but not harsh. 3-4 on the other hand is slow, especially when cold. I do not perceive a flare, and once the car is fully warmed up on a warm day after a 25 mile drive the shift into 4th gets firmer and quicker.

Ironically the more my foot is into the gas pedal the firmer the 3-4 shift is making me believe its getting too much vacuum on low speed shifts and sliding into 4th.

If i tweak the VCV anymore I get too hard of shifts on all other gears.

Trans fluid is very low appearing when measured when the trans is cold. Once it is at normal operating temp the fluid is right below the max line on the dip stick. I believe this is the proper way to check the fluid as per the FSM.

Anyone have any thoughts? While it doesn't flare Im worried that the shift is soft enough to wear the clutches out? I'm also thinking the best way to fine tune the vacuum system may be to get some more restrictors, perhaps the one I have is in-correct.