Power loss after service.
 

Took my 85 300d turbo to my indie for a valve adjustment. He says he adjusted something about the shifting. Now, it has much less power in low gear and changes gears so hard that it actually barks the tires on that first upshift. What could he have done?

Is there a chance that the transmission is failing to downshift from 2-1 when moving off from a stop?

Leaving the vac line off from vac control valve to the transmission will probably be the issue with the shifting.

The only things I know that could be adjusted under the hood regarding shift are the vac control valve and the bowden cable. Call the dumbazz and ask him what he adjusted.

No information was provided as to where the adjustment was accomplished.

check your vacuum lines, in particular those going to & from the BFS

its easy to dislodge one without realizing it

Check the Vacuum Line connectors especially look at the little nipples on the main vacuum line.

I am not sure if a Bodwen Cable adjustment would cause or contribute to the symptoms.

It could be he fooled with the Vacuum Valve adjustment. You ought to ask him what he adjusted.

Also does your 85 have that extensive vacuum system with the Vacuum Amplifier?