No central locking , auto transmission shifts hard is it a vacuum problem

[Captain Kirk]

Hi guys I have just inherited a 380SL 84 ( w107 ) from my father and he told me the central locking doesn't lock and the auto transmission shifts hard and won't change in to the next gear unless you take you foot off the accelerator
I have been told this might all be because the vacuum pump is stuffed or the line coming off it have come off or split is this true ? If so where can I find this vacuum pump ?
Big thanks

[rowdie]

No vacuum pump on the 380SL. It is all engine vacuum. The main vacuum source is located at the rear of the intake on the right side. Hard to see. The vacuum line to the transmission modulator valve is attached to it as well as the line for the central Locking system.

[meltedpanda]

it is a bear to get to , expect some skinned knuckles ! This line needs a correct diameter replacement , using non marring clamps ( like fuel pump clamps)

[SunGuy]

Originally Posted by Captain Kirk

Hi guys I have just inherited a 380SL 84 ( w107 ) from my father and he told me the central locking doesn't lock and the auto transmission shifts hard and won't change in to the next gear unless you take you foot off the accelerator
I have been told this might all be because the vacuum pump is stuffed or the line coming off it have come off or split is this true ? If so where can I find this vacuum pump ?
Big thanks

From your description, you may have both a vacuum problem and shift cable problem. The vacuum line for the trans begins at the right-rear of the manifold, just in front of the firewall. If you don't see the vacuum line itself, look for a nipple fitting in the same location; that's where the vacuum hose connects.
If you have vacuum(pull the hose, blow smoke at the fitting; if it 'disappears' you've got vacuum) then your problem is most likely at the end of that line where it plugs into a vacuum modulator on the passenger side of the transmission. These modulators fail and/or go out of adjustment often. My advice is to take the car to any reputable trans shop and ask them to attempt adjustment. Turning the adjuster clockwise or counter-clockwise to increase or decrease the amount of vacuum, and the subsequent smoothness of shift. If adjusting causes no change in shift smoothness, then you need to replace the modulator.

Shift timing/rpms is set at a half moon like fitting found at the rear of the engine in the center, next to or mounted on the firewall. To set/change shift timing, loosen the adjustment screw going into the half moon slider. When you do, the slider should move to the end of its slot as tension has released. With one hand from the passenger side, pull the slider toward you. The moment you feel resistance, turn the set screw clockwise to lock the fitting in place, Test drive the car and make further adjustments as necessary Good luck...

Bob