I love you guys. Just jumping in and going for the big stuff without a proper diagnostic. Seems everyone just skipped right over my suggestion of a possible $150.00 solution to the problem. Since the owner is primed for a $3,000.00 valve job, I'd honor his request and do the job. If the problem of smoking is solved, he GUESSED right. If the car still smoked after the $3,000.00 valve job, I'd probably just throw in the $60.00 transmission modulator for free.

I remember a client came in once and had me change his water pump for about $450.00. He saved diagnostic costs by having a DIY friend check it out for him. So I changed the water pump like he asked and didn't even charge him for tightening the hose clamp that was causing the leak, because I'm just a nice guy.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

Replacing the valve stem seals on MBZ engines is a relatively easy 'on the car' job. You can even replace the valve GUIDES withoout removing the heads.. Gotta either turn the engine so the piston is TDC to hold the valve up, or use a spark-plug hole air chuck.

The 'plastic'parts in the engine are seriously deteriorated by runing the oil too long between changes (it gets acidic and attacks the polymer), or using gasoline that does not have sufficient additives in it. Poor gasoline quality (legal minimum additive level) is the biggest contributor to early engine seals failure and piston ring carbon deposits and engine sludge.

Buy 'Top Teir' gasoline. The cost difference is trivial while the long term savings are big.

Kebowers,
What are you smokin, dude? I'm guessin it's some pretty good *****.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

dont see how to replace valve guides wo removing the head.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

maybe you meant chain guides.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

How does the transmission modulator effect smooke on takeoff? How does it cauase that?

1984 300d Turbo 135k
**************.com Valve Seal Kit, 10 Seals,push On Tool, Extra
Lock Nuts, Guide Book $78.00 Diy 3-7 Hrs No More Smoke, Overhead
Cam Tdc No 1

The modulator on the side of the trans on gas engines and some diesels consists of a diaphragm with trans fluid on one side and manifold vacuum on the other side. During high manifold situations like idling or on decell a torn diaphragm allows tranny fluid to be sucked into the intake manifold. Just squirt a shot of oil into your manifold while the car is idling, and you'll get the picture. This is the first simple test that any professional mechanic worth his salt will run before yanking the heads off.

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Auto Zentral Ltd.

So how can I check to see if thats the problem? Do I need to replace the unit and see or can I check without wasting money?


thanks,
George

Find the vacuum line as it comes up fromthe transmission. Put a clear plastic inline lawnmower fuel filter in the line. Drive for a few days and see if trany fluid shows up in the filter.