being a newbee, i am sure this question hs been asked before, we just got our 1st diesel with an automatic transmission. it shifts hard as can be into second third and forth. if you push hard on the throttle it does not feel as bad but just trying to drive normal, it feels like its gonna break something. what or where do i start looking for a way to correct this horrible problem ? thanks so much in advance for some help .
davidh (the old guy)

If the engine feels to have proper power but the trans shifts hard, you have a vacuum leak that is causing the hard shift. Look at the LEFT (drivers) side of the trans and find the vacuum modulator. It has a small rubber cap seal on it. It is most likely your problem as they rot and crack and leak out the vacuum

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My Truck.. 2007 DODGE, 5.9 Cummins, 6spd stick, 4X4. My car..1977 240D, OTHER WHEELS...1955 VW Oval window bug, European Delivery (Holland) with a 1700cc, 2 barrel, Porsche drum brakes. 1939 WILLYS Pick-up. 1967 Triumph 200cc Tiger Cub. 1976 Honda 550F 4cyl Motor Cycle.

wow, things are really TIGHT FITTING under there. i found the modulator, popped off the cap and found it was cracked just a little, like someone pryed it off. used some GOOP stuff that fixes most everything rubber and felt the little hose connection that also goes to the modulator. that appears to be nice and soft. i am going to follow the hose up to the top of the engine and see whats what there. the former owner said his mechanic plugged a vaccum block on top of the engine because he found a leak in the drivers door somewhere but didn't have the part on hand to immediately fix it so he pulled and plugged something somewhere. i gotta look for that me thinks.
on another subject, is there anything that needs to be serviced on the turbo ? like oil or something ? and i do see oil coming from somewhere on the upper part of the front of the engine i must try to find. its so dang hot out it hard to work on it. garage is currently full of torn apart hudson . . .

I assume the thread was locked as an oops.

W123 Station Wagon
Chassis 123.193
Engine 617.952
Model 300TD Turbodiesel
Years 1981-85

The oil leak issues common to the OM617 are valve cover, turbo drain tube gasket & seals, engine mounts are wrecked by oil.
Here are some threads you need to read.

Run away diesel, why does it happen?
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=824840#post824840

Valve adjustment OM 617 FYI.
Valve adjustment OM615, 616, 617 FYI.

Replacing Seals on Turbo Oil Drain Pipes
http://engine.articles.mbz.org/diesel/seals/

W126 OM617 1985 300SD turbo drain tube gasket & seals
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/113087-w126-om617-1985-300sd-turbo-drain-tube-gasket-seals-post799062.html#post799062

Italian Tune up
Italian Tune up

Bad engine mounts
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/121286-bad-engine-mounts-post868339.html#post868339

Heat shield OM617 engine mount
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/121452-heat-shield-om617-engine-mount-post873875.html#post873875

Engine / motor mount DIY
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/146482-engine-motor-mount-diy.html#post1104023

Rebuilding the Vacuum Pump on the 617 Engine
http://diymbrepair.com/easley/Rebuild_vac_pump.htm

Vacuum pump lesson learned
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/121744-vacuum-pump-lesson-learned.html#post872760

Vacuum Pump Gasket Sealer & Torque
Vacuum Pump Gasket Sealer & Torque

Diesel Injection:
Diesel Injection:

Diesel Air Intake:
Air Intake:



Have a great day.

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Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
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Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
2003 Volvo V70

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