I'm new to this site I wanted to let you guys know your comments are most helpful. I had the engine oil and filter changed as well as topped off the trans with two litres of fluid. Immediately thereafter my 560SEL started belching out HUGE amounts of white smoke. I assume modulator diaphram from reading all of your comments. But I notice after one more day of driving the white smoke has diminished or basically stopped. Is it possible the technician over filled my transmission? or Is it possible I have burned enough ATF that the white smoke stops? *It does appear to be near a half liter low on ATF after two days. and There are no spots of oil or ATF under the car however once in a while I notice water [I assume is condensation from the AC compresser] with what looks like a little bit of fuel in it? I am in the philippines and it is easy to get taken advantage of here I would like to know what part is bad and how long the job should take on a lift. Also I see a modulator "seal" listed for parts for 1987 560SEL not "diaphram". I dont have the confidence to do the job myself. Any comments appreciated.
Thanks,
David

Locate the vacuum line that goes to the vacuum modulator on the transmission. It should terminate on the intake manifold. Inspect it to see if there is any transmission fluid in the line. Also disconnect and block the intake port, and see if the problem disappears.

If so, then the moulator has blown the diaphragm, and needs to be replaced.

Jim

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Thanks Jim if this is the case do i just need to replace the whole modulator valve? And is there anything else I need besides the part? Any other info? Special tools? Also where on the trans is it located?
David

If you wish to do the test Jim suggests, I will give you a couple hints. First don't try this on a hot engine. Take off the air filter and follow the large black vacuum supply hose from the brake booster till it connects at the back of the motor. If you are tall enough you will be able to see it. It is attached at the base of the intake plenum about 6-8 inches below the top of the intake. The line going to the modulator attaches to a small tee fitting coming off the same source. It is within an inch or so from the absolute end of the booster source hose (this is a black hose the size of a finger in diameter).

One other point to note, if the diaphram is bad enough to cause your problem the trans will be shifting distintly harder than it was previously.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks Steve. Can you descibe where the transmission modulator is on the transmission? And if the mod diaphram is bad I need to replace the whole modulator yes? Are there any adjustments I need to make to the part or just replace?
Thanks again,
David

Is it possible you overfilled the transmission? 2L is quite a bit low, usually that's low enough to notice slipping. You made sure the transmission was fully warm and your engine was idling when you checked the level, right? Overfilling the tranny will cause fluid to blow out.

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Thanks. The trans was slipping at 2L low. I assume they had the tranny warm but not sure. I will monitor the level. One way or another I am loosing ATF but there is not spot under car.