Hey Jim, thats a good question. I admit I certainly spent a lot of time. Whats my or your time worth? To me it was worth it. A major benefit was what I learned from the experience which in some situations that knowledge is priceless. Im sure it does not pay to try something like this if you strictly look at the dollars and cents. But my best reward is knowing that the job was done right. I also was able to easily overhaul the starter, steering gear, power steering pump and hydraulic lines, steering dampener, and degrease the entire area while I was down there.

Every time I have had to take my car in to have it worked on I have major concerns about the quality and accuracy of work. For example, when I had the tranny done on my 91 costing $2600 after an estimate of $2000, I reviewed the parts that were replaced. I noticed that he charged me for 24 friction disks. But the transmission only has 13. Almost 2x. At the time I picked up the car, I didnt know any better so I just paid the bill and left. But now I wonder what else he charged me for that was not necessary or parts that he did not put in. Who can argue about what was or was not done with internal transmission parts if you dont know anything about it. This type of thing is where knowledge is valuable.

So I saved some dollars and traded time for a whole bunch of knowledge. Education is expensive any way you want to figure it. Its one thing if you dont have the time, and another if you do. I have yet to do something like this and regret it.

What is ATSG and where is it available?
thanks

Automatic Transmission Service Group
9200 S. Dadeland Blvd. Suite 720
Miami, Florida 33156
305 670-4161
800 245-7722

www.atsgmiami.com

tranny for 190E
 

I would love to attempt the same job on my 190E just to learn about the tranny

I want to buy a junker tranny and rebuild it for my car, but I really have no idea what the rebuild kit should contain or what I will be needing, would anyone care to shed some light on this issue for me?

xp

Dave

i'm looking thru all the posting but what exactly is the ATSG manual ?

tks
craig

Dear dpetryk,

Congratulations for the good work and many thanks for starting this thread. I am dreaming to do an overhaul once myself on one or more AT's. The transonline doc I already possess and studied it carrefully. It helped me a lot to understand the working.
Thanks to you I know now where to look for furder information.
As you mensioned, the transonline is not complet...
It's telling nothing about the planetary gear. What did you do with that? I believe while inthere it should better be overhauld as well? Or does it depend on it's general condition?
In any way, you gave me the courage to tackle it!
Thanks again,

Danny

As far as the gears go, mine were in top shape. I would just inspect them and if they look good, leave them alone. There was no need to replace them in my case and the tranny had about 200k on it at the time of rebuild. Mostly its the clutches, bands and seals that wearout. But if you need a gear pack I know where I can get one here in Houston. I doubt that you need one.

Go for it. Not much to loose and a lot to gain.

ASTG is a acronym for Automatic Transmission Service Group.

They can be found at 800 245-7722

www.atsgmiami.com

Hey Dave, Great job! I'm envious!

Tell me, does your trans start off in 1st gear or 2nd gear? Since you've been in the trans, do you happen to know how they make the trans start in 1st? Seems like they all start in 2nd, but we have a '91 300E and it starts off in 1st gear. Our '90 starts in 2nd. I'd love to change it.

Thanks

My tranny starts of in second as it is designed to do. If I want a 1st gear start, I simply move the selector to first gear. I only do this occasionally, when the needed. If you know what I mean.

Changing it requires modifications to the valve body - not sure about the details.

hello

there is an add on item that when installed will make your trans start in first gear automatically. if you shut it off the trans goes back to 2nd gear starts. so you're not stuck with only one option.

it's near 200$ looks neat but... for 200$ i figure i can move the shift lever into first by myself.

do a search on first gear starts. it's been on several times. i think performance products have it but the search i'm sure will tell you.


tks
craig

Yes, I had seen that device. I believe it is for later model cars. I assume you're referring to the one with the switch next to the shift lever and requires a "B" position on the shifter.

Our two cars, a '90 & '91 300E, are virtually identical. There must be some simple difference between the transmissions. Everything looks the same but the '91 starts in first gear. I suspect there is something different about the transmission internally. You would never know there's anything different between the two cars by looking at them.

Of course, I'm only assuming the '91 came from the factory with this ability. We're the second owners. Maybe it has been modified somehow. I think it came this way, though, because the original owners didn't seem like the type to have seen the need to change it.