I've got a tapping noise that is difficult to pinpoint. It definitely happens under slight load. If I barely touch the gas, the sound starts. Under heavier load it stops. When it its about to switch gears the tapping speeds up considerably.

The tranny definitely has other issues. Just wondering if anybody else has had this and knows what the root cause is? Could it be the engine?

hydraulic lifters??? From engine

__________________

1990 190E 3.0L

I do have a head on the way. Described as excellent condition, just plane and install. I'm going to have a machine shop plane it and check for cracks. If the seals don't look mint I'll do them as well. I guess I'll know if that is causing the noise!

I see in another thread you are having tranny issues. I have some leaks and suspect the pressure is off. I'm just worried if I replace the offending seals and do a fluid change reverse will never work again.

Grab the shift rod when it does it. Bad shift bushings can make a sort of rod knockey, cam/lifter knock/tap.

__________________
68 280SL - 70 280SL - 70 300SEL 3.5 - 72 350SL - 72 280SEL 4.5 - 72 220 - 72 220D - 73 450SL - 84 230GE - 87 200TD - 90 190E 2.0 - 03 G500

Nissan GTR - Nissan Skyline GTS25T - Toyota GTFour - Rover Mini - Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 - Cadillac Eldorado - BMW E30 - BMW 135i

Yes, my transmission is totally gone. However, it did come back with all working gears, but I'm still gonna take it out and get a used one with only 150k......mine has 335k. If you are afraid of doing the seals and changing the fluid then just deal with the little bit of leak by topping it off every so often when you notice that its leaked out about half a quart or so. And as far as the fluid goes, just try draining out 2 quarts a week. So drain 2 out and put 2 in once a week for about 6 weeks or until the fluid looks clean. You will eventually need a filter though. But hopefully this method will help you out.

__________________

1990 190E 3.0L

The ticking could be the shifter linkage or lifters. My lifters in the 2.6 were noisy for a while too. I had them replaced to the tune of about $600.

What all is the transmission doing? How many miles are on it?

The one in my 2.6 was leaking QUITE a bit before I had it re-sealed.

I would drain it, replace the offending seals, replace the filter and refill it.

__________________
Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

I grabbed hold if the shifter handle but no vibration. The transmission takes a long time to engage reverse an shakes violently when it does. It also shifts harsh. It might have about 120k miles if it its original.

Another thing worth mentioning. The fluid is gray. If you tap some out on your hand it's obviously metal swirling around in it. Powdered aluminum sounds about right.

unfortunately I think you need a rebuild. B3 band is probably worn. I drove my car for years with a bad B3 clutch, I just made sure I parked on level ground or somewhere I could reverse out of without going up and incline.

__________________

1990 190E 3.0L