New transmission leaking at torque converter W114

[Number400]

Today I set the timing via vacuum gauge. Now, it runs so much better and vacuum is holding steady in the green at 18. Now, there is no more hesitation and things have smoothed out. There was no pinging or flat spots. At this point, I am leaving my fitting on the modulator and have an appointment next week to have them diagnose. Transmission continues to work smoothly in every way with the exception of not shifting into 4th gear. I am not going to drive the car anymore until taking it to the shop. Going to be a slow drive. Sadly, I imagine that the transmission has to come out again but that's life.

[Number400]

Small update. I drove the car to the shop and only had to flog it in 3rd for one exit on the highway. Ran great for the 20 miles. The shop confirmed that my new transmission never attempts to shift into 4th and recorded the pressures and sent them to ATSG and are waiting for a call back to see what they missed.

[Number400]

Update for anyone following. Definitely a mechanical issue from the rebuild and they will be pulling and hopefully fixing. I can only hope that they take good care and that things go smoothly. I am promised that I will get it back fully functional and test driven. They have extended the warranty to three years/36,000 miles. It's not a free option for me but saves two tows, me removing, transporting, reinstalling and then towing back for first fill and start. I wanted to use that extra $$$ for a steering wheel, welder and lots of new rubber parts. I would do it but am about to get very busy on rental rehab. Oh well.

[Number400]

I picked up the car today from the transmission shop. They tore down the transmission and found no problems. It's back in the car and I just drove it home for 20 miles on the highway. I was not comfortable with the RPM over 50MPH. There are indeed 4 gears, with first only being used if I go down to low, or if I stomp the gas pedal.

From the seat of my pants, the RPM is too high at any sort of cruising speed. The temp was spot on, the car accelerates smoothly, idles very well and does everything I expect it to except the lack of comfortable cruising at 55MPH.

I will keep working on it and driving it until something goes boom and then go from there. I will work on getting a tach as well. M114 engine.

[kraakevik]

One thing you might consider to reduce cruising RPM would be to install taller tires on the rear axle. I've done this on all six of my M110 280's--it can be worth 7-8% with 14-inch wheels, much more with 15-inch wheels.




Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
630 940-2420

[Number400]

Nice, I did not think about that. And I just had new tires installed...
With this car, I just did not imagine that the highway driving experience would be so high strung. I actually thought it would be the opposite.

Originally Posted by kraakevik

One thing you might consider to reduce cruising RPM would be to install taller tires on the rear axle. I've done this on all six of my M110 280's--it can be worth 7-8% with 14-inch wheels, much more with 15-inch wheels.




Tim Kraakevik
kraakevik@voyager.net
630 940-2420

[rumb]

In general older MB's run at a higher rpm than other cars. Completely normal but unnerving for those not accustomed to it.

https://www.automobile-catalog.com/auta_details1.php

has chart with rpm per mph by gear

[Number400]

Originally Posted by rumb

In general older MB's run at a higher rpm than other cars. Completely normal but unnerving for those not accustomed to it.

https://www.automobile-catalog.com/auta_details1.php

has chart with rpm per mph by gear

Wow, that chart is great. Thank you.

In my case, 62MPH would be 3,000RPM. I am going to do some more driving and see how it goes. The motor is healthy with good compression on all cylinders, the valves are set. I get a little smoke on startup but I guess that is to be expected for the age. The car sat for 20+ years and the fact that I have now done a 40 mile round trip feels good.