Transmission Leak 116 '75 280s - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stiffy · #1 02-19-2004, 01:45 AM

Just noticed a large puddle underneath the transmission - it seems to be coming down from above (although I haven't managed to get under it for a good look).

I checked the fluid levels and for some reason it seems over-filled (although I haven't added any).

Haven't noticed any slippage - but car seems to be lacking power.

Bizarre.

psfred · #2 02-19-2004, 11:38 AM

How long has it been sitting?

If more than a month or so, the torque coverter will leak down, worse on older trannies, and since this isn't a huge Hydromatic, the case will overfill and spill out the top. When you start it up, it will be low, and slip, etc.

Otherwise, please check for coolant!!!!! If the transmission cooler is leaking, the tranny will be toast pretty fast! Pink foam or water droplets in the tranny juice, get it outta there pronto!

Peter

stiffy · #3 02-19-2004, 06:19 PM

I checked for coolant - looks clean.

I took it for a spin and checked the level again, it was down a bit, but still above the high mark on the dip-stick.

The next symptom is slippage in low gear, but only when it was cold. After driving for 5 minutes, it was back to normal.

Sounds like trouble (especially with the leak).

stiffy · #4 02-19-2004, 06:27 PM

The car has been used fairly regularly - around town.

The other symptoms you describe are present, however.

I'll do a search on Torque Converters in the meantime to get some background (I know nothing about them - not sure if what you describe is normal, or requires adjustment, or replacement, etc)

Other things that I have noticed:
- I've had the car for almost a year - its always had a "droning" sound at around 60km/h - which I assume is the gearbox.
- It's never really had a lot of power - but I have not noticed any slippage until now (although it's barely noticeable and only on start up)
- Gears engage (including reverse) generally without delay.

psfred · #5 02-19-2004, 06:54 PM

Droning is more likely exhaust or driveline than tranny.

Rapid torque converter leak-down will show up as delayed shfts and slippage cold, until the converter is completely full of fluid again. Usually takes weeks or more to drain down, but with wear it could be faster.

Complete drain, filter change, and synthetic tranny fluid may help. May also finish off the tranny, always a risk. Much of the tranny vibration quit on the 280 when I was forced to change the fluid -- busted a cooler line and sprayed it all out.

Peter

Dopey · #6 02-25-2004, 04:21 AM

i have a 73 280S (w116) auto transmission and it takes a little while to go into gear, would doing a filter and fluid change help this?? and is there much risk in damaging it???

psfred · #7 02-25-2004, 10:17 PM

It's a crapshoot. If the fluid has been changed fairly often, it may help and it may not.

If it hasn't been changed for 100,000 miles, you are taking a significant risk it will fail soon.

Peter

Dopey · #8 02-29-2004, 06:52 AM

Hey guys,
im thinking about doing a tranny fluid and filter change anyone know where i can get the filter and seals to do this job in austalia??? im in NSW

and should i be using any particular type of tranny fluid???

stiffy · #9 02-29-2004, 07:09 AM

While I can't produce the required wisdom with regard to the pro's and cons of different ATF - there are some posts already within the forum that do - do a search first and see what you get.

I can, however, help you with suppliers in NSW:
Try gMbh Parts (Lakemba) - 97580000

They can send you stuff wherever you are cheaply (or you can visit them) - they do new and reco and are wreckers as well (saved me quite a bit on an engine pipe a few months back).