Vacuum trans control valve $$$ ?
 

OK, I was just looking for a vac control valve, I didn't really need one as mine is fine, it runs from 15 in down to 0 in and back smoothly. Just finished wiping my hands off from a small trans shift problem that I believe is not vac related. So I looked on eBay to see if any modulators were listed and I spotted one, a used one, it's at $100 and the bidding isn't over yet. What gives? I have seen wrecking yards that sell the entire IP for less than that (with valve attached)! Are these bidders saving bucks or do they really need one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7970226381&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

The cheapest i have found them aftermarket is for 180.00, so grab as many as you can find at bone yards. Only a $5 bucks to those fools.

I think you mean the Vacuum Control Valve - the modulator is on the tranny itself.
I'm working through this whole thing myself, trying not to have to buy one. I haven't been able to figure out the issue yet....my VCV drops the vacuum, but I'm feeding it 21 and it will drop it to about 8 or so. Too much vacuum. I don't want to spend the money on a VCV if that's not the culprit.
My system is so simple ('81 240D auto) - it goes from the booster vac line up to the switchover valves and down to the VCV - where is it suppose to get dropped down to the 15 in. for the VCV to work with? I get a constant 21??

BTW - I was quoted $157 (MB part) from Caliber Motors in Orange County.

I corrected that error, I realized it afterwards but didn't come back to edit it until this AM.
Yikes! I passed up a few of these at junk yards, I guess I am lucky mine hasn't failed (yet).

Hockeynut, I believe there is a controlled leak, or the orofice in the small plastic inline fitting sets the vacuum. I was advised to change my fitting from yellow to green, the size of the small opening is all that changes from one to the other. I can't tell you where the vacuum drops but I'll try to figure this out. All I know is the shift points up shifting are set by the valve and coming down I believe its the leak that determines the shifts. This is so simple its mysterious!

Thanks - I've been through the orifice thing on another post and tried to find out about it for my '81 240D - found out they didn't start putting them in the 240's until '82. I should just get my hands on one to see if it helps or not. I have a new brake booster vac line coming because all my troubles didn't start until I drilled out my T fitting with a 1/16" drillbit (per a trans adjust paper in the DIY section) You don't have an old orifice you would want to part with, do you?