Transmission Problem 300D 1987

[woopdeedoodaa]

Hello all,

Looks like the transmission line on the passenger side broke on my 1987 300D, have had about 2 months- it was hard to tell at night. Was driving from MD to NJ Sunday night when tranny started slipping- couldn't pull over and drove it for about 5 miles as it went from slipping 4th to a steady 3rd to not. Had the car towed from there.
I haven't looked at the situation in the daylight, but it seemed to be a massive leak from the right front (~under the turbo).
I am exploring options: assuming it is the right hand transmission line, is there any chance this tranny will work again or should I assume it is toast?
If not, I am lining up some used ones, question is how hard of a job is this? I have occasionally replaced engines on american cars (and a 1976 R17 Gordini) but the MB CD 2pk doesn't have a section on transmissions, engine and body only- does anyone have any DIY instructions/photos or a link to the files that I am missing? I can't assume it is a simple 6 bolt job just yet. Any help will be appreciated. The car was a joy before this happened.

John
woopdeedoodaa@yahoo.com

[mbdoc]

The trans line should be fixed & then think about replacement! WHEN the trans is 1 QT low the trans will slip, however the trans holds 8 qts! Maybe you will be the lucky one that didn't have any damage!

[woopdeedoodaa]

M.B. Doc/Shop Forum,

Thanks-
Bottom line up front: Seems to be a success story- have logged about a 1k miles on without any slipping at all. Seems to shift just fine (slightly different between 2nd and 3rd gear, but still OK(trans fluid is at max at hot, idle, and level, I may drain a bit to get at the middle of the two lines)). I have tried to get it to slip on hard driving and it won't, so I think I can rely on this for a while, although if this accelerated tranny degradation, I may have to look at replacement sooner rather than later.
My backup plan was to replace the tranny w/a used/refurbished one- hence the questions on the difficulty and lack of manual info. I appreciate the info about the 1 quart slippage although I don't think I will be as lucky next time.

My first plan was to replace the transmission cooling supply/return lines with the guesstimate that was were the leak occured- I'm grateful something worked out.