I have a 81 300SD. The trans slips when I back up. If I give it a very small
bit of gas on a flat it will creep backwards. If I give it a normal shot of gas
it will not move. Please help. I am sick of pushing out of parking spots.
Thanks Everyone. Jay

Sounds like a slipping clutch, for sure.

Check the basics........first:

1) Fluid up to proper level.
2) Clean filter (change fluid and filter.......if in doubt).


Outside of the basics, you are probably into a serious repair. I don't know of any adjustments that will get reverse to return.

Try changing the fluid first and adding some trans X. Its worth a shot.

If that doesn't do it trans rebuild time.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Will I get away only replacing the friction discs and brake band?

Ask Pete Burton to comment on the thread for you. He's rebuilt one of these, himself!

To replace the B3 clutch pack, basically, you need to remove transmission from vehicle first. Then, remove torque converter and front pump. The B3 bands and steels are then readily accessable. Use the newer friction plates, which are greenish in color (you may not be able to source the older type anyway). At absolute minimum, you need to replace any chowed steels and set the pack clearance to spec, which is something like 0.7-1.3mm, but you'll have to look it up. You should change the B3 piston seal while you are there. I used a tool made from a 3 liter soda bottle which worked great. Also, put a new bushing and seal in the front pump before you button it back up.

__________________
'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.

The only thing I don't know how to do is set the pack clearence. Can you
give me a short walk through on that.
Thanks again everyone for your help. Jay

You need to measure the distance between the outermost plate of the clutch pack and the clean surface the front pump will mount back up to. Then, with new gasket on clean front pump mounting surface, measure between the gasket and pushing surface of the B3 piston. The difference between these 2 measurements is the clutch pack clearance.

__________________
'82 300SD - 361K mi - "Blue"

"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."

listen, look, .........and duck.