300D Transmission pan full of metal shavings - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ckamila · #1 06-10-2008, 06:24 PM

Coming home last week from a job my transmission started slipping and would not, could not, find any gear except 1st or reverse. I drop into L and limped home - i guess it could have been worst?! Well with 216K on the clock ,and me only having her for the last 4K, I don't know PO maintenance history - had all fluids changed when last summer. Emptied the transmission pan this weekend and found brown (burnt) ATF and large amount of metal shavings and 1 large round metal object.

Question: What transmission can i swap into?

EPC lists my WDB1231331A203126 transmission as a 722.416. I have a line on a used 82 300 with 170K i can purchase for $250 with a full refund if it's a no go. Should i replace the torque converter too while i'm in there? Is there a dmorrison DIY pictorial... =-) ? I do have access to a old garage with lift and will rent transmission jack.

Any thoughts, recommendations, DIY procedures (i have Haynes manual), tips?

Oracle12345 · #2 06-10-2008, 09:09 PM

If you have an automatic tranny you have damaged bands, bearings or seals. That large object maybe a piece of casting for the plantary gears or clutch packs.

If you have an manual tranny then you have chipped some metal of the mesh gears.

How does the transmission shift/behave?

I would buy a new tranny

cphilip · #3 06-10-2008, 09:15 PM

My thought is that when one grenades on ya there is always the possibility that some small metal got into and is lodged in the Torque converter and will come out later and take out the newer tranny again. Something has to be done to prevent that and replacing it with a new one makes the most sense.

ckamila · #4 06-10-2008, 10:26 PM

Oracle12345 --- Tranny is AT. What tranny's can i install or do i need a 85?

cphilip - - - I was considering replacing the TC while i'm in there (first time replacing a transmission though).

Anyone else with some additional wisdom?

Thanks,

cphilip · #5 06-10-2008, 10:42 PM

You would also want to make sure that the Transmission cooler was flushed free of metal too. If this one has the Cooler built into the Radiator. Metal can return from there. I don't know for certain but, if there is room and one can be found, an inline Transmisson Fluid filter on the return line might be in order. I have one of those on my truck for that very reason. Magnetic with a by pass.

bgkast · #6 06-10-2008, 11:16 PM

The '85 box is year specific. I could use that '82 unit.

Jeremy5848 · #7 06-11-2008, 12:53 AM

The '85 also has a unique torque converter with a "slightly higher stall speed" according to the "1985 Introduction into service" manual. I would recommend having the existing transmission overhauled by a reputable place, replacing the torque converter, and thoroughly flushing the cooling system. Giving the whole job to one shop will allow them to see the cause and take the appropriate measures to prevent ruining the repair job. About $3000, I'd say.

I don't think that there are any mechanical things that would prevent installing an earlier transmission. Another option might be one from a 1987 300D (W124). They use a very similar transmission although I don't know if they would bolt up to the OM617 engine.

#8 06-11-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

Another option might be one from a 1987 300D (W124). They use a very similar transmission although I don't know if they would bolt up to the OM617 engine.

I do not believe you can mate up a 61x engine with any transmission for a 60x engine.

ckamila · #9 06-11-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

The '85 box is year specific. I could use that '82 unit.

If i don't use it I'll can pass along the contact info, pickup is in Seattle.

bgkast · #10 06-11-2008, 11:07 AM

Thanks. My '82 is whining and may look like yours soon!

mobetta · #11 06-11-2008, 11:39 AM

The FSM procedure is to remove the engine+tranny together. prolly not necessary if you own 3 1/2 ft worth of extensions for your socket set to get them top bolts.

one bit of advice I was given on my recent engine swap-
loosen the TQ converter to flywheel(flexdisc?) bolts before unhooking the driveshaft. gives some leverage for loosening them.

I thought the only difference was the TQ convertor stall speed, and that the 85 is more desirable than others. what model is the transmission?(on the pass side right above where the pan bolts on) mine is a 722.315 on the 84

good luck

ckamila · #12 06-11-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy5848

The '85 also has a unique torque converter with a "slightly higher stall speed" according to the "1985 Introduction into service" manual. I would recommend having the existing transmission overhauled by a reputable place, replacing the torque converter, and thoroughly flushing the cooling system. Giving the whole job to one shop will allow them to see the cause and take the appropriate measures to prevent ruining the repair job. About $3000, I'd say.

I don't think that there are any mechanical things that would prevent installing an earlier transmission. Another option might be one from a 1987 300D (W124). They use a very similar transmission although I don't know if they would bolt up to the OM617 engine.

I think $3000 is way more than i want to spend, going with a used, low mileage unit is my thinking, just don't know which 722.x transmissions i can replace mine with.

Adsitco.com (any one do business with them) has a 85 rebuilt unit for $1395 w/ 1 yr or 2 yr if i add a torgue convertor for $250.

Cherry Auto Parts (OH) lists an 85 AT with 110K for $735.

Any body in the Northwest (Seattle area) know a good transmission shop?

Jeremy5848 · #13 06-11-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobetta

. . . I thought the only difference was the TQ convertor stall speed, and that the 85 is more desirable than others. what model is the transmission?(on the pass side right above where the pan bolts on) mine is a 722.315 on the 84 . . .

My '85 has a 722.416 transmission. It is a rebuilt unit that a PO had installed but is the same model as the original, according to the "Introduction into service" manual for model year 1985 (page 27).