I am changing my transmition fluid in my 300D and draining the torque converter also. Had the new filter on and the new gasket on,everything back on. Started to put new fluid in, got about 4 quarts and I noticed a big leak. Thought it was the gasket, took the pan back off and put the old gasket back on. Started to put fluid in and started leaking again, it looks like it is comming from the top of the tranny. What am I doing wrong? I have a big mess to clean up and get somemore fluid.

is the front end up on ramps or a steep incline? I had the same thing happen to me as i changed the atf fluid and filter a few months ago. I had the car up on ramps and as I was finishing the 4 th qt of atf, i saw red fluid running down the driveway. I figured there must have been some sort of vent or overflow on the tranny. Anyway, i got it off the ramps and was able to fill 'er up without incident.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
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'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

Yes, it is on my ramps. I didnt even think of that, thankyou. It is dark out now so I will finish it tommorow.

You are not filling the torque converter.

Initially fill the transmission sump with 3 quarts then start the car and put the transmission in "D" then switch to "R" repeat a few times then shut off the engine and add the remaining transmission fluid.

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98 Dodge-Cummins pickup (123k)
13 GLK250 (135k)
06 E320CDI (323K)
16 C300 (62K)
82 300GD Gelaendewagen (54K)

Thankyou. One more question, to get the torque drain in view I used a screw driver to turn the conveter. Did I screw something up? Does it matter which direction I turned the conveter?

i dont think it should matter because the TC is not splined directly to the crank. A screw driver is about the only thing you can use.

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2001 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 4x4, auto, 3.54 gears, long bed
-------------------------------------
'92 300D 2.5 Turbodiesel - sold
'83 300D Turbodiesel - 4 speed manual/2.88 diff - sold
'87 300D Turbodiesel - sold
'82 300D Turbodiesel - sold

It isn't???

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
1996 E300D (W210) . .338,000 miles Wife's car
2005 E320 CDI . . 113,000 miles My car
Santa Rosa population 176,762 (2022)
Total. . . . . . . . . . . . 627,762
"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
-- Janis Joplin, October 1, 1970

Uhh... the torque converter isn't splined to the crank but it is bolted to the crank through the flexplate! You probably didn't do any damage but don't turn the engine backwards again. To remove doubt while working on your back with your head towards the differential, set a ratchet with 27mm socket on the crank so you can only turn the engine one direction. edit - Make sure it's the right direction If you're as much a monkey as I am, you'll move the ratchet with your legs while you watch for the drain plug to align with the access hole.

I've never had a problem filling 4 quarts with the front on ramps (116, 126, 140, 124) but maybe I'm just lucky. Make sure the pan mating surface is true/flat/level before installing and don't overtighten. I don't know the torque spec but it's not much more than you could tighten with a screwdriver.

Sixto
87 300D
... working on opposable big toes