Adjusted Valves & Trans shifts smoothly
 

My 1984 300SD has 230,000 miles. I have driven it for only 700 of the 230,000 miles. Today, I finished adjusting the valves. The job would have been easier if I had the correct wrenches. I used a 17mm crowsfoot wrench with a 7" X 3/8" carriage bolt bent to a 45 degree angle as a handle. Along with an regular open ended wrench, the job took most of the morning.

I noticed before the valve adjustment, the transmission had a definite firm shift. I found that I really had to let up on the accelerator pedal to get a smoother shift. I thought the firm shift is common in Mercedes. After the valve adjustment, the transmission shifts as smoothly as the GM hydramatic transmissions that I am used to. I can put my foot on the accelerator and rev the engine to 2000 rpms and the transmission shifts smoothly when ever it hits 2000 rpms. The acceleration is just fine. I can feel 1st gear shift, but doesn't shift hard. The rest of the gears I don't feel, but I can see the shifts happening in the tach. Does anyone know why the transmission shifts so smoothly?

I have noticed when my transmission shifts it kicks the whole car forward, but I think there is something wrong with my transmission, it shouldn't shift that harshly.

It sounds like you accidentally disturbed the transmission linkage when you removed the valve cover.

Luke, you are right. The transmission shift linkage cable went on the wrong side of the kick up plate by mistake. I like the way it shifts. If I want to go fast, I'll just go through the gears, like a manual transmission.

Since the transmission shifts so smoothly, it will probably last forever. There is less shock through the drive train.

Thanks for your help.