I haven't cracked it yet, so I'm just hoping for a "quality" external diagnosis--my fantasy it to be able to repair everything in one go: filter, fluid, gasket, pistons, seals, etc.

Engaging reverse works instantly. Engaging forward _seems_ to work instantly as the car will lurch. But it's not fully engaged, maybe only about 10%. You must hold the RPM at ~2000 (tach broke) for about three seconds before it fully engages the clutches and takes off. Other shifts 2-3-4 are fine, including kickdown. It rolls down the road fine, it's just the pull-away that's jacked.

My poorly-trained thoughts are that it's NOT the filter/old fluid, or it would be weak in reverse, also. YOUR thoughts: B2 seal, B1 piston, timing chain stretch, etc.

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James Marriott
2003 Buick Regal
1983 300D (228k, frau Auto)
1996 Suburban K2500 (192k, 6.5 turbo diesel/4WD towmaster 10,000)
www.engineeringworks.biz
1987 300SDL junker 170k
1982 300SD junker, 265k