I now have an 87 300TD with about 8K on a rebuilt transmission, 265K on the car. Car has run quit well and shifted very well after replacing the sub-frame mounts. On a trip north after about 150 miles stopped at a rest stop. Started out of area and with significant traffic had to hit the accelerator to merge back in. The trans would not readily shift to 3rd without taking my foot off the accelerator and letting it slow quite a bit. Getting into 4th was just as troublesome. Made it to my destination....another 50 miles on two lane roads and just shut it off for the night.

Next day, the shifting from 1st to 2nd became an issue and it seemed to refuse to go to third. Under the hood the vacuum line from the intake manifold to the switch over valve was off....probably I thought because it was tight and the engine torque had just pulled it off. Put in new and longer hose but that made no difference whatsoever.

So, I am not sure if the issue is the kick-down switch which can make such issues and is probably original OR if there is some new vacuum issue. The vacuum pump just up and failing does not make much sense.

Any thoughts or suggestions will be greatly appreciated!!

Frank

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old goat

86 300SDL - 207K
84 300DT - 298K - sold
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