Have an '85 300D with 250k mi. Intalled Superior shift kid accumulator K1 & K2 springs about 25k mi. ago to stiffen up sluggish/slippy 2-3 and 3-4 shifts. All worked perfectly, but recently I've been getting big 2-3 shift flare under the following conditions:
- normally only when car is warming up. Stone cold and all shifts are good, and full operating temp the same. Problem with 2-3 flare is from about 5min. after starting to about 15min. after starting
- When it does flare it's only under specific throttle load, about 1/2 throttle. Very light throttle, like putting through a parking lot, and full throttle don't flare ever

When I did the superior kit I didn't bother dropping the valve body and changing the control valve springs. Would that help now? I'm not clear what exactly the accumulator spring does vs. the control valve spring.

Could this just be a vacuum problem? From searches I've done, it seems vac problems result in problems with all shifts, not just a specific (i.e. 2-3) shift. But maybe it's easier to start here and at least verify vacuum supply to trans. modulator is at the correct level?

Any thoughts on where to start looking would be greatly appreciated!

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1985 300D 231K anthracite grey w/black int.

What's the vacuum level to the modulator under various driving conditions?

Without any tests, anybody can make a guess as to the problem..........all of which might be a possibility.

You also might be in a situation where the transmission is simply at the end of its capabilities at 250K. The clutch paks wont' last forever.

You should have put the entire kit in. Maybe next oil change, drop the valve body if you can bare to wait.

For now, you could adjust the modulator and vac settings. I think replying to Brian's questions will get you going.

Ok if this were a 81 with a bowden cable where would one start?

One always starts at the modulator............what's the vacuum levels under various driving modes.

Were there instructions with the kit- and if not where did you get the info on what/where to change?

No one is touching my thread:

SO I changed the IP in my w123 1984 wagon and had crappy shifting as a result in the transmission. Prior to the change I had a perfect shifting transmission. I changed no settings other than the IP. The heard the new IP's vacuum control valve leaking, and had very hard shifts and clunking when down shifting- which is expected when not having enough vacuum. Luckily I had another VCV and changed them out and the shifting was much better. The new IP- a Myna pump- gives much more power/fuel. After two days of the new IP and the changed out VCV shifting between 2 and 3 gears was a flare at hard acceleration. Less vacuum at the modulator did not change this. Complete removal of the vacuum line helped- but of course all shifts were hard and clunks when downshifting were loud/harsh.

I'm thinking the new IP caused issues and I may need the superior shift kit (Superior Kit K722A-D). I searched and found the 48 page thread- which is basically worthless because of it's length to find info on. Who here has used the shift kit and where are some good instructions to install the springs needed? Thanks

Have you read the post or instructions by Steve Brotherton ( moderator on this site )?

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=156207&highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

I just searched the site for members names- he does not come up. He is not a mod in tech help or DD. Can you provide a link? Really what I think I need is the part numbers for the shift kits and some instruction on how to install the springs. I have to change the fluid anyways as regular maint, and if the springs are broken then fixing those is needed.

http://www.continentalimports.com/ser_ic20242.html

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Ascalise, Thanks.

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=10414

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=156207&highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

no problem. sometimes its easier to ask then dig through the wealth of info on this site.

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I googled his name and came up with the same page. Now I need to know the k1 and k2 spring kits numbers. If the springs are broken I need to replace them before I do anything I would think.

K1 kit

126 270 44 77

Not sure about the other.

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MTU see this thread too.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=288223&highlight=kit

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Perfect. I'm going to do my wife's 82 wagon and my 84 wagon one after the other. I want my car to have firm shifts- as I now have quite a bit more than stock power, and my wife's car will take the medium. Does the superior shift kit have enough for both of those or do I need to buy a K1 kit and the superior kit? You guys are super helpful- thanks for the excellent write-up link.