87 300D no kickdown and lost power - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

theref · #1 10-05-2011, 09:48 AM

Going home on the freeway yesterday, the kickdown mode did not drop down to a lower gear and there was no large increase in RPM-or increase in speed. Instead there was a fairly high pitched whirring sound that varied with RPM not vehicle speed. I can barely stay at 50mph on freeway hills. Also, for the last week, I have heard an unusual vibration sound at idle-but in gear. The whirring sound did not start until I got on the freeway this morning which is about a 2 mile drive.

Despite the signature data, car has a total of about 265K and about 60K on the new engine. Transmission rebuilt 2 years ago when turbo and IP were also changed.

winmutt · #2 10-05-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theref

Going home on the freeway yesterday, the kickdown mode did not drop down to a lower gear and there was no large increase in RPM-or increase in speed. Instead there was a fairly high pitched whirring sound that varied with RPM not vehicle speed. I can barely stay at 50mph on freeway hills. Also, for the last week, I have heard an unusual vibration sound at idle-but in gear. The whirring sound did not start until I got on the freeway this morning which is about a 2 mile drive.

Despite the signature data, car has a total of about 265K and about 60K on the new engine. Transmission rebuilt 2 years ago when turbo and IP were also changed.

Did you check trans fluid?

kerry · #3 10-05-2011, 10:06 AM

Not sure about the kickdown but lack of power could be a problem with the turbo

theref · #4 10-05-2011, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

Did you check trans fluid?

Will do so again when it is light today.

sixto · #5 10-05-2011, 11:16 AM

Do you get the performance you expect if you downshift manually?

Sixto
87 300D

theref · #6 10-06-2011, 10:17 AM

My mechanic advised not to drive except to his shop. ATF is fine. Noticed on drive to shop that the whirring noise comes on at anything over 1500RPM and is present even in neutral. Manual downshift on freeway does not result in increase in RPM although you can feel the transmission shift. Also noticed shifts were at higher RPM/speed than usual and no feeling of increased power.

winmutt · #7 10-06-2011, 10:26 AM

Hopefully the engine wasnt rebuilt at the same shop as the trans

theref · #8 10-06-2011, 02:50 PM

At the time it was the only one in the US in a warehouse in Baltimore.

theref · #9 10-11-2011, 08:58 AM

Mechanic says internal turbo seal shot and that the shaft is badly worn. It leaks oil into engine intake. He noticed lots of black soot at tail pipe from oil and also suspects that cat may be clogged.

I am not finding ready source for a new/reman turbo. Anyone know of a good source (not Adsit). Also, KKK or Garrett?

theref · #10 10-11-2011, 09:41 AM

They seem to be a quality turbo rebuilder from what I can find on the web.

theref · #11 10-12-2011, 02:37 PM

Still looking for suggestions for source for replacement turbo.

theref · #12 10-14-2011, 09:31 AM

Turbo torn down and revealed bearing and shaft wear as well as blown seals. Mechanic found problem with waste gate not fully closing probably as a result of a poor rebuild. Mech also noted that no vacuum was getting to turbo and found a bad electrical component just behind the passenger side headlight. The failed turbo was purchased at the dealer at a very high price but turned out to be a reman. I found a local place to rebuild it (Garrett) at a cost that is about $700 less than what the dealer wants for a rebuilt one that probably comes from the same place. This also eliminates the shipping costs. The failed one was installed in 10/07 and 45K miles ago. That one was a replacement for the one that MB paid for in 93 as part of the ceramic trap recall. So I am now on the 4th turbo in 25 years that I have owned the car.

theref · #13 10-19-2011, 09:06 AM

Turbo repair complete. It required a new cartridge due to considerable damage to internals. Cost totals $577 for rebuild. Vacuum/electical component behind passenger side headlight is another $160.

winmutt · #14 10-22-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theref

Turbo repair complete. It required a new cartridge due to considerable damage to internals. Cost totals $577 for rebuild. Vacuum/electical component behind passenger side headlight is another $160.

Oh man I would have sold you mine for $200.

theref · #15 10-22-2011, 01:05 PM

I plan to keep this car a while so the extra expense for a fresh rebuild may be worth it in the long run.