Transmission blew all the fluid out. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cirrusman · #1 10-11-2011, 07:07 PM

So I came from work about a month ago and I sadly noticed a big puddle of liquid under my car. As I analyzed it, even more sadly I came to the conclusion that it is the tranny fluid. As I started the car again to see if it got worse with the engine running, I saw that yes, it got worse when the engine was running. It's not a small drip, it's a really steady trickle coming from the joint between the engine and the tranny that would probably empty the whole contents in about 10 - 15 minutes left unattended. As I researched this forum, I came to the conclusion that the most likely cause is that my front seal blew and I'm going to have to replace it. I was checking out Army's DIY article http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/304903-722-118-automatic-transmission-rebuild-monster-diy.html and he seemed to not have had too many problems except for getting a part here or there...
My questions:
1) Am I right thinking that it's the front seal or can you think of something else?
2) If it's the front seal, how hard would it be to replace that? (I do know that the tranny has to come off the car, I'm already checking out some tranny jacks out there...)
The car has been sitting since, but i'd like to get it back in running condition, but I'd rather not spend the $700 - $1200 I've been quoted to do the job.
I guess another option would be to get a used tranny from flea bay for about $400 + shipping... but then, you never know what problems might lurk in a used tranny...
Ant thoughts are greatly appreciated!

pawoSD · #2 10-11-2011, 09:35 PM

front seal is easily replaced with the transmission removed....I would have a shop do all the seals and inspect it.....being cheap can be expensive later...

ktesler · #3 10-11-2011, 09:40 PM

if it leaks when running, especially at that rate, it is the torque converter seal. trans will need to be removed. front pump o-ring, and gasket should be replaced at the same time.

vstech · #4 10-11-2011, 09:59 PM

any chance it's a cooler line broken? they do bolt to the engine in about that spot, and the hard lines are notorious for chafing at the clamps...

pawoSD · #5 10-11-2011, 10:01 PM

usually the clamp leaks happen up front by the last ones before the hoses...

whunter · #6 10-11-2011, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cirrusman

So I came from work about a month ago and I sadly noticed a big puddle of liquid under my car. As I analyzed it, even more sadly I came to the conclusion that it is the tranny fluid. As I started the car again to see if it got worse with the engine running, I saw that yes, it got worse when the engine was running. It's not a small drip, it's a really steady trickle coming from the joint between the engine and the tranny that would probably empty the whole contents in about 10 - 15 minutes left unattended. As I researched this forum, I came to the conclusion that the most likely cause is that my front seal blew and I'm going to have to replace it. I was checking out Army's DIY article http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/304903-722-118-automatic-transmission-rebuild-monster-diy.html and he seemed to not have had too many problems except for getting a part here or there...
My questions:
1) Am I right thinking that it's the front seal or can you think of something else?
2) If it's the front seal, how hard would it be to replace that? (I do know that the tranny has to come off the car, I'm already checking out some tranny jacks out there...)
The car has been sitting since, but I'd like to get it back in running condition, but I'd rather not spend the $700 - $1200 I've been quoted to do the job.
I guess another option would be to get a used tranny from flea bay for about $400 + shipping... but then, you never know what problems might lurk in a used tranny...
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!

FYI: The 722.118 referenced in "Army's" thread has little in common with your 722.3 transmission.

European Import Transmission Manuals

Mercedes-Benz 722.3 / 722.4 Automatic Transmission ATSG Rebuild Manual - CD-ROM

.

Skippy · #7 10-12-2011, 06:11 PM

I'd check to see if it's a line first. If so, it's a relatively easy fix. My '83 developed a front seal leak after about 300k miles. My solution was the manual swap I had been contemplating for the previous couple of years. It's considerably more involved than just pulling the trans, replacing a seal, and stabbing it back in, but in my opinion it's well worth it. A lot more people have done this swap in the W123 as opposed to the W126, but I think I remember seeing one or two 126 manual swaps discussed on here at one time or another.

cirrusman · #8 10-14-2011, 01:58 PM

Thank you all for your replies.
VStech, I check the cooler lines and they are sound, no leaks there.
WHunter, thank you very much for the links, they're a great help. Thank s for the clarification about the transmissions, I had no idea.
Skippy, I also want to go for the manual tranny. Problem is that I want a 5 speed and they're hard to come by. Also, hard to justify with the wife the extra cost on a clutch, driveshaft, etc... If money wasn't an issue, I'd go for it, definitely.
Thank you everyone for your input, it's greatly appreciated!