Hello guys. I have a transmission question. I purchased a 1982 300td wagon. I got it for a great price worthy of the cheap wagon club. It is in very nice condition. I have a question on the transmission. It is slow to go in reverse. I have checked the fluid level and its fine. I havent changed it. I had a problem with the boden cable it shifting way too soon. I adjusted it and it is fine now. It shifts well. What causes it to be slow to go in reverse? I have searched with no luck. Thanks

Generally speaking it's just a symptom of age/wear. There is no adjustment for that.

You could do worse than change the fluid and screen. I believe some people have found that helps a bit.

Congratulations on the cheap wagon

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

If you are not experienced with these transmissions you will not believe how long a good one takes to shift into reverse.

Its as if you are in the titanic and have to shout down the speaking tubes for a fellow to pull a gigantic lever.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Oh, so you've driven my old '82 SD, then ?

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22

Ok its the only pet peeve of the car. Other than that it runs great. I have been driving it pretty much daily to work. I like it and it is the only wagon probably in a 200mile radius. I have been thinkin on selling it but cant make up my mind. Thanks guys.

As long as eventually goes in reverse, fine.

Newer models have an adjustment screw that can tighten the B3 brake band, but older ones (yours) do not have that. That is more symptomatic of slipping in reverse though--your problem may lie in a clogged area in the valve body making it a bit more difficult for the fluid to pass through and build up the proper pressure quickly. A fluid and filter change can't hurt.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

Considering that there is no B3 brake band, don't feel too bad that you cannot adjust it.

If you want to split hairs, there's a B3 clutch (commonly referred to as the band, like the B1 and B2), B3 drum, and B3 piston. On newer 722.~ series transmissions there is a screw on the outside to adjust the piston but not in the 722.1xx that I imagine OP has.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

A common misconception, no doubt. But a misconception, none the less. The B3 disc brake mechanism has little in common with the B1/B2 mechanisms; different mechanism, different purpose, different concept.



There is the problem. Wrong transmission. Would not an '82 300TD have a 722.3?

722.3 my bad. As if that negates anything I said.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

The B3 piston seals are compromised. Have to take it out, and dig in there, but not too deeply.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)