I searched and found some good information but thought I would look for a little more. I parked the car a few months ago and have not had the time to investigate further. It is at a friends house on a lift and I am going to check it out tomorrow. So here goes:
The transmission had been running and shifting perfectly no issues.
Then over a 2 day period it took more and more pedal travel to get the car moving.
It took way too long to upshift and it seemed to search back and forth for a gear. Then with the increased pedal travel the kickdown started coming in to play. Got it home and it would try to go forward ( uphill driveway slope ) but got no where. Did not try reverse but will. Is there a good and simple troubleshooting guide for known tranny issues. I suspect the B2 piston but if I find that reverse does not work either where does that point to ?
Thanks
Alan

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92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

No movement typically points to a "working pressure" problem: low fluid level, clogged filter, failed front pump, etc.

No first (forward) gear can point to the B2, either leaking (as you describe, kinda works, if it's not indeed WP as above), or broken (no forward movement whatsoever).

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James Marriott
2003 Buick Regal
1983 300D (228k, frau Auto)
1996 Suburban K2500 (192k, 6.5 turbo diesel/4WD towmaster 10,000)
www.engineeringworks.biz
1987 300SDL junker 170k
1982 300SD junker, 265k

If it finally comes down to a decision and you believe it is the B2 Piston issue keep in mind that every once in awhile it is actually the end of the B2 Band that has broken off.

It is an extra pain but before ordering the Expensive B2 Piston you should verify that the part of the Band that can be viewed from the B2 Piston Bore is still there.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/265356-b2-piston-problem-something-else.html

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

My current problem (sarcastic smiley actually...). Mine snapped right in the middle, the end is still visible but there is no spring back.

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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

Well, I will add that to the list.
So I guess you need to actually Push on the end of the Band to see. If it springs back there it is more likely than not intact?

My point was that the Guy bought all of the Parts expecting to change only the B2 Piston and I guess He ended up getting another Transmission.

You are also supposed to measure to find out what length of Pin you need. But, from the looks of the diagram in the ASTG Book you need to remove the Valve Body to measure. I did not want to mess with that!

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Thanks everyone. I am on my way over to drop the pan and remove access cover for the B2 inspection. Keeping my fingers crossed. It has been a bad week for me with my vehicles. The wife was driving the 03 Suburban and the rt rear caliper pushed the pot out too far and leaked a lot of fluid. I knew I needed new pads & rotors but we were in the middle of moving out of our house. Anyway a full day. Thanks again
Alan

__________________
92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

Well when I got there my buddy had already pulled the exhaust and the pan so I went ahead and got the B2 piston and replaced it changed the filter and then adjusted the valves and changed the oil & filter. Wow ! she is running great ! The idle is smoother than I remember in a long time. Next is drivshaft coupling and glow plugs. Then some cosmetics and miscellaneous items. I know that within a few months I will go ahead and check and or replace the timing chain
(209,000 miles at present ) I just need to carefully go through all my Dad's meticulous records and make sure he did not already have it done.
Thanks to all for the great input on this.
Alan

__________________
92 500E Silver 66k
82 Porsche 911SC 84K
68 Cadillac ( Gone Now )
03 Suburban Z71 200K
85 300SD 217k From Original Owner ( Dad )

Did you also change the Bushing and the Lip Seal?

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel