I know the FSM clearly states to use ATF in the manual gearbox. In the late 70's and early 80's, there were only a few options out there in the AFT world, e.g., Type "F", et cet. Now, there are a zillion options.

My question is:

What does one use when chaning out the manual transmission gear box oil. That is, what type of ATF ? I have seen where folks posted all kinds of answers from varying types of oil, e.g., W20, W50, et cet. I would suspect those answers are just wrong. So, assuming the FSM is the best source of info, any leads on the best / correct ATF ???

Application: W123 Getrag 717.400 Five Speed.

Also, can one adjust the clutch ?

Dexron II or Dexron III, same as the automatic transmission. Although a 80W manual gearbox oil can be used too.

You can adjust the clutch pedal, but the clutch itself is self-adjusting.

atf in a manual gear box? are you sure that's correct? atf pours like water while normal gear oil is significantly more viscous. i'm not familiar with mercedes manual transmissions, but i've never heard of using atf in a manual gearbox, except in extreme arctic climates.

Yes--Definitely ATF for the Manual M.B Transmission....

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Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

Castrol 20W50 works pretty good.

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Remember, Safety Third!
'99 E300 Turbodiesel, '82 300TD, 1996 12V Cummins Turbo, '94 Neoplan - Detroit 6V92TA

Originally ATF Type A Suffix A was adviced, but that has been superseded by Dexron II or III.



source: SECCION MERCEDES - PIEL DE TORO - LA WEB DE LOS COCHES CLASICOS

The 80W gearbox oil is also very thin, like ATF.

I disagree on the 80 weight hypoid oil.
Too many times these manual transmissions come to me with gear hangup - sticking issues because of heavy oil.

The repair is always the same, flush it with kerosene, then a couple quarts of Dexron-Mercon III, then refill with fresh Dexron-Mercon III..


.

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Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
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1985 300SD
1983 300D
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The 20W50 weight oil may function in Texas summer heat.

I can assure you it is to heavy/thick for colder temperatures.

The MB manual trans is designed - engineered for the light - thin, high detergent Dexron-Mercon III..


.

__________________
ASE Master Mechanic
asemastermechanic@juno.com

Prototype R&D/testing:
Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
Vehicle build.
Fleet Durability
Technical Quality Auditor.
Automotive Technical Writer

1985 300SD
1983 300D
1984 190D
2003 Volvo V70
2002 Honda Civic

https://www.boldegoist.com/

Gear-oils like 80 and 75/90 shouldn't be used in M.B transmissions--You'll have huge problems getting into gear,--especially going down the box. Even engine-oil is too thick...

WAY too thick, the synchromesh doesn't like heavy oils...

__________________
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Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

I'm running Delo 15w40 in my transmission. Got 20k on her now.

__________________

Give it a treat, Change it to the correct fluid.--You'll see a big difference!
--Believe me, I speak from experience!

__________________
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Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

Not GL5 hypoid oil. GL4 synchromesh oil yes.
http://www.widman.biz/uploads/Transaxle_oil.pdf

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CENSORED due to not family friendly words

I'm also running Delo 15w40 in my 5 speed manual transmission. got 40K in my

It Isnt the Sulphur Content (GL4/GL5) phosphor-bronze incompatability that is the issue.

--'Transaxle' oils are for use with combined final-drive differential gearboxes, like on FWD cars and VW Beetles!

Its the Viscosity,--'Thickness' of the oil. 'Gear' oil is Too Thick for a Manual M.B. Transmission!

The Transmission was designed to use a very light/thin (in comparison) to 80/90 'gear' oils.
If you used an 80 'weight' gear-oil, You'll never be able to change gear--even on a warm day!

__________________
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Alastair AKA H.C.II South Wales, U.K. based member

W123, 1985 300TD Wagon, 256K,
-Most recent M.B. purchase, Cost-a-plenty, Gulps BioDiesel extravagantly, and I love it like an old dog.

W114, 1975 280E Custard Yellow,
-Great above decks needs chassis welding--Really will do it this year....

the clutch engagement is low on that car because we planed the flywheel but did not shim it in an equal amount. I did not know it at the time but if you take off a given amount from the face of the MB flywheel you must shim the backside to keep the normal engagement point of the pedal inside the car. The engagement point will rise as it wears.

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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.