my 1981 240D has been having transmission issues lately... for a couple of months it has been flaring pretty bad going from 2nd to 3rd, to get it to shift I'd let off on the pedal untill it shifts then ease it into 3rd...then also needed to east into 4th. i changed the fluid and filter hoping to help and it did help a little, didn't flare as much, but not great.

A couple days ago it started to not shift from 2nd at all. it will start in 1st and go to second, but then no matter what speed you try to get to, doesn't even try to go to third, no flaring just keeps on increasing RPM in second.

about a year ago, i had this same issue, stuck in second, and i found that the hard vacuum line that goes from the valve cover to the transmission was unplugged, once i plugged it back in, it started to shift as usual. so, this time i am hoping it is a vacuum issue again.. ??

I've check that all lines are plugged in and I ordered some replacements parts from pelicanparts. I replaced the little white plastic vacuum valve that is on the valve cover hoping it was that, since the little plunger flap was almost completely worn off. but, replaced it, no change. i also replaced all the rubber vacuum connections and junctions under the hood to try and find a leak. oh, and also changed the green vacuum damper dashpot thingy.

so,,, now I am wondering where to go next - does it still seem like a possible vacuum issue? how about the valve that is on the Injection pump, can that be a culprit? anything on the transmission itself? i read on another thread about a little cap on the transmission modulator can leak?

help!! thanks

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1981 240D ... 265k
1977 240D ... 265k
1977 240D ... 250k