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#1
01-01-2018, 08:22 PM
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Switching too thinner atf for cold weather driving?
I've noticed the colder and colder it gets the harder and harder it is for my car to shift into 3rd gear. I'm using Chevron MD-3 which is Dex III equivalent. Anyone know of any synthetics that run a bit thinner?
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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily 1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk 2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor. Last edited by Father Of Giants; 01-01-2018 at 09:24 PM. 
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#2
01-01-2018, 08:26 PM
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Can you be more detailed on what you mean by "harder to shift into 3rd"? I'm running valvoline Max-Life ATF in mine and notice no difference in shifting hot or cold.
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Current stable: 1995 E320 157K (Nancy) 1983 500SL 125K (SLoL) Gone but not forgotten: 1986 300SDL (RIP) 1991 350SD 1991 560SEL 1990 560SEL 1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!) Gone and wanting to forget: 1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]
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#3
01-01-2018, 09:04 PM
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A lot of W123 owners (me included) use Maxlife Dex/Merc ATF. If I recall it's on the thinner side of the spectrum of compatible fluids. Changing ATF's back and forth dependent on the temperature is senseless, but switching to Maxlife for good probably wouldn't hurt it any.
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'82 300CD "Pearl", the very first turbo diesel 123 coupe Totaled 11/23/18, rebuild in progress. '85 300TD, "Artemis". '78 300D euro, "Ol' Red", mostly retired. '85 300D, "Gandalf".
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#4
01-01-2018, 09:27 PM
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Quote:
__________________
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily 1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk 2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.
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#5
01-01-2018, 09:29 PM
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Quote:
__________________
Current stable: 1995 E320 157K (Nancy) 1983 500SL 125K (SLoL) Gone but not forgotten: 1986 300SDL (RIP) 1991 350SD 1991 560SEL 1990 560SEL 1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!) Gone and wanting to forget: 1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]
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#6
01-01-2018, 09:45 PM
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Quote:
__________________
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily 1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk 2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.
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#7
01-01-2018, 09:57 PM
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Do a search on this forum, there are writeups on how to do it. Once you have the trans pan off, the replacement process takes less than 5 minutes, and that includes changing the filter.
__________________
Current stable: 1995 E320 157K (Nancy) 1983 500SL 125K (SLoL) Gone but not forgotten: 1986 300SDL (RIP) 1991 350SD 1991 560SEL 1990 560SEL 1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!) Gone and wanting to forget: 1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]
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#8
01-01-2018, 11:02 PM
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Quote:
AFAIK, viscosity range is dictated by the Dexron specs. It shouldn't vary much from brand to brand.
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#9
01-02-2018, 02:34 PM
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If it still happens once the engine warms up, it probably isn't due to the outside air being colder. That is because the transmission oil temperature is controlled by the coolant temperature, which is regulated by the T-stat. It will run a bit cooler in winter, but probably not enough to noticeably affect the viscosity. This assumes you car doesn't have an external tranny oil cooler.
__________________
1984 & 1985 CA 300D's 1964 & 65 Mopar's - Valiant, Dart, Newport 1996 & 2002 Chrysler minivans
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#10
01-04-2018, 08:12 PM
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Always run 100% synthetic fluids when possible.
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'06 E320 CDI '17 Corvette Stingray Vert
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