I am planning to do a major service on my '76 300D. Has anyone had any experience with the engine flush solvents in diesels? Also, what transmission fluid, power steering fluid, etc should I be using. This is my first experience with the older diesels. I am planning on flushing the power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid and engine. The engine has an unknown number of miles as the speedometer cable has been disconnected by the previous owner, (family member) for the past two years. It currently shows 245,000. Any suggestions would be helpful.

I wouldn't "flush" any engine what would be the advantage of loosening up I assume years of buildup you may get a surprise your not looking for. As far as fluids give MBUSA a call and they will send you a list of all approved fluids that you can use.

I use Mobil1's Synthetic ATF in my diesel and I had the filter replaced and the torque converter drained (make sure you do that). The car shifted really smooth afterwards but now it's back to "you can feel the shift" kinda shifting.

don't overfill the transmission. The transmission has to be at operating temp before you start measuring the ATF level.

I wouldn't flush the engine either. Just change the oil (let most of it drain overnight)

flush the brake fluid definitely! Use ATE DOT4 brake fluid (try fastlane)

power steering - most people would say MB fluid but ATF is also fine I think.

flush the coolant too. use mb anti-freeze (again just from hearsay) and make sure the ratio is correct and that u drain the block too.

good luck!

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

For your power steering you can use ATF. Look at your owner's manual it will tell you. I used to own an '80 SD and it called for ATF in the pwr steering. So I would imagine your car would take the same.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Type F or Dextron III? (Same question for the transmission)

Use Dextron III, Type F is for Fords. Actually when you car was new, it called Dextron II, which has been replaced by the III. MB recommends only 13 brand ATFs. I know that off the top of my head Quaker State is one of them.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

No, DO NOT use modern ATF in your older MB power steering!!!

Modern Dexron or Mercon evolved drastically since your owners manual was printed some twenty years ago. These modern ATF's have been improved for use in automatic transmissions. The newer additives are totally UNHEALTHY for the seals in your p/s unit. Been there, done that!

Just go to the auto supply and buy power steering fluid. It is more expensive than ATF, but will make your seals and pump last virtually forever.

If you absolutely insist on using ATF, find some Type A.

Have a great day,

Check out the products at this website:http://www.enviro-save.com. You are talking about doing a full servicing and they provide one-time additives for all the components of the power train. Nope, I'm not selling it, but it was recommended to me by a mechanic with a lot of experience with older Mercedes.

We only just tried this ourselves, and haven't added everything yet. There is a cleaner that is put in to the crankcase shortly before an oil change (5hrs worth of driving), then you change the oil hot (just like Mr Bible says!), then you add the additive with the new oil. We only just did this on the weekend, so the jury is still out, but so far we have noticed less shaking, it's running quieter, and there is less smoke upon startup. THe other interesting thing was, normally when we change the oil, almost immediately after starting the car the oil looks very dark (the 'clean' oil I mean). I've been told this is normal in diesels. ANwyay, the dipstick looks much cleaner now, so I think the cleaner did some good. We also added the transmission additive, but since we werent' really having any problems it's hard to notice improvements. THere is a product for the differential (ours is leaking so we'll wait till that's fixed first before we add it), the radiator, power steering (haven't added that yet either) and a fuel additive.

Anyway, have a look at their webpage. The testimonials were from companies I know to exist, so I don't think they are totally bogus. I know there will be a few skeptics!

Good luck!

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Natalie

I would make sure you use a diesel rated oil (dino or synthetic) and change it every 2500 to 3000 miles - no flush. I use mobil1 ATF in the trans and think it is great. Dittos to the MB coolant, power steering instead of atf, and DOT 4 brake fliud. Don't forget the rear axel!! and re-connect the speedo cable

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1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction