Hello All,

I have almost given up on my '82 240D. I finally took some time and fixed a nasty vacuum issue which was causing the brakes, shut-off, and tranny to cease all function.

When this problem happened originally I noted a nice "stream" of tranny fluid coming from the slotted vents in the bellhousing. It seemed to be running from the tranny towards the engine and escaping through those slots. Anyway, I had fixed the vacuum issue and the tranny worked perfectly as before with the exception of the leak.

I kept a check on the fluid level and drove the car maybe 10 miles and now it will not shift past 2nd gear. Also, it leaks more in park and neutral than in L, S, D, or R. It also leaks overnight.

Okay, here's my question. Torque Converter, Front Seal , Front Pump? Which one or could it be all the above?

You guys are the experts!

Oilslick

I would check the plug in the torque converter first before jumping to any conclusions, wouldn't that be a blessing if it were only a loose plug? It should leak more while driving if it is the front seal as the internal pressure is higher at higher Rs.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Thanks so much!

It is leaking tremendously!

In case you didn't know it is rather a PITA to find the little plug. Your best bet would be to turn the motor over by hand. Just take a 27mm or 1-1/16" socket and stick it on the harmonic balancer's pulley and ratchet it clockwise (facing motor). NEVER go the other way.

Good luck.

__________________
Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Thanks again!

I just drove her down the road and she is shifting into all 4 gears but not as well as usual. I guess I will be under her in the morning bright and early.

but it's not the TC plug. There is the possibility that she was overfilled. I drained about a 1/2 quart out. She is shifting much better but still leaking. The level is halfway between the two marks on the dipstick. I must have a leaking front pump seal. Maybe?

A MB mechanic told me that the 240D transmission gearcases were known to crack. Have any of you guys ever heard that? If a gearcase were cracked what would be the "characteristics" of such?

Oilslick