Author Topic: Auto G/box fluid change  (Read 3283 times)

n/a

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Auto G/box fluid change
« on: October 31, 2006, 06:31:11 »
Can any one tell what the proper procedure is for refilling the box with fluid and the quantity needed please.

I have just bought this car and like to go through changing all fluids and filters.

Your help is appreciated.

69 280SL
70 Triumph TR6
73 Jaguar E Type V12 d/h
66 Sting Ray 427

rwmastel

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Re: Auto G/box fluid change
« Reply #1 on: October 31, 2006, 08:03:27 »
Do you have any service manuals?  It sounds like you're a Do-It-Yourself kind of person.  I recommend these 4 as "must have" manuals:
- Mercedes-Benz Service Manual (aka: Big Blue Book, BBB). (shows maintenance and repair procedured)
- Mercedes-Benz Spare Parts List (shows all parts, exploded view, with part numbers)
- Mercedes-Benz Owners Manual (lists all scheduled service to be done)
- Haynes Service Manual (shows maintenance and repair procedures)

This is a good link:
http://www.sl113.org/publications.asp

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420
Rodd

Did you search the forum before asking?
2017 C43 AMG
2006 Wrangler Rubicon
1966 230SL auto "Italian"

ja17

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Re: Auto G/box fluid change
« Reply #2 on: October 31, 2006, 20:17:17 »
Hello Viper,

The automatic transmission will take a little over 5 qts if you drain the converter also. It should be drained since most of the fluid is in there. Remove the inspection screen on the bell housing and rotate the converter until the 5mm allen plug appears. There is also a transmission cooler built into the bottom of the radiator. There is not much fluid here, probably not worth removing the line to drain. The sixteen bolt oil pan can be removed but be prepared to change the cork gasket and the transmission filter inside. While your in there make sure all the valve body bolts are snug. Do not over tighten the  pan and cork gasket during installation. Add a few quarts of fluid before starting the engine. It should take over five quarts. The final fluid level should be read while the engine is warm and running. Move the shifter through the gears to circulate fluid. Re check level with engine running, making sure you are on perfectly level ground. Between the marks on the stick is about 1 pint!  Re-check after test drive. If the fluid is above the top mark, I like to bleed some fluid off by loosening the transmission hose at the radiator.

Originally these transmissions used Type A fluid. Hard to find these days. A 1972 factory workshop supplement I have explains Dextron B can be used after new on these units. You may want to call the Mercedes Classic Center to see what their opinion is these days with the newer fluids. Good Luck!

While your doing fluids, check to make sure that upper internal rubber seal is still in place above your engine  oil filter (often missing). Otherwise you will not be filtering all your oil!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Abbas

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Re: Auto G/box fluid change
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2006, 02:35:25 »
I am in the process of ordering a new auto-gear filter for my 1969 280 SL. My mechanic mentioned that I need to change the filter because there are tiny delays when driving - could this be a possible solution to the problem?

While reading the Haynes book they mention that there are two gear filters types one round and the other square. Is this apparent from the cover or you have to open the cover and look inside. Is this also related to the gear serial in any way - like early vs. late models.

Abbas

280SL W113 1969 Ivory
E280 W124 1995 Silver

ja17

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Re: Auto G/box fluid change
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2006, 05:33:33 »
Hello,

All 280SLs and W113s used the round filters.  Other Mercedes models with the four bolt pan used the squaure filters.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

Abbas

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Re: Auto G/box fluid change
« Reply #5 on: November 02, 2006, 00:33:29 »
Thanks Joe.

Also, does changing the filter make a difference in the tiny delays in the gear. Personally, I did not notice the delays but my mechanic mentioned that when he first drove the car.

Abbas

280SL W113 1969 Ivory
E280 W124 1995 Silver

n/a

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Re: Auto G/box fluid change
« Reply #6 on: November 03, 2006, 03:50:57 »
Thanks guys...that's a great help.

I've had enough of the job at the moment because I can't undo the dipstick tube from the pan so the car has been left dangling in the air for the last 3 days........Not a very patient man.

cheers
lee

69 280SL
70 Triumph TR6
73 Jaguar E Type V12 d/h
66 Sting Ray 427