Transmission service

[Michaelg]

Am very lucky to have inherited my Dads 1970 280 sl. I am doing much needed service!! Does The transmission need fluid and filter change. I am sure my dad never did any of this.

[Jonny B]

If the car has not been driven much, a good idea to change it as a matter of course, along with all the other fluids (and you can find plenty of information on the site).

The book for my 250 SL lists a filter and fluid change at 30K miles.

[perry113]

When you replace the fluid you can turn the engine from the crank pulley to spin the torque converter such access the convertor drain plug on it. Will make for a much more thorough service to get as much of the old fluid out of the system.

[WRe]

Hi,
the standard auto gearbox for Pagodas (K4A025) needs an oil and filter change every 50k km/30k miles.

- Oil: ~ 4l ATF Type A Suffix A; see http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/236.2_de.html

- Filter: E.g. Mann 1810/1 Kit; see http://catalog.mann-filter.com/EU/ger/vehicle/MANN-FILTER%20Katalog%20Europa/Fahrzeuge/PKW%20%2B%20TRANSPORTER/MERCEDES-BENZ/SL%20%28W113%29/280%20SL~8%20M%20130.983%20%28T65888%29
The filter kit contains a cork gasket for the oil pan but only MB filter kits comtain also a rubber lip for the filter but you can reuse the old one, it's just popped in.

- Drain the oil from the pan, remove the cap nut for the hollow line of the oil dipstick very carefully (hold up both bolts) because line can bend, remove hollow screw for oil cooler line to have more space, remove the pan carfully because ther is still oil in it. Now you can remove the filter, notice the direction of the rubber lip, open end to the rear of the car.

- Remove the slotted plate underneath the torque converter, turn the engine or torque converter by hand to find the small drain plug of it, drain oil.

- Replace gaskets and put everything together, don't overtight the cork gasket.

- Refill the oil via the dipstick line, don't overfill it, start engine and shift gears through all positions for some seconds.

- Control oil level: warm with running engine, look for leaks.

...WRe

[Michaelg]

WRe
Appreciate the detail on tranny oil change.
thank you.
MG

[Michaelg]

what is the spec for the rear end oil 90 wt?. my dad has really not done much with the car. he was not much for service!!

[WRe]

Hi,
if you have a "normal" differential - which was usual - you need 2.5 l Hypoid SAE 85/90 GL4 mineral oil, SAE 90 is also ok. If you have a limited slip differential it should be limited slip oil (LS) same viscosity. See also here: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/DriveShaft/Differential.
...WRe

[TJMart]

Can a synthetic be used. If so any recommendations?

Tony

[WRe]

Hi,
my personal opinion to synthetic oil for old engines, gearboxes, differentials, etc.: Synthetic oils have a high cleaning efficiency and are not tolarant to old rubber seals and gaskets and can cause leakages and other side effects. This is okay for new and refurbishes engines, etc. but not for old ones with high milage. Therefore I would be cautious to use them.
Especially for the differential I use 1-2% MoS2 additive (e.g. Liqui Moly 1040) because in general it tends to make noise. I use it since more than 30 years in my old Moto Guzzi in the cardan-shaft drive because it was specified by the manufacturer.
...WRe

[Benz Dr.]

That's all I use in differential oil changes. If it leaks, it will leak regardless of what you use.

                         Lots of myths about synthetics; most are not even close to true.

[WRe]

Hi Dan,
Yes, you are right, there exist a lot of myths about synthetic oils. But all these manufacturers of this stuff recommend two common things:
1. Don't use them when your engine, etc. is leaking
2. Don't use them when your seals are old.
But fortunately most of our engines, etc. are not old and not leaking.
...WRe