Rusty floors, dodgy gearbox...

[Alex e]

Having recently purchased a 1967 230 SL that appears to have stood for about 30 years the auto box seems to have a problem. It moves off OK and is still OK at approx 20mph but after that it begins to lose drive intermittently as if it is low on oil which it isn't. I have only been able to drive it for about 6 miles during which time it seemed to improve slightly. I wonder if anyone else had experienced similar problems with a car laid up for so long, and is it worth persevering with it to see if it improves ?

 Secondly can anyone recommend a trustworthy company to replace the floors, I am in the South East of England.......Any advice appreciated......Alex

[mbzse]

.../...have stood for about 30 years the auto box seems to have a problem.../...

Was the SL serviced after its long hibernation, before you started driving it? I.e. change of all filters, all fluids (oil in engine and auto gear box in particular) as well as valve timing, adjusting and servicing ignition, new sparking plugs etc?

[Alex e]

Yes I have done all the work you mentioned except for the auto gearbox filter, due to the dipstick attachment being seized to the sump. I suppose that is my next job....I was wondering if the valve block was dry, as the gearbox was almost empty when I got it due to a very slight leak over 30 years.......Alex.

[perry113]

There is a transmission solenoid on the top of the bellhousing. You need to see if it operates in its 3 positions. There is a throttle position switch on the throttle body and the kickdown switch that sends signals for the solenoid to respond. center position at idle. Forward position when accelerating, Rearward position when full throttle kickdown switch is activated. If this is not working properly you will experience slippage.
I have also seen throttle linkage that is out of adjustment cause transmission slippage.
Check within the technical manual here for detailed information so you can see if you have external issues.
Let us know how you make out.
Regards
Peter

[Shvegel]

Under the carpet on the right side of the tunnel there is a black oval plate.  Remove that and you will see the solenoid.  the linkage between the solenoid and the transmission is almost certainly stuck in idle position which drops the pressure in the gearbox and will cause it to slip.

[johnk]

Damn your floors look great Pat!

[Shvegel]

John,  Rick my body guy talked me into sending the shell to Redi-Strip near Detroit for baking, dipping in acid and E-Coat( they truck the shell to Electroprime in Toledo). I balked at the cost but after having a few years for my wallet to heal I am glad I did it.

[johnk]

I think for long term ownership I would prefer the ecoating over an engine rebuild.

[Alex e]

Thanks for your very helpful replies, seems there might be hope for my gearbox yet.........I too wish I had floors that look like that !!  Regards Alex.