Changing gears is a little hard

[col320ce]

The 4 speed manual transmission on my 230sl is a little hard to get into 2nd gear. Both changing up or down. When I say hard it's more slow to let me engage the gear. I found a post where Joe A said the synchro is normally OK which is what I assumed was the problem. I'm pulling the engine out to paint the car and I am unsure whether I need to do anything with the tranny.   Is this a setup issue potentially? Thoughts on whether I diy the transmission while it's out?
BTW I gave Glenns tune up guide on order.

[wayne R]

Hi Col---Wayne here Queensland Australia---ill PM  you with my phone number,
then i can help you  alot over the phone,with  how to check , adjust,and test your tranny
,as its easy to contact by phone same country--regards .

[ja17]

Make sure the transmission modulator linkage works correctly and freely while you have the transmission out! You can energize the three position solenoid while it is out and observe its function.

[col320ce]

Thanks Wayne and Joe

PM sent to you Wayne!

[col320ce]

Sorry... It's a manual... I wrote auto originally (I've corrected it in the original post)

[stickandrudderman]

Be sure that you've got the correct (ATF) fluid in the box. If you put normal gear oil in it you'll get difficulty shifting.

[cfm65@me.com]

Hi Col,
Is the gear lever sloppy and loose? If so, this could also be the reason for not selecting the gear properly. There are a few nylon bushes in the linkage between the gearbox and the lever. The become brittle and disintegrate over time and are quite easily replaced.
Regards
Chris
 

[ja17]

Check the needle on your speedometer. If it moves down for an instant when you accelerate, then bounces up when you let off the gas, then it is probably a loose slotted nut on the out-put flange of the transmission.

[col320ce]

Thanks everyone... Chaging the oil has made a significant improvement! All gears now feel the same to get into.
I replaced all the nylon washers when I got the car as they were toast.
No needle jumping on acceleration/taking foot off accelerator.
There was a little ferrous material in the drained fluid... Is this normal? All of it is in the picture.