Tranny very slow to shift up

[Michael Kenny]

Hi Everyone.. Sorry to ask for help on my forst post but I am about to undertake a fairly extensive refurb on a 69 280. Just a question about the transmission, it is very slow to shift up to the next gear (4 speed auto)  Any ideas what it could be. Does it sound serious ?

Thanks a lot.

Michael Kenny

[J. Huber]

Hi Michael. When you say slow, do you mean the revs seem to be high before each shift?

James
63 230SL

[Michael Kenny]

Hi James

A bit of background, its a car I am very close to purchasing. Needs complete refurb but everything seems to be there. Test drove it for 30 minutes and found that the tranny was very slow to shift up, i.e seemed to hold the gear much longer than it should. In 3rd gear with no load on the engine it was revving to alomst 5k before shifting to 4th.. When it did change it was quite jerky. Going down the gears didnt seem to be noticeable though. Same for 2nd to 3rd, holding much higher rpm than it should.. Any ideas much appreciated. Is it expensive/difficult to have this transmission rebuilt? Thanks in advance.

Michael

[J. Huber]

Hey Michael. I can't really say what a rebuild would run -- but I wonder if there are a few things to check out before crossing that bridge. The hard and slow shifting could be a result of several things such as the pressure modulator switches, poorly adjusted linkages, or lack of tranny maintenance (oil level, filter, etc). Now, how to figure it all out is a little beyond me -- hopefully the experts will chime in! Good luck.

James
63 230SL

[Michael Kenny]

Thanks James... Hopefully I might get a few more suggestions here. Best. Michael

[merrill]

michael,

sun vally hydraulics rebuild my tranny for about $1250

http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/

I believe the price depends on what work is needed. Give marc a call and he may be able to give you a range



Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[ja17]

Hello Michael,

It may be as simple as a linkage adjustment or freeing up the three position solenoid linkage on the transmission.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Michael Kenny]

Thanks Joe / Matt

Can anyone tell me which parts are the hardest to find? The car seems to have pretty much everything (although in very average condition). I imagine I will need to replace carpets, dash upholstery, timber on dash, steering wheel trim and various bits of chrome on the door sills etc. Would new glass be difficult to locate (windscreen & side windows).. Any good links for parts dealers/suppliers..

Just wondered if you could give me a heads up as to what is likely to be my biggest expense and which parts are likely to be the most difficult to find before I jump in and purchase this piece of history.

Thanks again.

Michael

[ja17]

Hello Michael,

Chrome and rust repair (chassis and body) can be very expensive to repair. Major mechanical work is always a bit pricey also.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[TFM]

Just bought a 69 280Sl with exactly the same issues. it is the beginning of the end of the transmission, but you might be lucky enough to drive it as is for another year.

Repair/rebuild quoted to me was $2000

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Michael Kenny

In 3rd gear with no load on the engine it was revving to alomst 5k before shifting to 4th.

First, I'm not sure you you can reach 5,000 RPM with the transmission in gear and say "no load on the engine".  Second, maybe your kick-down switch is stuck in "on" position?

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

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Michael Kenny

... what is likely to be my biggest expense and which parts are likely to be the most difficult to find before I jump in and purchase this piece of history.

Yes, proper rust repair is expensive.  It doesn't sound like you are too familiar with the W113 chassis, so before you buy, have an expert look at the car.  Common advice here is to buy the best condition car you can afford.

A car with repairs or restoration done = expensive
A car needing repairs or restoration = very expensive when all done

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

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by Michael Kenny

Any good links for parts dealers/suppliers..

http://www.sl113.org/data/show_table.asp?table_name=usr_parts_and_service_suppliers

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

[Michael Kenny]

Thanks Rodd.. All of that info is hugely helpful. I am slightly concerned about a number of points which I hadnt thought of before.

I will report any news as and when.

Cheers.


Michael
Boulder, CO

[rwmastel]

Good luck with your hunt for a good W113.  Besides buying the best condition car you can find/afford, here are two more suggestions I always give buyers:

a)  Test drive every W113 for sale in your area.  Even if it's not the style, price, or condition you're looking for, it helps educate you and give you perspective.  Use every car available to help you make the best purchase at the end.

b)  Tell the people on this Forum what city you live in and you have good odds that someone will help you with your purchase.  Maybe even show you their car and help educate you in person on what to look for.

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

[Michael Kenny]

Thanks Rodd. Good advice and I will heed it. The car I am looking has not been looked after and althought its for sale for about 10k I know I will have to put a lot of time and money in to it..

Are there any forum members here from Denver/Boulder or nearby towns?

I just recently moved here from Cork, Ireland.

Thanks again.

Michael

[Douglas]

quote:Originally posted by rwmastel

a)  Test drive every W113 for sale in your area.  Even if it's not the style, price, or condition you're looking for, it helps educate you and give you perspective.  Use every car available to help you make the best purchase at the end.
Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

\
Rodd,

I don't want to sound harsh here. That's not my intention. But with all due respect, I have to take issue with this.

If you look at cars that are hopelessly outside your price range, you're basically using other people purely for your education. That's not fair to the seller who is operating under the premise that you're a potential buyer.

Mind you, if there's even the smallest chance that you can increase your budget and that the seller will drop his price, then I'd say a test drive is fair game. But if you're a $20K buyer looking at $60K cars, then I'd say you're out of line.

People do not put their car on the market as a public service.

Douglas Kim
New York
USA