Author Topic: Changing gears is a little hard  (Read 1742 times)

col320ce

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Changing gears is a little hard
« on: December 25, 2020, 08:02:55 »
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.
« Last Edit: December 27, 2020, 06:21:52 by col320ce »
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

wayne R

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2020, 14:44:14 »
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

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2020, 14:52:52 »
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.
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

col320ce

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #3 on: December 25, 2020, 20:43:23 »
Thanks Wayne and Joe

PM sent to you Wayne!
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

col320ce

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #4 on: December 27, 2020, 06:23:05 »
Sorry... It's a manual... I wrote auto originally (I've corrected it in the original post)
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

stickandrudderman

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2020, 10:13:08 »
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

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2020, 13:33:13 »
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
 
28 Ford Model A Pickup
29 Chevy Phaeton
67 E Type FHC
67 250SL 5 speed
83 911SC
2015 VW T5 California Pop Top

ja17

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2020, 14:13:28 »
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.
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

col320ce

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Re: Changing gears is a little hard
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2020, 23:13:50 »
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.
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline