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79 300TD trans leak

Submitted by chilcutt on 5 April 2008 - 8:43pm.

I ran my engine with transmission in park for 1 minute @ 3,000 rpm. After shutdown I noticed trans fluid leaking. It does not appear to be a cooling line, rather inside the bellhousing. Also ,nnow my locks and trunk do not work with the key. Neither one of these problems were evident before revving the engine. Any ideas? Jerry


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My best guess

7 April 2008 - 5:08am
Kent Bergsma

It is possible you overheated the transmission leading to front torque converter seal failure. (the seal could already have been at the end of its life). Very expensive to have a shop repair. If you do it yourself maybe cost less than $30. My transmission removal manual will help you remove and replace the transmission. My soon to be release Transmission Seal Replacement manual will show you how to change seals. Email us direcly if you are interested and I can speed up completion.

Door locks may be a separate issue unless your transmission has a vacuum modulator. If it does plug off the vacuum line going to the transmission then seen if your door locks work. Also see both my manuals on Vacuum Source Troublesooting and 123 Vacuum Door Lock Repair.


transmission seals

5 May 2008 - 10:22am
Ginny

Is replacing 2 seals in a 1979 450 sl transmission a costly deal as far as time and labor? Thanks, Ginny


79 300 Trans leak

11 May 2008 - 5:26pm
chilcutt

Kent, my problem is solved. I did not properly warm trans when I filled it after changing filter. So, I drained the pan, drove car on highway for 20 min and s.l.o.w.l.y. added fluid to proper level. Also the key locks now work,you were right abour modulator. Also to be noted, I found that all MB transmissions are equipped with an over flow vent that allows fluid to escape as a last ditch effort before blowing a seal. On to other things, can you suggest a good place to get rocker panel metal< Thanks , Jerry