Just had my tranny serviced at 85k miles and...
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John Deere
Just had my tranny serviced at 85k miles and...
My independant recommended replacing some sort of barrier or separator inside or attached to the unit that has been shown in his experience to be problematic for the longevity of the tranny. I don't know the exact name of this part, but he suggested my 5 stored trouble codes were caused by the mis-design of the original.
This thing cost an extra $200 or so, installed.
I don't know if I just helped out with his boat payment or not, but when a master tech with 27 years of MB specialization tells me warns you about something like that, what can you do? If I didn't go with it and the tranny ends up failing (wayyyyy out of warranty) altogether, I'd go to my grave kicking myself.
Now I need to address the failed MAF. Anyone know the cheapest source for the over-priced tube of molded plastic?
This thing cost an extra $200 or so, installed.
I don't know if I just helped out with his boat payment or not, but when a master tech with 27 years of MB specialization tells me warns you about something like that, what can you do? If I didn't go with it and the tranny ends up failing (wayyyyy out of warranty) altogether, I'd go to my grave kicking myself.
Now I need to address the failed MAF. Anyone know the cheapest source for the over-priced tube of molded plastic?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Rick , check around on Ebay - I found one for my C43 for $125.00 from a MB Tech down in GA.A few people have posted having luck spraying it with a non-residual electrical contact cleaner - you may want to spend the $25.00 a can first to see if its works.You can pick the stuff up at any electrical supply house.MAKE SURE IT SAYS "LEAVES NO RESIDUE" !
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John Deere
I do think I feel a smoother gear change. But I'm going to drive a bit more to compare. In the past, about once per day while cruising at an even highway speed, I would be startled by a "bump" which was most likely the trans falling out of gear and back in a half second later. I'll be watching for this.
I'm more comfortable by the fact that the tech asked his mechanic if there were any "goodies" in the fluid, such as metal shavings, and the reply was "no, looked fine...even the color was good".
Now Dave, you recall the two points Noah made at MB... One, the color means nothing, and two, 1998 trans are sealed for life and don't need fluid changes.
Seems even the experts can't agree on this stuff. Better safe then sorry though. It isn't their car breaking down, is it.
Dave, who sells this spray?
I'm more comfortable by the fact that the tech asked his mechanic if there were any "goodies" in the fluid, such as metal shavings, and the reply was "no, looked fine...even the color was good".
Now Dave, you recall the two points Noah made at MB... One, the color means nothing, and two, 1998 trans are sealed for life and don't need fluid changes.
Seems even the experts can't agree on this stuff. Better safe then sorry though. It isn't their car breaking down, is it.
Dave, who sells this spray?
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John Deere
More info from the tech...
The "part" is a footlong metal plate which acts as a conductor between the electronic points and the torque converter. Apparently, it is a design improvement in the sense that the original "plate" from the factory warps over time and loses electrical contact, which in turn causes the trans to eat itself alive eventually.
A replacement transmission costs $5800 including parts and labor.
He also mentioned that it is doubtful a dealer would include it in a standard trans service (or mention it at all). He also also mentioned some chain trans shops (you've heard of them) have been known to do replace this plate and call it a complete rebuild at $2,000 to $3000. fyi.
The "part" is a footlong metal plate which acts as a conductor between the electronic points and the torque converter. Apparently, it is a design improvement in the sense that the original "plate" from the factory warps over time and loses electrical contact, which in turn causes the trans to eat itself alive eventually.
A replacement transmission costs $5800 including parts and labor.
He also mentioned that it is doubtful a dealer would include it in a standard trans service (or mention it at all). He also also mentioned some chain trans shops (you've heard of them) have been known to do replace this plate and call it a complete rebuild at $2,000 to $3000. fyi.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by RBrenton88
I do think I feel a smoother gear change. But I'm going to drive a bit more to compare. In the past, about once per day while cruising at an even highway speed, I would be startled by a "bump" which was most likely the trans falling out of gear and back in a half second later. I'll be watching for this.
I'm more comfortable by the fact that the tech asked his mechanic if there were any "goodies" in the fluid, such as metal shavings, and the reply was "no, looked fine...even the color was good".
Now Dave, you recall the two points Noah made at MB... One, the color means nothing, and two, 1998 trans are sealed for life and don't need fluid changes.
Seems even the experts can't agree on this stuff. Better safe then sorry though. It isn't their car breaking down, is it.
Dave, who sells this spray?
I'm more comfortable by the fact that the tech asked his mechanic if there were any "goodies" in the fluid, such as metal shavings, and the reply was "no, looked fine...even the color was good".
Now Dave, you recall the two points Noah made at MB... One, the color means nothing, and two, 1998 trans are sealed for life and don't need fluid changes.
Seems even the experts can't agree on this stuff. Better safe then sorry though. It isn't their car breaking down, is it.
Dave, who sells this spray?
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2002
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John Deere
Originally Posted by IwannaMB2
Where are you located, where is this mechanic and do you have the part number on this?
Thanks
Thanks
