[W126 Coupe] Transmission problems and sway bar issues

[kenhartz at comcast.net]

Hey; 

I am going through a new round of maintenance on my 86 560 SEC. One of the issues I am trying to deal with is the transmission. The transmission has a couple of issues. The first, and most problematic is the shifting. The car starts out in 1st (i believe, not second as it should) and then up shifts to 3rd at a higher than normal RPM (around 2500-3000), then hangs in third until I hit about 3000 to 3200 RPM's and then shifts to 4th. Once in 4th, I can back down to moderate speeds, and if I accelerate, it will kick down to third just as it should. When I come to a light, and start again, the same sequence repeats. Now I must add, this first happened about 5 years ago, after the car sat for about 4 months. Then I added some sort of additive, and it went back to normal. The car was sitting for about 2 months recently, and this happened again. I added another additive, but the problem got better to the point I have just described. It was worse when I first started driving it again. I have been driving it for about 3 months now, and the problem has settled into whatever it is. The fluid was changed about 50000 to 75000 miles ago, which was about 8 years or 9 years ago now. I plan on replacing the trans fluid completely (torque converter, and cooler), and changing the trans filter. I am in hopes that this may help. My guess is that contamination may have settled in the valve body, and hopefully the fluid and filter change will take care of this issue. If not, my next guess would be the vacuum system. I have looked at the vacuum lines, and nothing seems to be missing or cracked. I had all the vacuum rubber pieces replaces about 6 years ago, and based on my inspection of the rubber pieces, the rubber is still good and pliable. One more piece to the puzzle, and probably a separate problem, is my first gear kick down didn't work prior to the problem I have just mentioned. It didn't go into first with the gear lever, or upon full throttle, so I do not know what is up with that. But I do believe, as I had mentioned, the car is starting in first now, all be it improperly. Any help, or words of wisdom will be appreciated. 

I have a chattering in the rear that I believe is the bushing at the end of the rear sway bar. I have gone to many parts sites, and they seem to have the part listed, but it doesn't look like mine. The part listed looks like a small piece of plastic that has two threaded ends (like a z shape). But my cars sway bar end is a small metal part, with two bolts that attach to the sway bar, and a rubber bushing with a bolt in the center that attaches behind the rear rotor. Any thoughts??? Am I looking up the wrong part? I do not seem to have the parts that is listed (z shaped one), or am I just overlooking it, or cant find it. 

BTW, since my SEC in now my main ride again (my kids drove it for about 5 years), I will probably be posting regularly since I have a long list of issues, such as, but not limited to, rear suspension, sunroof, heating/ac ducts, headliner, and a nasty tappet noise on my right cylinder bank!! I have my work cut out out for me!!! 

Thanks 
Ken 

Kenneth N. Hartz, President 
Advanced Mortgage Services, Inc. 
946 Farnsworth Ave. 
Bordentown, NJ 08505 
(p) 609-351-6565 
(f) 609-479-3557 
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