[W126 Coupe] Transmission problems and sway bar issues

[mbramel]

If you have an oxidation or break down problem a great product I have used
is Auto-rx. Run it for a few hundred miles and then flush it out

 

  _____  

From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of kenhartz at comcast.net
Sent: Saturday, January 09, 2010 5:47 PM
To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Subject: [W126 Coupe] Transmission problems and sway bar issues

 

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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