NorthernMonkey Posted December 31, 2015 Author Posted December 31, 2015 The curtain wire - you just check the mms from end to oil level and check on the chart. 65mm at 80° is your target.Sorry, I should have made it clearer....it's not just a case of randomly sticking wire down the tube but it's easy enough to make a dipstick out of curtain wire if you know where to put the markings. I know I originate from Yorkieland but it's not a question of being tight, honest...just that an eBay dipstick won't land here until next year and I'd like to get it off the ramp before then...
Bear Posted December 31, 2015 Posted December 31, 2015 I'm not saying owt. I've used actual net curtain wire before. Cleaned of course.
steve_earwig Posted December 31, 2015 Posted December 31, 2015 Ah fairy nuff. It all seemed a bit random to me but if you have precise measurements then curtain wire now, rather than a wait for the real thing, is probably more to the point. I'm preferring IR over diagnostics port meself, I just don't trust electronics to measure spot on.
xtriple Posted December 31, 2015 Posted December 31, 2015 I've fixed motorcycle gearboxes loads of times (complex but don't scare me for some reason?) but the only car gearbox I ever stripped/rebuilt was an old 'A' series one. I had to do that twice as after the first attempt, I had lots of bits left over.... didn't work for some reason! Did the second time though, I was most proud! Auto 'boxes are a complete mystery to me and as we have a really good and cheap specialist in Torquay, never bothered.
Lacquer Peel Posted December 31, 2015 Posted December 31, 2015 Can you use the curtain wire trick on any automatic Merc? The gearbox on my friend's C250TD is a bit erratic, I was surprised to find a stub of a dipstick so I can't check the levels.
NorthernMonkey Posted January 1, 2016 Author Posted January 1, 2016 Can you use the curtain wire trick on any automatic Merc? The gearbox on my friend's C250TD is a bit erratic, I was surprised to find a stub of a dipstick so I can't check the levels.In theory, yes...however, it's not really worth it. I've already ordered a dipstick which is due to be delivered Wednesday in order that I can get the fluid level spot on. The curtain wire was only used to make sure there was enough fluid in there following the rebuild, bearing in mind I drained 7 litres out and only put 4 and a bit back in. Which leads us to the latest update.... I don't want to tempt fate but following initial investigations, all seems well. I put 3.5 litres in, started it up and it engaged gears ok. I then left it ticking over for a bit whilst tidying up before going to move it whereupon there was nothing...just neutral in all positions. I checked the level again bearing in mind it was warmer so it should have been higher up the wire....it was actually lower, only just registering. I then put another litre in and started it up to let it circulate. It was at this point I went back into the office to finish my cuppa and saw the brand new filter sat on the desk instead of being fastened to the valve block. Bollocks. With a capital B. Anyways, up in the air we go once again. Fluid back into a clean sheep feed bucket, sump off, filter on and back together again. This time, all seemed fine so it as time to bite the bullet and go for a tentative drive....I went a mile down the bypass, came back up and stopped for a listen. No whine, nothing...just very smooth changes throughout...barely noticeable but for the rev counter dropping slightly. Feeling brave, I turned around, went back down to the motorway then back around to Morrisons for some diesel and back up the bypass, this time giving it a bit of welly. It's quick for a big old barge. Later on, it was pressed into duty for the Chinese takeaway collection and bar for one slight hiccup, it seems absolutely fine. The first time I tried kick down, it dropped into neutral for a split second, until I took my foot off the throttle, whereupon it re-engaged drive again then all was well. Thinking about it, I thoroughly cleaned the valve block out with contact cleaner and the air line so I think there was probably a slight airlock in one of the galleries. Either way, it was fine the next time so I'm pretty convinced there's nothing wrong with the box. I've ordered a dipstick along with a lead for my scanner so come Wednesday, I can monitor the ATF temp accurately and get the levels spot on. I've also taxed it this morning so it's going to get a bit more use for the next few days, then if all turns out well, the next job is to investigate the clunking from the arse end when going over bumps. That and some cosmetic attention to the bumper corners! By the way, the Chinese was pants. Don't remember ordering battered chicken in vinegar sauce.... barefoot, mrbenn, stripped fred and 9 others 12
Jimmycrackcorn Posted January 1, 2016 Posted January 1, 2016 I'll be asking for advice about my box (fnarr fnarr) if that's OK.
NorthernMonkey Posted January 1, 2016 Author Posted January 1, 2016 I'll be asking for advice about my box (fnarr fnarr) if that's OK.As long as you're aware the answer will involve curtain wire. Jimmycrackcorn 1
Bear Posted January 1, 2016 Posted January 1, 2016 FANTASTIC! I am both ashamed of myself for not just fixing the blasted thing, and delighted it worked out. May it pass the next MOT with ease and make it to 200,000 miles DodgyBastard, The Reverend Bluejeans and NorthernMonkey 3
NorthernMonkey Posted February 12, 2016 Author Posted February 12, 2016 As this weeks favourite AS shed of the week appears to be the E320 Merc, a quick update on mine would appear to be in order. Following delivery of the correct dipstick and an adapter for my bright red Snap On diagnostic housebrick, the ATF level was checked and found to be as near as damn spot on.Since then, we've put around 5k miles on the old bus and apart from a leak off pipe that I'd inadvertently dislodged whilst refitting the engine covers and which came detached in the middle of the night on lane three of the M62, all as been well. So much so in fact that the prat plates are going to get transferred next week from the Volvo (anybody want any V70 bits?) and the bumpers resprayed. Oh yes, and the knocking from the back end bushes investigating... michael1703, xtriple and CGSB 3
Station Posted February 13, 2016 Posted February 13, 2016 Mine knocks slightly over bumps. Gearbox is fine though.My rear bumpers are heavily scuffed as well, but I blame that on it having no rear view mirrors.
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