I was distracted today and used my fluid extractor to siphon out 4L of transmission fluid out by mistake. Intent was to change OIL. Arghhh. Tranny was dealer serviced at 80,000 and I'm currently at 140,000. Dealer said it was filled for life. LOL What spec trans fluid will I need and is it as easy as just replacing the 4L I took out?
Opinions will vary on this so here's my take.
The trans holds 12ish liters and at least you know that what was put in was MB fluid. You could go to the dealer and get the 4 liters with little fear that it will mix ok with what's in the trans.
You will need a dip stick and a level surface to refill.
The alternative view is that now would be a good time to drop the pan, replace the filter and electric connector and refill. I'd use the MB fluid.
Skippy
I am MB only on crucial fluids.
Adding fluid is way easier than extracting
If you can measure what you extract, you can add the exact amount.
I doubt it was 4l as it takes me pan dropping and waiting whole night to get this amount.
Still getting good dipstick should be in order.
Thanks for the quick reply, guys. I used a brand new vacuum extractor and it filled up almost exactly to the 4L mark. Pardon my lack of experience with transmissions, but I can't just add 4L of Valvoline MaxLife - Automatic Transmission Fluid through the same tube I extracted it from? Dealer is closed for 4 day weekend. I do have a level driveway.
One other question, if it's ok to add on here...
I also want to flush the cooling system, but when I turn the radiator petcock a quarter turn there's a hard stop and no coolant comes out. Some of the youtube videos show the guys turning it more than a quarter turn and it increases the flow rate. However, I don't want to push the valve more than the 1/4 turn for dear of breaking it.
Shell ATF 134 meets spec and is a lot less expensive.
Yeah, I'd be surprised if you could extract 4L (unless it was overfilled). You can order a measuring tool for pretty cheap...but be aware that the fluid level is HIGHLY temperature sensitive. The measuring tool will have two ranges: 25C and 80C. It's very difficult to measure at 80C since the temp drops so quickly. If you're at the top of the 25C range you will be close enough.
Since the dealer was closed I went to O'Reilly's and paid $27 for 4 quarts of Valvoline MaxLife - Automatic Transmission Fluid. Then I stopped by Autozone and they had the same bottle for $19.99. Go figure.
The extractor is brand new, so no contamination, but I went ahead and 4 qts (3.78l), which is almost exactly what it pulled into the extractor based on the markings on the side. I'll pick up a measuring tool Tuesday, thank you. So how does it work? I run the car until operating temperature and them run the probe down the tube to check the temp?
Also, any thought on the radiator petcock issue at the bottom of my last post? Nothing comes out when I turn it to the 1/4 turn stop. And I have the reservoir cap off.
You guys are great. Thanks for all the helpful advice since I'm stuck with this on a holiday weekend.
Also, any thought on the radiator petcock issue at the bottom of my last post? Nothing comes out when I turn it to the 1/4 turn stop. And I have the reservoir cap off.
FYI I just changed my fluid. First confirmed that level was perfect at 80C (read from scanner). Extracted exactly 3.2 quarts. I'm pretty confident that, if you pulled out 4L, the fluid was overfilled.
The tube has sharp bend close to the transmission and even when I was using 1/8" cable - I had to push it really strong.
Beware that cable hitting bottom will give different measurement, than dipstick stopping on square collar.
Not a big difference, but few mm.
MB_FanAddict, are you sure it will turn 1-2 full turns? It feels like a hard stop at a 1/4 turn and I'd hate to break something. Not doubting you, but am a bit jumpy at forcing it. Thanks.
Yes, you may have to push in slightly when unscrewing the drain plug (it's been awhile since I've done it). Once fully unscrewed you can pull it out with a pair of pliers (it's a replaceable part).
Woops, I just went back and looked at the photos I took and my CDI has the same black drain plug! An earlier gasoline W211 I
recently worked on had a red plug installed (which apparently is interchangeable per the EPC). You may need to use a pair of
pliers to gently twist it as shown.
I used a flashlight and a magnifying visor and looked up the drain spout as I turned the knob both ways. There is definitely a stop at each end of the quarter turn. I forced it a tiny bit past the stop and it clicked as it went past it, but it would not turn any more.
Surely there's someone on here who has the same plug and can tell me if they have the same sort of stop and if I should for it past the 1/4 turn stop. I don't want to deal with replacing a radiator if I bust it.
Its been long time since I played with those plugs, but from memory, the trick was to turn 1/4 turn, pull it a bit and then turn more.
Than lot of owners broke those plugs trying and I even kept a spare one when we had more cars at home.
Finally - whenever I had a problem with plugs, I always loosen the hose.
Drains much faster and good occasion to take a close look at it and not much you can break on it.
Your car uses the same 722.6 transmission that mine uses, and which is also used in the 5-speed S430/500/600 cars. That means you can use spec 236.10, 236.12, or 236.14. Any of these will work fine, and they are all compatible with each other. Personally, I've usually used either Meyle 236.10 or Fuchs Titan 236.12, since I got 'em on sale. As others have mentioned, Shell ATF 134 is also good stuff, and I used this in a C230 Kompressor with the same transmission with fine results. I haven't tried Valvoline MaxLife yet, but if it's any of those specs, it should be good, too.
Opinions will vary on this so here's my take.
The trans holds 12ish liters and at least you know that what was put in was MB fluid. You could go to the dealer and get the 4 liters with little fear that it will mix ok with what's in the trans.
You will need a dip stick and a level surface to refill.
The alternative view is that now would be a good time to drop the pan, replace the filter and electric connector and refill. I'd use the MB fluid.
Skippy
Agreed 100% on changing out the filter. After 60K miles, it's a good idea.
Regarding using MB fluid, to my knowledge, Fuchs is one of several MB OEM's for this fluid, as, I believe, are Meyle and Shell. Both Fuchs and Meyle ATF within these specs are made in Germany. I forget where Shell ATF 134's made. The MB fluid bottle looks just like the Meyle bottle, actually...suspiciously so, if you all get my drift.
Though I will admit that on the silver S430, I did pony up for MB-brand rear differential fluid this last weekend. Hey, it was my first diff fluid change! Now I know it's 75W-85, so I'll be using full synthetic Mobil-1 or similar for the other cars.
I am MB only on crucial fluids.
Adding fluid is way easier than extracting
If you can measure what you extract, you can add the exact amount.
I doubt it was 4l as it takes me pan dropping and waiting whole night to get this amount.
Still getting good dipstick should be in order.
I know the OP has already addressed this, so for other readers, these dipsticks can be found on eBay. And no, I'm not referring to the sellers when I say that. :-D
I changed the oil and filter and the transmission fluid fluid I drew out by mistake has been replaced. However, when I went to take it around the block and accelerated there is a loud whoooshing sound when it should be spooling up. The car lurches and plenty of black soot comes out the tail pipe. I can drive it steady, but if I apply any power or go up a hill it coughs and belches. No turbo power. Is there something I could have done to disable the turbo? Needs to reset?
Bingo. The bottom hose that leads to the turbo charger was not clipped in properly. I removed it thinking it was the lower radiator hose. It may have been loose to begin with since the car seems more responsive than before to the pedal.
Thank you all so much for the generous help and advice on here!
David
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