[COLLIN380]

Hello,
My 1983 500SL shifts harshly into all gears and I was wondering if it could be a vacuum issue like in my 1983 300D? If anyone can lead me to the most common issues ie.( leaks and their location), I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance for any help.

Best Regards,

Alex

 

[carsten123]

on my sl it was the vaccum hose running from the back of the engine to the modulator..

 

[thetentguy]

On the driver's side of the transmission you'll find a round plastic modulator with a vacuum hose coming out of it (or a metal pipe) The most common place for leaks in this is right around the modulator. Check for cracks in the rubber etc... or it even can come off as mine did.

I think that if it's shifting hard your modulator could use to be adjusted (though there could be a problem with the valve body or something else I don't know about, but first things first)

Turn the little white plastic piece counterclockwise a little, then take a flat headed screwdriver and pop it off the modulator. There will be a small key underneath. Turn this just a small amount counterclockwise. Snap cap back on. Make sure all hoses are leak free, take if for a test run and call me in the morning...