Engine surge/hunting when cold

[trapperjohn]

Well, I have just returned home from a little trip out. The cluster temp gauge showed nothing when I went out, but I am not going to count that as a proper cold start.

However - it has to be said that it ran as smooth as silk. The rev counter never wavered in the slightest, and the changes were perfect.

I'm not counting my chickens just yet though. We'll see what it goes like in the morning, when it can do a proper cold start.

Keep us posted. My 124s have to wear out some time.But hopefully not anytime yet.

 

[corned]

Right chaps!

First proper cold start this morning. About 8degC according to the cluster.

Smooth as silk.

Not a hiccup, surge, nothing. In fact, I don't remember the gear changes ever being this smooth, although I am well aware of the placebo effect which a bit of DIY maintenance can have.

I have added another small quantity just for luck, so we'll see how we go. The fluid level is actually now slightly over the top hot marker on the dipstick tool I bought.

Here's a bonus question:

Is it possible to ram the dipstick thing further down than it's supposed to go? When you push it down into the tube, there are one or two areas where it tightens up on its way down (presumably negotiating bends in the tube) and then you get to a level where you just sense a springy resistance which cannot be overcome by pushing harder! Oooh errr...

 

[trapperjohn]

Right chaps!

First proper cold start this morning. About 8degC according to the cluster.

Smooth as silk.

Not a hiccup, surge, nothing. In fact, I don't remember the gear changes ever being this smooth, although I am well aware of the placebo effect which a bit of DIY maintenance can have.

I have added another small quantity just for luck, so we'll see how we go. The fluid level is actually now slightly over the top hot marker on the dipstick tool I bought.

Here's a bonus question:

Is it possible to ram the dipstick thing further down than it's supposed to go? When you push it down into the tube, there are one or two areas where it tightens up on its way down (presumably negotiating bends in the tube) and then you get to a level where you just sense a springy resistance which cannot be overcome by pushing harder! Oooh errr...

Careful there Corned. It was your cars first time!!

 

[corned]

That reminds me...

When I removed the filler tube cap, I simply pushed the little red tag downwards and out of the bottom of the cap. Nothing broke. When I had finished, I replaced the cap and pushed the tag back in until it snapped into place. This has been repeated. So you could say that I failed to break its seal of approval, TJ.

I thought they were a one-shot deal?

Make what innuendo you will out of that!

 

[trapperjohn]

Treat any maiden gently and she will come back for more.

 

[Johnny-P]

Johnny

As a matter of interest, who was the indy (anywhere near East Anglia?) and how much did they charge to fit the exchange unit?

Thanks.

Hi
It was done by STAR autos in Huntingdon.
Fitting was 5hrs labour.
Very nice chap to deal with and knows his stuff!!

 

[Alex Argent]

Right chaps!

First proper cold start this morning. About 8degC according to the cluster.

Smooth as silk.

Not a hiccup, surge, nothing. In fact, I don't remember the gear changes ever being this smooth, although I am well aware of the placebo effect which a bit of DIY maintenance can have.

I have added another small quantity just for luck, so we'll see how we go. The fluid level is actually now slightly over the top hot marker on the dipstick tool I bought.

Here's a bonus question:

Is it possible to ram the dipstick thing further down than it's supposed to go? When you push it down into the tube, there are one or two areas where it tightens up on its way down (presumably negotiating bends in the tube) and then you get to a level where you just sense a springy resistance which cannot be overcome by pushing harder! Oooh errr...

Corned

I'm pleased to hear that all appears to be well.

I'll initially go down exactly the same route as you, i.e. buying the dipstick and replacement cap, and taking the ATF level after a lengthy drive. As the symptoms are exactly the same as you were getting, fingers crossed it's just a top-up job.

Update to follow as soon as I've done it.

PS: My humblest apologies for somewhat hijacking your thread

 

[brucemillar]

Alex

If your ATF on the dip stick is any colour other than red I would drain the box either from the sump or suck it out with a pump and re-fill with nice fresh stuff.

 

[Alex Argent]

Alex

If your ATF on the dip stick is any colour other than red I would drain the box either from the sump or suck it out with a pump and re-fill with nice fresh stuff.

Bruce

Thanks, and agreed.

When MB carried out the service back in May, they ended up changing the ATF twice (first time gearbox only, 3 litres - then second time (allegedly) drained the entire box and TC and refilled using 8 litres ATF total). As I've only put about 5k miles on the car since I'm hoping it should still be clear.

However I have a sneaking suspicion that the second time around they actually done nothing at all.

I'm not sure of what the colour should be....however I have a new 1 litre bottle here (OEM) so I'll pour a small amount into a clean jar as a reference. But I'm sure you are correct in saying it's red.

If it looks anything other than clean and clear, I'll get the whole fluid and filter changed again. My plan was to initially check the level and add whatever amount is necessary to see if the issue goes away (as it appears to have done with corned). Of course there is always the possibility that it is over-filled, which I understand can also lead to faulty gearbox operation.

When Olly at PCS done the ATF changes on my previous two cars, the work involved looked a tad beyond my mechanical abilities (and time ). Knowing my luck, I'll probably shear off one of the sump bolts or face a similar disaster . Having said that, his "How To" on this subject is all reasonably straightforward.

However, as the car is coming up for it's next 'B' service shortly, I'll probably get it into Olly to do as there are a few other minor issues I want looked at.

Thanks again for your valuable contribution. What a brilliant forum this is! :bannana:.

Regards,

 

[brucemillar]

If your going to Ollie then you are indeed in safe hands.


I also had some gearbox issues with my W124 300te 4matic. A complete drain, filter change of the box and ATF change in the transfer box, transformed the car and resolved my issues.

I also changed the ATF in my C55 (sucked it out) and that got rid of a slightly lumpy change (both up and down).

Good luck.

 

[corned]

Quick update.

Been out again today, and it was really quite cold this morning (ice on the whole car). Still smooth as silk. If anything changes I will let you know!

Alex - I hope yours responds as well as mine appears to have done. Good luck.