Preventing engine start with ATF change?

[AdamG]

I want to change the oil in my s320cdi gearbox. I've heard you can get more oil out by spinning the engine with the start motor.

Last time I disconnected the crank shaft postion sensor but it was a right pain to get at and left a fault code that needed resetting.

What is the most convenient way to disable the engine from starting? Fuel pump relay?

Thanks

Adam

 

[johnsco]

Why not ... Just change the oil ??
If you are concerned to do a better job, then just change it that bit more often.

Cheers
Johnsco

 

[renault12ts]

I think its ATF that's being changed not the engine oil??

 

[johnsco]

I meant ATF ... Only called it "oil" 'cos the OP called it "oil".

Johnsco

 

[AdamG]

Thanks for the replies.

I have already done an atf change recently to flush the system. I just wanted to get as much oil out as possible as at the moment I can only get about 4 litres.

Adam

 

[lynall]

Thats all you will get out adam, i would just take the advice and do it a bit more often once a year or so, cheap insurance.
If you just drain the oil you will only get 3 ltres ish but if you remove the sump and the filter you will get some more bit messy mind!
Filter only £7.50 from mb




Lynall

 

[AdamG]

Thanks Lynall. I saw one of your old posts and got some atf oil on ebay for £60....great value. I have now put 12 litres and two filters in. Hopefully that should have flushed it.

The reason I was trying to get a good change is I'm having slight problems with the torque converter lockup clutch.

Thanks

Adam

 

[lynall]

You must have got the oil from the same bloke i got mine i was very pleased with the price.

If you have stuck all 12 litres in then i would say its got to be as good as a full change.

Hope your problems dont end up like mine ie a gearbox rebuild and a new tc, search on here for zizzing! seriously that was the post title.

Got to do wifes tomorrow.



Lynall

 

[AllanE]

Spinning the engine over on the starter isn't going to get much ATF out of the converter.
Out of curiosity, what symptoms do you have with your lock-up problem?

 

[AdamG]

You must have got the oil from the same bloke i got mine i was very pleased with the price.

Yes I think I did. Unfortunately he dosn't seem to have any more.

I was very surprised you had such trouble with your gearbox at that mileage.

I'm having a problem with a slight vibration, like running over rumble strips when the car is lightly pulling in 4th or 5th. It's almost as if the car has not changed gear in time. I have been told it is the lockup clutch is the torque converter and needs a new one, but I thought I'd give it an oil change to see if this helps.

I wonder if it is to do with these high torque engines putting large stresses through the drivetrain?

Thanks Alan. I did try previously to remove extra oil by spinning the engine and only got an extra 1/4 litre out.

Cheers

Adam

 

[AllanE]

There is an issue with the lock-up clutch who's symptom is vibration - first came to light on German taxis, as you would expect - where the lock-up's spliney-bit (tech. term!) spins in it's hub (that connects to the transmission input shaft).
I'd guess around £200 for an exchange (sorted) converter and I know the place to do it, but you'd probably want the physical work of swapping converters doing somewhere more local.
Unfortunately you have the 'worst' installation of a big diseasel, which means big torque spikes and the lock-up clutch bears the brunt.
Not sure if there's a simple electrical way of disabling the lock-up, but that would be a good thing to do until you can get it sorted, shouldn't spoil economy much.

Sorry for the bad news - I'm hoping low mileage and a petrol engine means I don't have to worry just yet...

 

[lynall]

I also had the slight vibes from cold and honestly thought it was tyre balance! even had them balanced but the problem conitinued until i lost drive as per the zizzing post.



Lynall

 

[AdamG]

Thanks for the advice Alan on the torque converter. I have access to star so could try disabling the lockup clutch.

Interestingly I have just replaced the engine mounts (near side one was split) and I recon it has made it worse.

It is still perfectly drivable only it really has not got that silky smoothness I expected from a mercedes. My E240 (petrol) w210 is much much smoother. At idle you can not tell the engine is on.

Cheers

Adam