Transmission problem?
 

1980 300D 140k miles. pretty good condition.
A while ago I started noticing a delay in switching gears. e.g. At bottom of hill I shift into first from drive, but it does not really switch right then. Go up the hill for a while (in what seems like second), stop/slow to turn left, sudden switch to low gear happens by itself with a sudden slow down.

A few days ago I was changing the oil and accidentally spill a half pint onto the engine.

The next day it would not switch into 2nd. I checked the transmission fluid (appears normal at 80 degrees and low when cold).
Checked the engine oil (it looks low). I drain and refill the oil. Level is fine. I drive it for a minute or so, turn off the engine, check engine oil level. Looks low again???
Once when I revved it a lot, it lurched forward and switched into next gear.


Car also loses power esp going uphill when I turn on A/C (it works).

Any help is appreciated.

RE: Transmission problem?
 

there are three vacuum valves (sometimes only two,depends) under a black cover on the top of the valve cover. check the levers as these wear out. also check the nipples on them. my 81 300cd did not shift until maximum speed and replacing these valves, one with a broken nipple was all it took to shift properly. expressautoparts.com has them for about 40 each. mine had three. the levers are about 2-5 dollars each and this may be all you need.

RE: Transmission problem?
 

In addition to checking these valves, make sure they all hold vacuum. My 300CD has three. They all looked great but 2 of the three leaked! I replaced them and problem fixed! Yes the little levers can wear out/ break but valve itself can wear out and not hold vacuum.

RE: Transmission problem?
 

good point!

RE: Transmission problem?
 

ok,
what a !@#$@% stupid !@#$@#$@#$@#$@######################@!@#$@!$@
One of the cables was disconnected. That was it. 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