W163 ML270 2002 722.6 won't engage any gears!

[Wighty]

Arrived and filling as we speak.
Judgement day

I've got everything crossed for you buddy . Let me know when it works I really need the loo

 

[LostKiwi]

I've got everything crossed for you buddy . Let me know when it works I really need the loo

Having your legs crossed should help that!

 

[Blueyes1971]

SUCCESS!!!!.... she's alive.
Silently and no notice what so ever that its chosen a gear... always clonked in gear a tiny bit... can't detect it selecting now at all... for moment I thought it was still not selecting until I released the brake.
Now that's a result.
I've only put 5 litres in at the moment and still getting air out of coolant but it's looking good.
Will report back soon and hopefully put this thread to bed.
Watch this space

 

[Wighty]

SUCCESS!!!!.... she's alive.
Silently and no notice what so ever that its chosen a gear... always clonked in gear a tiny bit... can't detect it selecting now at all... for moment I thought it was still not selecting until I released the brake.
Now that's a result.
I've only put 5 litres in at the moment and still getting air out of coolant but it's looking good.
Will report back soon and hopefully put this thread to bed.
Watch this space

Aaaaaand Success here as well , everything is uncrossed now . Well done , now get cleaning that floor indoors .

 

[LostKiwi]

I've got everything crossed for you buddy . Let me know when it works I really need the loo

Well done , now get cleaning that floor indoors

You didn't.....

 

[Wighty]

You didn't.....

IT was close ...I'm over 50

 

[LostKiwi]

IT was close ...I'm over 50

Me too....

 

[Blueyes1971]

She ran faultlessly all the way to Oxford ... although after she's warm she's never liked to kick down for some time now... I'm going to start a new thread soon on installing a new turbo cartridge and actuator ... may as well replace the Maf sensor while I'm at it... I'll report after the round trip is complete ... looking all good so far

 

[oigle]

So Ian mine is correct?
It cycles coolant around the trans case by ways of a gallery instead of cycling the trans fluid through the cooler?
Thanks

Yes, yours is correct and normal. The coolant circulates through a heat exchanger on the side of the block and engine oil and auto tranny fluid also circulate through the unit. The unit is supposed to equalise all these temps. Doesn't do a great job. I was getting blackened and smelly auto fluid when towing in hot conditions and also the box would not change up to higher gears after a longish uphill pull - oil was too hot and ecu decided to keep it in a lower gear to increase circulation through the cooler.
I inserted a proper oil cooler into the circuit and all the issues went away.
Remember though that I do work in hotter conditions than England.

 

[Richard Moakes]

She ran faultlessly all the way to Oxford ... although after she's warm she's never liked to kick down for some time now... I'm going to start a new thread soon on installing a new turbo cartridge and actuator ... may as well replace the Maf sensor while I'm at it... I'll report after the round trip is complete ... looking all good so far

Really good news, a victory for determination and unwillingness to give up.

Very well done sir, its been a pleasure to follow this story.

 

[LostKiwi]

She ran faultlessly all the way to Oxford ... although after she's warm she's never liked to kick down for some time now... I'm going to start a new thread soon on installing a new turbo cartridge and actuator ... may as well replace the Maf sensor while I'm at it... I'll report after the round trip is complete ... looking all good so far

Well done! Not many would have the courage and conviction to do what you did.

 

[Blueyes1971]

Well done! Not many would have the courage and conviction to do what you did.

Cheers Kiwi
Well the courage is heavily supported by you guys also though

 

[Blueyes1971]

Really good news, a victory for determination and unwillingness to give up.

Very well done sir, its been a pleasure to follow this story.

Thanks Richard.. for the kind comments and support..

 

[Wighty]

Well done! Not many would have the courage and conviction to do what you did.

I would have the courage to attempt anything (just not on my car )

 

[Wighty]

Excellent work Blueyes , I look forward to the turbo thread next .

 

[Blueyes1971]

Excellent work Blueyes , I look forward to the turbo thread next .

Cheers bud... thanks for taking part

 

[Arudge]

I'm so pleased that this has all worked out for you, i expect it's been quite an education but one worth while.

He who never made any mistakes never did anything.

We'll done for sticking with it and thanks for giving us the story warts and all, not just the glossy bits.

I think a celebratory pint is required.

Cheers.

 

[Blueyes1971]

Chee

I'm so pleased that this has all worked out for you, i expect it's been quite an education but one worth while.

He who never made any mistakes never did anything.

We'll done for sticking with it and thanks for giving us the story warts and all, not just the glossy bits.

I think a celebratory pint is required.

Cheers.

Cheers Andy.. really appreciated your input right from page 1... along with Steve for pointing to the right component etc.. and of course Kiwi too... all involved I thank you for your time and support .. next thread will be either Injector blowing repair / thread insert upgrade install... or turbo and actuator overhaul / recondition.
Hopefully have as much interest in those threads too.
In closing just come back from Oxford back to Hinckley.. round trip I guess around 130 ish miles with no issues and no leaks at all... I will be replacing the kick down switch in the coming thread also as a consumable due to it not working all the time but that could be due to my turbo issues .. so gonna swap it out anyway... I will document that in the coming threads... thanks again all.
All The Best

 

[steveq]

Really well done.
I have been avidly reading each instalment. I admire your tenacity and drive (and your wife's understanding nature !!).
Inspirational.
Congratulations.

 

[Blueyes1971]

Really well done.
I have been avidly reading each instalment. I admire your tenacity and drive (and your wife's understanding nature !!).
Inspirational.
Congratulations.

Thanks Steve... it's really not hard, only the will required and a few tools.
I never really understood why garages sent gearboxes out to 'Specialist' transmission firms.. and why repairing them cost considerably more than engine repairs.. non of this is rocket science to be fair.
Even when the transmission internals appear to be part of extraterrestrial anti grav propulsion.. they are not.
Google..YouTube and this forum are your friend.. thanks again