W163 ML270 2002 722.6 won't engage any gears!

[Blueyes1971]

Cheers Fellas

 

[Arudge]

Getting the torque converter out with or without the transmission isn t so much s problem, but the TC MUST go back into the transmission first, then offer the transmission and the TC to the engine. This is because the TC locates onto the transmission oil pump, get it wrong and you'll trash the oil pump.

With the transmission out it's easy, drop the TC back onto the transmission, turn the TC around and clunk, it will simply locate. If you mount the TC to the engine and then offer the transmission to the TC you'll never find the oil pump location and you'll end up damaging the oil pump.

Yes, i know it's awkward, heavy and your turning the engine against the compression to find the bolt holes, but the method works and it will keep you out of trouble.

 

[Arudge]

Also, put about a L or so of ATF into the TC before you refit the TC to the transmission. The TC holds 2L so 1L won't simply run back out and once the TC is back on the transmission it won't leak anyway, but it will give the pump less to do to fill the TC.

 

[Arudge]

Tools and code reading available for refugees down here if required

I wouldn't mind accepting this offer if your still available. It's transmission code reading I need. We're in Higher Brimley and will be until Thursday evening.

 

[Arudge]

I wouldn't mind accepting this offer if your still available. It's transmission code reading I need. We're in Higher Brimley and will be until Thursday evening.

I'll be coming to you, obviously.

 

[Richard Moakes]

I wouldn't mind accepting this offer if your still available. It's transmission code reading I need. We're in Higher Brimley and will be until Thursday evening.

Currently in Reading, back home Wednesday evening.

Hopefully we can do this on Wednesday evening or Thursday during the day.

Will PM details of where I am and phone numbers etc.

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

No need to fill the TC with oil, that will fill pretty quickly as soon as the engine is spun over and will create less mess when fitting the TC in the box.

As the poor guy is doing it on his back....

 

[Blueyes1971]

Well after all that ....it appears my TC was bolted from the other side of the flywheel.
I'm not checked but imagine it's through the starter motor hole on the block, so couldn't take TC off with trans...I ave them separated, just got to lower out and inspect.
Back soon with photos

 

[Blueyes1971]

Where I am now

 

[Blueyes1971]

Ok she's down and out... not too bad on my own ... been a lot closer to tears before.
Any pointers as to what I can check while it's out?

 

[Blueyes1971]

Ok maybe I misunderstood bell housing....my TC unbolts from engine side casting at 6 o'clock
I thought you meant from holes in trans bell housing.
So unbolting TC now...looks like 6 X 13mm bolts
Anything I should be checking while trans is out guys?

 

[Arudge]

Them are the men. Undo those and the engine is disconnected from the TC/transmission.

 

[LostKiwi]

Ok maybe I misunderstood bell housing....my TC unbolts from engine side casting at 6 o'clock
I thought you meant from holes in trans bell housing.
So unbolting TC now...looks like 6 X 13mm bolts
Anything I should be checking while trans is out guys?

Rear main bearing oil seal on the engine.
Input shaft seal on the gearbox.

 

[Arudge]

Everything that can go wrong on these transmissions is on the inside and is major work to get to. I had major problems with my transmission and we pinned it down to the TC, we changed the TC but we were wrong. This is the chance you take because some of these issues are incredibly difficult to pin down.

 

[Arudge]

Where I am now

Only just looked at you images. Yes....slight misunderstanding with the terminology there, still no harm done.

As you have found out, there's nothing holding the TC onto the transmission, but there is a location inside the TC for the oil pump which is inside the Transmission. That's why you must put the TC onto the transmission first, spin it around slowly to find the oil pump location and the offer the transmission and TC to the engine. The 6 bolts that fasten the TC to the flexplate/engine should be done LAST. Do up the transmission mounts, bell housing bolts THEN the 6 TC bolts.

 

[Blueyes1971]

Cheers boys... already done..
6 x 13mm bolts removed and TC off...
so start again in reverse with new TC

 

[Richard Moakes]

Are you planning to flush the transmission cooler and lines? If the TC has failed, then flushing the lines would be advisable.

 

[Blueyes1971]

Yes...in fact I'm relacing the trans cooler along with coolant rad

 

[Blueyes1971]

Inspection as much as possible of removed TC

 

[Arudge]

Inspection as much as possible of removed TC

There's nothing to really see, all the important stuff is inside and out of sight.

In saying that...You've got some slight damage on the shaft, i'm not sure it's something to worry about though.

I've sent you a PM if you need more depth on something.