New to me ML320

[folzag2]

The M112 makes sludge like crazy compared to the inline engines of the era. I recently pulled one apart, 390k km. First owner probably didn't maintain it very well and second and last owner from around 90k km until now did oil changes every 8-10k km and it stayed sludged like yours. Oil consumption was about a quart every 2000 km. Valve steam were hard and brittle and cylinder glazing was evident.

Yeah, that looks very familiar. Those giant PCV refractory chambers... why, it's almost like they knew. Sad!

 

[folzag2]

Dang. This is after 3000 miles. Should have done this 2000 miles ago.

 

[Dino01]

The 722 in those are robust transmissions and some have issue with the conductor plate, but most problems IME have been related to dirty fluid, and especially the $15 adapter plug on the side that leaks and wicks fluid into the connector

 

[4WD]

Dang. This is after 3000 miles. Should have done this 2000 miles ago.

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Does not appear to be overloaded - just dealing with a known cleanup job to do.

 

[folzag2]

The 722 in those are robust transmissions and some have issue with the conductor plate, but most problems IME have been related to dirty fluid, and especially the $15 adapter plug on the side that leaks and wicks fluid into the connector

Yeah, I've seen folks mention preventative maintenance on the transmission connector plug.

I got a transmission service kit thinking the trans fluid would be as ugly as everything else, but when I checked it the level was good and it was decently bright red. The lock was missing on the dipstick cap like someone had been in there before too. I haven't done the service because it seemed like it would be a waste if I have to take it in and the shop replaces everything all over again to service the solenoids.

Would dirty fluid cause the torque converter to not lock-up? I could see it giving bad shifts, which it shifts just fine. But I wouldn't expect fluid would impact torque converter lock-up.

 

[Dino01]

Yeah, I've seen folks mention preventative maintenance on the transmission connector plug.

I got a transmission service kit thinking the trans fluid would be as ugly as everything else, but when I checked it the level was good and it was decently bright red. The lock was missing on the dipstick cap like someone had been in there before too. I haven't done the service because it seemed like it would be a waste if I have to take it in and the shop replaces everything all over again to service the solenoids.

Would dirty fluid cause the torque converter to not lock-up? I could see it giving bad shifts, which it shifts just fine. But I wouldn't expect fluid would impact torque converter lock-up.

I doubt it, maybe it’s possible but I suspect the connector plug is more likely the cause.

I had a similar issue in my clk with a variant of that transmission when the plug was leaking into the TCM, it shuddered and acted weird when accelerating onto the freeway, almost like it was falling in and out of overdrive. Did the plug, fluid and filter and cleaned the computer at the same time and all good since then

 

[Egg_Head]

You can drain the torque converter on your model car, you are fortunate. You access it via an inspection window on the bell housing. You will need to rotate the engine to get it aligned. This service is the most thorough in terms of transmission fluid changes. You'll drain nearly 90% out on the first go. As other have said the adapter plug should always be replaced when doing this service.

 

[JHZR2]

Heh. Sure!

View attachment 285977

(Old tires though. The date codes were from 2007 before I replaced them. )

Welcome to the club!

The only thing I wouldn’t have done is a jiffy lube/engine flush. I know you’re excited to get that junk out, but it’s dubious it will do the job. And the $$ redline is now suspect of having remnant solvent in it.

You’ll probably never get perfection. I would have run HPL engine cleaner, with an HDEO of your choice. Do a few short oci of that then change over.

Good luck with it!