Mercedes: sticky gear change on a 1984 W123 230e petrol auto, gearbox oil, modulator valve

Question
my gear change between 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th wont change until revs are up to 5 1/2 thousand revs or unless i take foot off the throttle completely.  I have tried disconnecting the kickdown from under the throttle but to no avail.  have you any suggestions as to what i could try next.  the only other thing i would say is that the gearbox oil is above the maximum level on dipstick could this be the cause?

rgds cameron

Answer
Cameron,
The transmission uses several parameters to determine shift points. At one time Mercedes wanted the drive to actually be part of the shifting decision and thus needed accelerator petal input. Now having said that, you may have an issue with vacuum leakage in the system. I would go over the vehicle and see if there is a cracked hose somewhere. I would start with the modulator valve and work my to the engine.
Here is a link that may be of help.

http://www.mercedesdismantlers.com/722.3and722.416_transmission_adjustments.html

Good Luck
Rob