Looks like a fun project, looks to be the same color as my 76 300D.

Hopefully you can work out that transmission issue, change the fluild and filter and see if it improves.

As for starting, make sure you glow those old loop style plugs for at least 45-50 seconds, or else they just wont be hot enough, also turn the idle knob up and give it a little go-pedal when really cold.

Make sure the throttle linkage is opening the injection pump all the way, it might only be opening up 50%.

__________________
1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg