Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: bjudd on January 09, 2006, 21:24:43

Title: failing tune up
Post by: bjudd on January 09, 2006, 21:24:43

after a tune-up last month my car has steadily developed a misfire when pushed in the 3000+ rpm range.  There is no mis when driving "easily".   It has gotten steadily more difficult to start as well.  The tune included timing/dwell/plugs/rotor/valve adjust, etc.  The mechanic who did these items told me that the distributor has play to which he is attributing the misfiring.   He believes that an electronic ignition will help or possibly eliminate the problem.  

Does a distributor with play cause misfire?  
Can the Crane unit take care of the problem?
Other possible causes?

thanks

bjudd
1969 280 SL 5 sp

Title: Re: failing tune up
Post by: Douglas on January 09, 2006, 21:30:07

Everything you just described is what I experienced at one point a few years back. Yes, it was my distributor. And yes, the Pertronix System cleared it up.

Title: Re: failing tune up
Post by: rob walker on January 09, 2006, 21:53:27

I had the same symptoms afetr running at speed for about 30 minutes.
My garage told me the same, wear in the distributor was casuing the misfire and electronic ignition would assist in curing this.
I opted for both changing the distributor and EI.

The fault cleared up completely although I did get another misfire which was attributed to a sticking valve, the one that sits on top on the inlet manifold, sorry dont know the technical name.

They cleaned this and all misfires and staring problems have gone away. For good??? who knows.

Rob Walker

1968 280SL papyrus white/green leather
2004 230 SLK silver

Title: Re: failing tune up
Post by: George Davis on January 09, 2006, 22:19:33

An electronic ignition system can "band-aid" a worn distributor that isn't worn too badly, but the real cure is to rebuild or replace the distributor.  Benz Dr. rebuilt mine when I realized it had excess play in the shaft, and it works very nicely now.  I happily recommend his services.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

Title: Re: failing tune up
Post by: ja17 on January 10, 2006, 20:02:57

Hello bjud,


Probably the points closing up. The play in the distributor may just be a contributing factor but not the cause.  Open the points up a bit, you have nothing to loose by trying! New points do settle in. For best results especially on high mileage distributors re-set the dwell after a good test drive. Make sure the distributor cam is lubed.

Make sure they used non-resistor spark plugs also.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio