Distributor Question

[cml55]

Hi, i just joined and I am impressed with the amount of information available.  I have a 69 280SL with about 91,000 miles(we are the third owner).

 I was changing the points and when I removed the screw that goes through for the points/conndensor wires the insulating washers just fell apart due to age.  I checked with my local MB dealer as the parts guy is very helpful but he can not find the correct part as his book does not show the same breakdown as the one on this site,  That diagram shows the washers to be part of the assembly #32 but does not give a part number.

For now I am going to use a couple of rubber washer to insulate the bolt from the distributor.  Does anyone know the part number or where I can get the correct part.

Thanks,

Chris

[mdsalemi]

Hi Chris,

Contact either Dan Caron (see the commercial section of this site) or Glenn Ring.  http://www.glenn-ring.com/  Both do distributor restorations and have access to these little parts.

[isofast]

Here is a picture and number for the group of parts you describe courtesy of Joe A.

[bpossel]

isofast!
Where have you been?  Havent seen you in a long while!
bob

[cml55]

Thanks for the information.  I contacted Dan and he has what I need and the part is on the way.  It is great to find a site with this much information.  It makes you wonder what collectors did before the internet.

Chris

[isofast]

Hi Bob P I have been here just been to busy to post.
It is nice to read about your tinkerings with the 123.
Curious, are you happy with that distributor?
What is the best curve setting you have found?
I am thinking of maybe trying one.
Ernie

[Cees Klumper]

I also noticed you 'came back' Ernie! Going to Blacklick again this year?

I am very happy with my 123 distributor, I just set it to the standard-advised curve (can't remember for sure what it is, but maybe 'F') and have not tinkered with that, the engine just runs very smooth with that, and is very responsive. I really did notice a marked difference, and I had rebuilt my original 051 distributor, so that was not in the poorest of shapes.

[bpossel]

Hello Ernie,

Yes, I have been happy with the "123".  For my car ('71) with emission control stuff, I set the "123" to curve setting 'E".
For your '69 w/o emission stuff, set the curve to "8".  Use the standard (oe) coil and wires.  Probably can eliminate the ballast, I did.
Hope to see you at PUB '09!
bob

[al_lieffring]

        "I am going to use a couple of rubber washer to insulate the bolt from the distributor"

Using rubber washers will not work to isolate the point / condesnor bolt from the distributor housing.

I tried this once and found out the high voltage spikes from the primary coil windings will leak through rubber and prevent the condensor from holding a charge. My car would run normaly for about 5 miles, start to lose pover and eventually stall, only restarting after the motor had cooled down.

The black pigment in rubber is carbon and will act as a semi-conductor under high voltage.

This all went away when I used the proper phenolic insulating washers.

Al

[isofast]

Hi Chris welcome to the group, hope you enjoy the information. Glad Dan C. Has your part on the way.

Hi Cees glad your 123 works well in your 69. I think I am going to try one.
I am not sure about PUB, my wife has been in and out of the hospital recently.
Not sure why but her carotid artery tore in 2007 and again last week.
It is a bit unnerving waiting on neuro-vascular surgeons
diagnosis.

Best regards,
Ernie

[waqas]

Ernie,
Best wishes to your wife for a speedy and full recovery.

[cml55]

Al,

Thanks for the warning.  I have some small nylon washers and also some sort of fibre washers which I might try until the parts get here from up north.

Chris

[isofast]

Thanks Waqas