engine wont start

[Madmerc]

hi guys I put n my new 123 ignition and it fired straight awat did my ajustments and all was fine until today I started it up and it ran for a few minutes and then struggled on 5 cylinders then sort of konked out now wont start got plenty of fuel and spark but wont go any ideas ,thanks

[ja17]

Pull your spark plugs and take a look at them.

[Madmerc]

hi ja17 yes you are absolutely right all brand new plugs have fouled up engine was running very rich im still learning about fuel mixture I still don't no what im doing but willing to learn. thanks

[ja17]

We can help you through this.  Do you understand the linkage set-up? Have you set up the engine linkages?

[sr95032]

I have a similar problem. My 123 distributor went in just fine at TDC, static timed per instructions. My problem is I replaced a vacuums retard dist With a proper one and now my car just kind of putters at probably 150 RPM's. Do I need to restore the proper tuning adjustments for vac adv. if so could I get directions.

[ctaylor738]

madmerc

Some things to look at:

-disconnect the linkage on the pump side and make sure the pump lever is against the stop. if not, adjust length of rod.
-be sure that the hoses running to the warm running device (SRD) aka won't run device are getting coolant  They should be warm after a few minutes running.
-take the cold start valve out and reconnect the fuel line.  Run the fuel pump.  Make sure it's not leaking.
-be sure that the thermostat in the WRD is working and that the air slide is not stuck
-be sure that the rack in the injection pump moves freely

sr90352

Not sure I understand what you mean.  What year/model car do you have?  What advance curve did you select in the 123?

CT

[sr95032]

I have a very early 1963 230sl vacuume advance, installation of the 123ignition was very easy and straight forward.  All fuel probs have been taken care of. I had the wrong distr. (vacuume retard) installed by PO. After all the incredible knowlege and info on this web site, I realized with the new dist. ATDC it was horribly retarded (not PC) as I advance the dist more and more, the engine came to life. I finally got within the limits of the guage and hold down screw and dwell to 38, I have fell in love with my car all over again. It runs incredibly well. I was racing around the neighborhood at 1100pm last night, I ended up the the advance curve set at 8. I am waiting for an email from manufactuer for a tuning recomendation. 

[ctaylor738]

It's OK to use "retarded" WRT to timing. :-)

Good to hear that this woke your car up.