Author Topic: Distributor wires lineup?  (Read 5121 times)

n/a

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Distributor wires lineup?
« on: July 22, 2003, 15:28:29 »
Hi,

I just replaced my distributor cap and thought I wired it one-by-one as I took them off the old cap.  However, now there's a miss and a tapping sound.  Does anyone know the sequence of cylinder wires as they relate to the dist. cap?  Also, one of the wires into the cap was just strands of wire bent around the end of the insulator.  There was no flat copper end to it.  Suggestions?

Thanks!

David L.

Cees Klumper

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Re: Distributor wires lineup?
« Reply #1 on: July 22, 2003, 17:45:24 »
The firing order is printed in large numbers on top of the valve cover. If you start with no. 1 (I believe where the rotor faces the notch in the cap) then you can check out the wires one by one.
Cees Klumper
1969 Mercedes 280 SL automatic
1968 Ford Mustang 302 V8
1961 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Coupe 1600
1962 FIAT 1500S OSCA convertible
1972 Lancia Fulvia Coupe 1.3
1983 Porsche 944 2.5
1990 Ford Bronco II

dwilli3038

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Re: Distributor wires lineup?
« Reply #2 on: July 22, 2003, 19:22:58 »
I suggest new wires, If the the wires are staing to fall apart, you will never run well.

Daryl
'64 230 SL

W14

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Re: Distributor wires lineup?
« Reply #3 on: July 22, 2003, 21:21:50 »
If there is a tapping sound as well, then perhaps the cap is not properly seated on the distributor.  This can lead to contact between the rotor and one of the cap terminals, causing a "tap and miss".

Will W14
1965 230SL 4spd
Victoria,BC

ja17

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Re: Distributor wires lineup?
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2003, 17:28:11 »
Hello David,
If the distributor is oriented correctly, close inspection of the top rim of the distributor with the cap of, will reveal a slight "slash" mark. This mark is the correct position of Number one spark plug wire with the cap installed. This "slash" is normally next to one of the distributor cap hold down clips. Looking down on the distributor cap the correct order (as on the valve cover) is 1-5-3-6-2-4 moving clockwise. I agree with Will that the tapping noise could likely be an incorrectly seated distributor cap or rotor. The distributor wires had screw on ends when new. There are different distributor caps for these W113 cars. Examine the new and old closely to determine that they are exactly the same. I believe this to be the most likely problem since you did not tamper with anything else. Good luck. Let us know what you find.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback