Hey Folks,
I've been gone for a while - driving and enjoying my SL. But now that winter's here, I'm back to my endeavor of replacing my existing ignition system with a true electronic ignition system. BUT, I've got some obstacles that I'm SURE many of you can help me out with.
My 1971 280SL has got a chopped up ignition system. According to my Dad (previous owner), the transistorized ignition module fried back in the early 1990's. The stellar mechanics a Brother-to-Brother Foreign car repair transformed the system to a more conventional Kettering ignition system where the full current and voltage passthrough the breaker points.
Now, I don't know what is what, which way is up, and where to go. I've read so many posts here, and other literature, the only thing I know is that there seems to be no definitive answer to my questions.
So, here's my plan:
1) Install the Crane XR-700 with the aid of John Hassel's doc.
2) Replace the existing ignition coil with the "correct" coil.
3) Replace the existing ballast resistor with the "correct" resistor.
4) Replace the ignition / spark plug wires with best repalcements.
I'm hoping someone out there, has a close year/model 280SL, with the XR-700 successfully installed and running (Cees, you there) can answer these questions for me, and take the speculation out of the picture:
QUESTIONS:
1) what *EXACTLY* model / part# Bosch coil are you using?
2) what *EXACTLY* impedance, manufacturer, and part# ballast resistor are you using?
3) what MB part# is your distributor?
4) do I have the correct distributor for my car?
5) what *EXACTLY* did you use for replacement ignition wires?
6) If I go with the "red coil", which is the correct ballast resistance for use with the XR-700: 0.6 ohms or 1.8 ohms (or other)
?
Here's my current situation, incase any of you are interested:
The distributor is MB part# 0231 185 010. Is that ok?
The ignition coil is a Bosch coil, but it's black. It's not red, not blue, not silver. It has a rust-orange top with the markings: "Bosch Germany IMPORTEDALLEMAGNE". I can't find any other markings like a model or part #. There is only 1 wire going to the (-) terminal. There is only 1 wire going to the (+) terminal. I have an unconnected green wire, comming up through a gromet below, along with the positive battery cable, with a round loop end, sitting right next to the coil. I suspect this wire is connected to the speed relay that is part of the emission control system, but am not sure.
The ballast resistance is in the form of a single ceramic resistor made by Beru. It bears the marking of "WZ09-02" on the resistor body, and the number 60 on it's mounting braket. I have no idea what it's impedance is. There is NOT 2 resistors like one would expect with a transistorized system.
Oddly enough, the car starts and runs pretty darn well. I want to install the electronic ignition because I want to eliminate this professionally hacked up ignition system. I'd like the consistency of the electronic system, and I'd like to eliminate the maintenance of the mechanical points.
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William Blair Wagner: blairwag@earthlink.net
Education is not always knowing the answer,
...but rather knowing where to look for it!
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