Timing Marks

[jszeman1]

I have an early 63 230sl and the timing should be 4 degree BTC.  The markings on the damper are 1,2,3.  can anyone tell me what these numbers mean and where I should set timing for 4 degrees.

[ja17]

Normally "top dead center" is marked with a "0" and then "10", "20", "30" etc. up to about "60". Each of these marks have an unlabled markfor five degrees, half way between them.   I suspect that your "1,2,3" is your "10", "20" etc.

[jszeman1]

Thanks Joe,  You are correct and the timing is dead on.  John

[Benz Dr.]

The very early VA distributor has more total advance than the later VR 051 which is 30 degrees. I think it's closer to 36 degrees so setting your timming at 4 degrees should be just about right. I'm running 40 degrees full advance on my car and it runs well at that amount.