Author Topic: Spark Plug Gap  (Read 5451 times)

jcochran@cox.net

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Spark Plug Gap
« on: July 16, 2014, 00:34:52 »
Hi,
 Does anyone have a recommended plug gap for BOSCH #WR 7 DC+ (7900) sparkplugs that I am installing in my 1967 250SL?

Thanks for your help,
Jim

66andBlue

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Re: Spark Plug Gap
« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2014, 01:29:54 »
Jim,
are you aware that you are using spark plugs with a resistor: WR 7 DC+ (7900) ?
Joe A. wrote up a good post why they should be avoided in our cars: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=7922.0 Reply #10 and others
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

badali

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Re: Spark Plug Gap
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2014, 01:50:09 »
I use w7dc (7500) and set them at .035.  The car runs fine for me.  My main problem is keeping the points at a proper gap for good running.
Brad

1961 220 Sb
1966 230 SL (Sold)
2019 E 450 4 Matic
2022 GLC 300 4 Matic

jcochran@cox.net

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Re: Spark Plug Gap
« Reply #3 on: July 16, 2014, 02:26:48 »
Thanks to you both for your help. I recently had my Pagoda restored and I am having issues with it missing no matter what the A/F ratio is. I just ordered a set of W7DC's from Rock Auto and hopefully they will do the trick - it's certainly worth a try.

Thanks,
Jim

66andBlue

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Re: Spark Plug Gap
« Reply #4 on: July 16, 2014, 02:36:00 »
While you are at it also check your spark plug wires.
I had a misfiring problem on my 230SL and was fortunate that I looked in the engine bay when it was dark.
Sparks along the #1 wire!!  :o
Also use an Ohm meter to check resistance values from end to end on each wire, should not exceed about 2 K Ohm.
Alfred
1964 230SL manual 4-speed 568H signal red
1966 230SL automatic 334G light blue (sold)
1968 280SL automatic (now 904G midnight blue)

ctaylor738

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Re: Spark Plug Gap
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2014, 12:32:00 »
According to the technical manual, total resistance (from the coil through the spark plugs) should be between 13k and 16k ohms.  I believe you will find 5K in the rotor, and 5K in the WR plugs, so you can "afford" another 5K in the wires. 

Cheers,
Chuck Taylor
1963 230SL #00133
1970 280SL #13027 (restored and sold)
1966 230SL #15274 (sold)
1970 280SL #14076 (sold)
Falls Church VA

ja17

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Re: Spark Plug Gap
« Reply #6 on: July 16, 2014, 14:40:37 »
Add more resistance for the spark plug ends and the distributor plug ends and you are getting close especially if you are using 5K resistor spark plug ends. Avoid the resistor plugs if you can.
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