230SL Distributor

[n/a]

Great site! I was referenced here from another site in hopes that I can get some help with my distributor. I'm trying to time the ignition and am unable to move the distributor after I have loosened the collar. Am I missing something here? Also I seem to have 2 problems. On cold start my idle control solenoid doesn't seem to come into play, but upon turning on the AC it will hold the throttle in the position it is in when the AC is turned on. What voltage should I see at the solenoid when the engine is cold? Also I set my dwell at 38-40 degrees and my points are .20 and the manual I have calls for .30. At the moment after the car is warmed up and under load it will missfire occasionally. Any help would be appreciated.

[Cees Klumper]

The solenoid has no function in the cold start systems. It only (and always) should work when the car is put in gear on an automatic, and on an A/C equipped car when that system is turned on. The cold start systems include two: at the fuel injection pump (thermostat tower - often found sticking, expensive new on the 230 SL, can be made operational oftentimes) and at the intake manifold (cold start valve, injecting extra fuel for a short time, as in seconds).
There could be two bolts holding the distributor in place. Check for another one.
As for misfiring, if the timing and dwell, gap etc are in order, check the resistance of your wires and caps, the plugs themselves, or the condensor and/or coil.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[n/a]

Thank you very much. I'll take another look tonight. Also if you have time you could take look at my website for a good idea of how much I love this car. I haven't updated since I finished and I've driven the car approx. 2500 miles until the head gasket started leaking.

http://www.geocities.com/tywrapdave/


thanks again
driver

[rwmastel]

Dave,

Glad to see a happy new member!  Regarding your distributor issue, I highly recommend using the Search feature.  There's a link/button in the top right corner of this screen.  Use it and search on a key word, like "timing", "dwell", "misfire", "distributer", or anything else.

I clicked on your web site link and I've seen it before.  I must have been on a site you were contributing to!  Great restoration job!

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420