wiring from coil to distributor any pics

[Madmerc]

hi all im getting there  just haven't worked out the wiring from and around the ballast and coil to the distributor any one can help . I read the colour wiring diagram but just cant get any spark at the points. thanks

[ja17]

Hello Madmerc,
Depending on the year of your W113, the wiring may be different. If it is late "69"or later, it may have factory electronic ignition which is wired different from the std. ignition. Do you have factory electronic ignition?

[Madmerc]

hi ja 17 thanks for the reply yes it is a 1964 January so its a early 230sl  so it has just a set of points  I only have 1 wire goint from coil to distributor is tha correct

[ctaylor738]

You should have a wire from the ballast resistor to the "15" terminal on the coil, and a wire from the "1" terminal on the coil to the condensor/points terminal on the distributor.  Obviously, you should have 9 volts or so to the "15" terminal with the ignition in Run or Start.  Be sure that the fiber washers are in place on the distributor connection - no connectivity between the connector and the distributor.

Cheers,

CT

[ja17]

Yes, be careful that the ignition points are not shorted. Check the 7mm hardware and post going through the distributor, as Chuck suggests. Their also should be an insulation sleeve on this post going through the distributor along with the fiber washers. Most often the sleeve is gone. A small O-ring work well in place of the sleeve to keep the post from touching and grounding out on the distributor housing. Also make certain that the fork connector on the ignition points wire does not turn and touch the breaker plate, or else you will have a short. To test your set-up, temporarily install an piece of business card between the points. Turn on the ignition and with a volt meter or 12 volt test light you should be able to follow the power (+) from the coil and through the distributor and through the one  side of the points. If you have a short, it will show up along the way.

[Madmerc]

hi ctaylor thanks for the info I just received my ballast resistor there are 2 connection points on it  .do I wire up the - on the coil to  the ballast on one side and the other from the  +  to the ballast then to the coil sorry I am a bit confused  thanks rob

[ja17]

Hello Rob,

The hot wire coming out of the wiring harness, attaches to the ballast resistor. Next a wire connects the ballast resistor to the + of the coil. Lastly the - side of the coil is connected to the post on the distributor.

[Madmerc]

Hi ja17 thanks for that I got it  just want to ask you about the ballast it gets  very hot
Quickly is that normal thanks rob

[ja17]

Yes it is normal to run very hot. That is why the housing is made out of ceramic material.