Author Topic: 061 Distributer  (Read 2750 times)

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061 Distributer
« on: February 09, 2005, 19:37:06 »
Here's the scoop.  I have a 70 280SL with the original aluminum bodied 061 distibuter. (I think the 280SE of the day shares the same unit) I was checking my timing today and noticed a small problem.  At 1500 rpm I should be at around 17-19 deg. btdc. "Got it, no problem".  At 3000 rpm I should be at 30 deg btdc.  I'm at about 21-21  (Not good).  It's old and I figure time for a change.  Here is my question... the 061 is a vacuum retard.  (replacement # 0.231.185.010)  Isn't the 051 also a vacuum retard? (replacement 0.231.185.009)  How are the two different?  Does the 051 have more curve? Are the two interchangeable?  Has anybody done this?  Any help would be great.
Michael

Benz Dr.

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  • Benz Dr.
Re: 061 Distributer
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2005, 12:56:26 »
This is an old question. You can't easily go back to the 051 distributor because your car has totally different input signals going to the distributor.

Your info tells me that you have mechanical advance but no vacuum going to the distributor. There should be vacuum going to the switch over valve and then to the distributor at all times, and it should shut off above 2200 to 2400 RPM. If you place your hand on the switch over valve with the 2 vacuum lines going to it, you should be able to feel it click when it switches over. I would also unplug the 100 degree switch on the thermostat housing - sometimes they go bad and are always going to ground.

These distributors are all mechanical advance up to 2200 RPM and then the vacuum switches off and the distributor advance plate springs forward.

Put a vacuum on the line going to the cell on the distributor and see if it holds vacuum. If it doesn't, the line or the rubber connector could be split. I've seen more than a few vacuum cells that wouldn't hold vacuum as well.

Daniel G Caron
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

tuultyme

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Re: 061 Distributer
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2005, 13:22:19 »
You are having the same symtoms as I did in my 70 280SL; No advance at the higher RPM.  My speed relay was not working; would not shut off the vacumn above 2200 RPM.  I sent my speed relay to be repaired by Beckmann Technologies and now it works fine; timing about 30 at 3000 RPM. Others have replaced the speed relay with a modern unit; Check early posts on this sugject.

Bruce; 268Blaugrun(green) 1970 280SL; IL