No spark

[Nickw]

Hey guys I’m new here I got a weak spark on my 230sl I changed everything Strong spark at coil.  Very weak spark at plugs.  Everything has been replaced (condenser,  points,  coil,  plugs,  wires). Engine not firing at all.  Not even a hint of it trying to start please help

[mdsalemi]

Did you measure resistance of each wire? Should be solid wires, nearly zero.

[Nickw]

Should I just look into getting a 123 ignition

[Nickw]

Can anyone help me find out witch 123 ignition do I need to get for my 1964 Mercedes 230sl

[john.mancini]

Hi Nick. Just a few days ago I asked Pierre Hedary about switching to a Petronix or 123 ignition system in my 69 280SL. He said "No". "Stay with the conventional points/condenser etc". My problem was the wrong coil, (it was transistorized), which blew out the condenser. If you have good spark at the coil I agree with Michael Salemi, check the resistance of each wire.

[Pawel66]

I think I wrote to you on fb. Below is the ignition system components - check it out. Should be fairly correct...

[Nickw]

Thanks so much I will definitely tell my mechanic about this

[Nickw]

No I haven’t yet but I will let my mechanic know

[Nickw]

Hey everyone I can’t get spark so I am  changing it to 123 ignition 1964 Mercedes 230sl is there any video someone could refer me to on how to install this 123 ignition and if it’s easy or not thanks

[FresnoBob]

There are quite a few on Youtube.  Very easy install, just make sure you are TDC on the compression stroke, not the exhaust stroke.  I also could only install the 123 distributor rotor in one direction at the base, which seemed identical for both sides, but I guess they aren't.  My car now runs much more smoothly. 

[dirkbalter]

If you buy a 123, I suggest to buy the Bluetooth one. I believe, I had the same issue as Bob. Mine was 180 degrees off. Not a big deal but it messes with the spark plug wire length. Performs great.

[steveq]

Hi,

You have 3 options:-

123/MERCEDES-6-R-V  -- This is the standard version which costs €324. I understand that the programme selection is done using a switch on the distributor.

123/TUNE-6-R-V-M, replaces Bosch distributors in Mercedes (USB version) which costs €381. You can connect and set the distributor using a laptop or tablet connected to the distributor using a USB cable.

123/TUNE+ 6-R-V-M (bluetooth) which costs €432.

I bought and fitted the one with bluetooth and it is very easy to download the app on a tablet and connect to it. You can connect and set the distributor curve from the comfort from the front seat of the car. This version also has a security device so that the distributor won't work until the code is entered.
I would say that it is worth the extra price to get the one with bluetooth.

[Pawel66]

I just wanted to point out if I may:

1. The title of the post is "No Spark" , but the distributor may or may not be the culprit of the missing spark.
2. You will need a new coil with 123.
3. i think the bluetooth is great, i agree with Steve's recommendation.

[66andBlue]

No I haven’t yet but I will let my mechanic know

Before you buy a 113 you should really follow Michaels suggestion and measure the resistance of your spark plug wires. See reply #2!