distributor question

[merrill]

I have some questions regarding the distributor on my 66 230 sl.

1. the part number on my disto is 0231 185 0009 - this part number is not in the tech data book for the sl.  there are 4 listed in the book.  I am trying to find out which one this is comparable to for setting the timing.  

currently the tming is set at 8 deg atdc at 800 rpm and 12 deg atdc at 1500 rpm.  No vacuum connected.

2. when the vacuum is re connected the idle goes up and down and up and down.  is this an indication that the vacuum advance is not working correctly.  when the vacuum is disconnected the idle is perfect and does not go up and down.  the idle drops when the vacuum is connected.

thanks in advance

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, Matt,

The 0231 185 0009 distributor is a replacement for the 0 231 116 051 cast iron bodied distributor and the specs for that should apply.

I prefer to set the timing at 30 degrees btdc @ 3000rpm and see how it runs.
Does the timing advance or retard at idling when you reconnect the vacuum line?

naj

68 280SL

[merrill]

Naj,
I will have to double check, but the rpm's drop when the vacuum is re connected.

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[merrill]

Naj,
so, did a test today, I have the timing at tdc at idle with vacuum on.

vacuum on timing = 0 or tdc
vacuum off timing = 11 atdc

when the motor was off I did connect a mighty vac to the vacuum line for the vacuum advance,  when vacuum applied (with the cap off) I did see the linkage and body in distro move.  

matt

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:Originally posted by merrill

Naj,
so, did a test today, I have the timing at tdc at idle with vacuum on.

vacuum on timing = 0 or tdc
vacuum off timing = 11 atdc

when the motor was off I did connect a mighty vac to the vacuum line for the vacuum advance,  when vacuum applied (with the cap off) I did see the linkage and body in distro move.  

matt

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

So, has resetting the timing cured the uneven idle ?
With vac idle is correct according to data manual (2degrees +/- 2 aTdc)
That 11 degrees w/o vac would be bTDC.

naj

68 280SL

[merrill]

naj,
yes the idle is much better.

I started with the timing at 2 deg btdc at idle then I adjusted at 1500 rpm to 12 deg btdc with vacumm and 19 with out.

I think the car pings a little under accelleration.  I am beginning to wonder if the vacuum advance is advancing too much.

and you are correct the 11 deg was btdc not atdc.

Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230