Vacuum Advance retard Saga

[230slhouston]

Hi All,
I know this is an on going saga and read the WIKI a couple of times but need some confirmation.

My 66 230sl was parked for a long time, I started it but it does not sound right, also back fires through the intake manifold at times. It misfires erratically as well.

My suspicion is the distributor. In reading George's thread and the wiki, I suspect I have a retard manifold and advance distributor. Attached are some pictures (I will try and load them). The advance pulls the points CC, the vacuum pipe take off on the throttle is underneath the body.

My dist number is 0 231 185 007 (JFU 6). The wikki list this part number remarks column with "changed. The Bosch number reads as 0 231 116 046.

Please advise.

Thanks
MBP

[230slhouston]

Pictures attached.

Thanks
MBP

Download Attachment: dist1.jpg
65.23 KB

Download Attachment: Throttlebody 1.jpg
51.37 KB

Download Attachment: throttlebody 2.jpg
43.5 KB

[Naj ✝︎]

Hello, MBP,

I agree with your findings:

0 231 185 007 is indeed a vacuum advance distributor and superceded the cast iron 0 231 116 046

Your throttle body is the later vacuum retard type. This body was used between engine #s:
Manual trans:(10/20) 010787 and 014471 and
Auto trans: (12/22) 002991 and 005668.

For interest, what is your engine # ?

Could you post a picture showing the full throttle body for us to include in the 'wiki'? We're showing the later one with the vent pipe from the valve cover on top of the throttle body.

Also, if you have part #s for the points, dist cap etc, it would help us to fill some of the blanks in the parts table.

Hope this helps.

naj

68 280SL

[230slhouston]

Hello, Naj,  
Surprisingly, my engine block does not have the riveted plate with the engine number.  From the WIKI, this should be stamped if it was a factory replacement engine, no stamp either.

The data card "motor Nr" is 127981-12-003047. How would I ever determine if I have the original or original type of engine?

I bought the car from the 3rd owner who had it warehoused for 20 years. All receipts are dated 89 and back, not sure if the engine was replaced.

That being said, would the car backfire and misfire if the dist and throttle body are mixed up?

I will try and get better shots of the throttle body. Not sure if the points/condenser etc are even correct.


Thanks
MBP

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:Originally posted by 230slhouston

Hello, Naj,  
Surprisingly, my engine block does not have the riveted plate with the engine number.  From the WIKI, this should be stamped if it was a factory replacement engine, no stamp either.

The data card "motor Nr" is 127981-12-003047. How would I ever determine if I have the original or original type of engine?

I bought the car from the 3rd owner who had it warehoused for 20 years. All receipts are dated 89 and back, not sure if the engine was replaced.

That being said, would the car backfire and misfire if the dist and throttle body are mixed up?

I will try and get better shots of the throttle body. Not sure if the points/condenser etc are even correct.


Thanks
MBP

Try running the engine with the vacuum line disconnected. However, the port must be sealed to stop the air to the throttle body. Also check for other air leaks ws well.

Let us know what you find.

naj

68 280SL