Tickover

[mollys700]

Hi, I have a 1966 230SL Auto. Tickover is not smooth, engine seems to be searching.However as soon as I select drive the tickover is perfectly smooth. Beats me. Any ideas. I fitted electronic ignition, made no difference.

Starts perfect cold and hot unless from hot I leave her to stand for more than 15 minutes and then the engine needs loads of cranking before she fires. I am told there is an expensive pump modification to fix this. Any ideas appreciated.

Many thanks, John

J C Jarvis

[ja17]

Hello John,

Most of us are not familiar with the term "tickover"? I assume we refer to "tickover" as "idle" in the USA.

Welcome I see  you are making your first post.  The searching is usually caused by a slight fuel mixture imbalance.  Ignition timing and the linkages should be checked first.
What is your idle rpm. in gear and out of gear? There are two minor mixture adjustments which can be easily adjusted after you are sure the linkage is correct and engine tuning items are checked.

The large slotted screw on the intake is an idle air mixture adjustment. There is a knurled idle fuel adjustment on the back of the injection pump. This changes fuel mixture at low sppeed ranges. It must only be adjusted when the engine is NOT running.

Keep us up to date!



Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio