Stuttering in 2nd through 4th gears under load

[chrislivermore]

I have a 66 230SL, 4 speed and it has recently started exhibiting a troubling hesitation or stutter when it comes under load in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gear.  Engine seems to run fine in a rev in neutral, but this stammering shows up when I increases the revs in the top of each of the gears.  Clutch?  Air Fuel?  Any ideas?

[ja17]

Hello Chris,

Start with the inexpensive and easy items first;  spark plugs, ignition points, fuel filter.  Check the spark plug wires and their ends with an ohm meter.

[chrislivermore]

Thanks I will do your recommended steps to rule out any simple stuff.  Car did receive a major tuneup last summer and has been driven regularly, but not excessive so I felt like it shouldn't have simple problems.  Fingers crossed.

Thank you again,

Chris

[J. Huber]

Chris, only thing I can add is: listen to the previous guy!

Joe (or anyone), about testing ohms on spark plug wires & ends. What is the best way to do this? I have dinky alligator clips on my multi. Would that work?

And a second question -- maybe better asked elsewhere but: when turning the idle screw at the back of the injection pump (engine off!): is there an actual starting point? In other words can you click all the way CCW to where it stops? I have tinkered with mine over the years but really have no idea where I am. Car idles great but I think its rich.

[66andBlue]

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by J. Huber

...   What is the best way to do this? I have dinky alligator clips on my multi. Would that work?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
James,
yes it will work if you have a good contact. Just press on the clips and "grind" them in a bit. You can measure the complete wire from end to end or if you want to know the resistance of the connector only then unscrew it and measure the resistance from front to back.
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">And a second question -- maybe better asked elsewhere...  <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Yes you should! 
Either here: http://www.sl113.com/forums/index.php?topic=4156
or there: http://www.sl113.com/forums/index.php?topic=8291
if you can't find what you want to know. 

[Benz Dr.]

You can turn the knob on the back of the pump CC quite a ways out. As you tun it you will notice how everything gets looser inside. Evetually it will go out so far that when you start the engine the know will turn with the pump. This won't work for very long because there's a small O ring inside the cover to keep oil from leaking out. The spinning knob will wear that O ring out.
Turn the knob back in a few clicks until it won't spin anymore. This is as lean as you can set the pump at idle. If it's still way too rich you have some serious problems.