Wrong distributor

[jakl]

Hi folks,
     I discovered that I have the wrong distributor in my U.S. version '70 280SL.  The Bosch number is 0231 116 048.  When I purchased parts, they supplied me with points and condenser based on the Bosch number.
     This car is equipped with a transistorized ignition coil, ignition module (located under battery) and two resistors.  The new condenser is not for a transistorized ignition.
      I set the dwell at 30 degrees as per BBB.  Can't seem to set timing as per specs.  In park car idles at 1500 rpms.
      Should I be using the specs for the incorrect distributor?
Other than fast idle, car runs fine, no missing or backfiring.
Any help would be appreciated.
-jakl

[Naj ✝︎]

The bad news is (I think)that you need the correct distributor for the late 280sl with the alli housing.
I think the problem is that the late distributors are vacuum retard while the 048 is a vacuum advance distributor.
I don't know what car this distributor came from, but I had the same one on my 68 280sl and had all manner of running problems.
naj

65 230SL
68 280SL

[A Dalton]

Naj is correct on the vac system..
 All 113s use a vac retard at idle system.  
The dist [ 048] you are using now is from  a carb system model 230/250S and has a 10 degree +/- 3,  vac advance .
 Until you get the proper dist, you can disconnect the vac line ,
[cap it at the intake side] and time the car at 30 degree at 3K.
 That will bring your idle down a bit until the proper change is done.

[jeffc280sl]

I have a US model 1970 280SL.  The distributor in my car is 0231185010

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[jakl]

Thanks for your input.  I'll try to plug the vacuum advance tomorrow.  I'll keep you posted.

-jakl

[Benz Dr.]

Not all 113's are vacuum retard. Early 230SL's are vacuum advance and there two or three different versions of those alone.
 Late 230, 250 and 280 all use the same 051 distributor which is a real work horse. The later 280SL's use the 062 I believe.

Dan c

Daniel G Caron

[A Dalton]

Benz Dr
 My mistake.
 Early 230 dist did  use the 220Seb dist # 049 and 050 w/vac advance.

 As soon as the 250Se came out , the 230sl adapted to this vac retard system 049 dist. and continued on to to the 051 [ third and forth versions]