like having a new car

[n/a]

ever since I first drove our 230, I wondered why it was so much slower than every other 230 I've driven...it was smooth and quiet, it just never accelerated properly.

Well, after fitting the euro lights and new ignition wires, I figured I'd have a look.

first suspect was the accelerator linkage, the plugs looked good, it was getting fuel and spark at all the right times, and the compresion was right on...so, I stuck a broom stick in the car to hold down the gas pedal, and looked at the throttle plate, maybe it was at a 45 degree, meaning 1/2 way open.  Adjusted the gas pedal stop bolt, and, wow, like having a new car.

-Lewis, now with euro lights and way more ponies


66 230 sl 113042-10-016238
67 saab sonett II #43 of 258
00 saab 9-3 viggen conv
02 saab 9-5 aero

[hands_aus]

Hey Lewis,
If your throttle was out of alignment that much, won't the correction that you made affect the air/fuel mixture and hence your fuel consumption?

Maybe a full check of all the linkages is in order.  

Did you check the points for wear?
My 250 was sluggish so I checked the points and they were out of adjustment because the rubbing block on the points had worn down.
I installed new points and when started the car nearly jumped off the floor. The air/fuel mixture and idle speed needed adjusting.
I have now installed a Pertronix module and have eliminated that problem.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[n/a]

Well, the mixture is correct, all that I did was allow the throttle plate to open more, and the fuel ratio will remain correct.  In order to get the plate to open 100%, I did not have to adjust any of the linkage, just the throttle stop bolt at the gas pedal.

The car has an electronic ignition, so, I'm confident there is no wear in the points.

-Lewis

66 230 sl 113042-10-016238
67 saab sonett II #43 of 258
00 saab 9-3 viggen conv
02 saab 9-5 aero

[hands_aus]

That is an easy fix.

I wish there were more like it on these cars.

Bob (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto