I have a question on timing for my 1966 230SL. I am pulling the head on this car to do a rebuild. To do this, I have removed/disconnected most of the various connections to the engine - intake manifold, exhaust manifold, radiator, etc. While the car is down, I plan to also refurnish the engine compartment, and I think perhaps it was you who suggested in a related post that I should consider pulling the engine. I agree and I have a question on timing for my 1966 230SL. I am pulling the head on this car to do a rebuild. To do this, I have removed/disconnected most of the various connections to the engine - intake manifold, exhaust manifold, radiator, etc. While the car is down, I plan to also refurnish the engine compartment, and it was
suggested in a related post that I should consider pulling the engine. I agree and I plan to proceed with doing that.
So while all this is underway, I will also replace the timing chain, check the cylinders, etc. I'd like to remove the Fuel Injection Pump to be able to clean and paint the block. So the question is how difficult is it on reassembly to get everything (cam, distributor, crank and IP) back in time? I can set the engine on TDC, align the cam with the alignment marks and be certain the distributor is pointing at the number 1 position. Is that the procedure then to adjust the timing to 20 deg ATDC and install the IP? Can the alignment marks on the IP be easily set on the bench or do I need to be sure to have the engine at 20 deg ATDC before I remove it (then leave it that way)?
I hope this makes sense,plan to proceed with doing that.
So while all this is underway, I will also replace the timing chain, check the cylinders, etc. I'd like to remove the Fuel Injection Pump to be able to clean and paint the block. So the question is how difficult is it on reassembly to get everything (cam, distributor, crank and IP) back in time? I can set the engine on TDC, align the cam with the alignment marks and be certain the distributor is pointing at the number 1 position. Is that the procedure then to adjust the timing to 20 deg ATDC and install the IP? Can the alignment marks on the IP be easily set on the bench or do I need to be sure to have the engine at 20 deg ATDC before I remove it (then leave it that way)?
I hope this makes sense,
Harry