Author Topic: unknown washer in distributor  (Read 1634 times)

DaveDUk

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unknown washer in distributor
« on: March 01, 2021, 19:31:26 »
Hi all,
I Stripped my distributor down because I was having a lot of starting problems. The thing was in a right mess. Ball bearing stuck, points heavily pitted, very messy overall. I was not really noting things when i took it apart because I have a 123 electronic on order. However it is taking longer to arrive than I thought (brexit) so I have cleaned the old one, put new points into it etc and I'm getting ready to try it back in the car which is a SL230 1966 with a 051 distributor.
Problem: I have a 25mm dia plastic washer that I cant work out where it goes. If I put it where I thought, which was under the contact breaker plate I cant get the plate to screw into the distributor body.
Can someone tell me where is goes. Many Thanks.
MarlowMercSL

Benz Dr.

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Re: unknown washer in distributor
« Reply #1 on: March 01, 2021, 20:37:09 »
It goes under the breaker plate. There are a number of thinner metal shims under the fiber shim that you may need to adjust to get the right free play on the cam lobe shaft.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

DaveDUk

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Re: unknown washer in distributor
« Reply #2 on: March 01, 2021, 20:41:28 »
thanks Dan
I thought that was the case but I cant seem to get the breaker plate to fit then to the body, there are two thinner metal shim type washers...I will give it another try with a bit of pushing I might be able to reconnect the plate to the body.
Dave
MarlowMercSL

Benz Dr.

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Re: unknown washer in distributor
« Reply #3 on: March 01, 2021, 21:43:45 »
Remove any metal shims if the assembly won't turn freely. Metal shims first then the fibre washer on top. You should have lots of free play even with everything installed that you removed. 
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

stickandrudderman

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Re: unknown washer in distributor
« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2021, 22:14:42 »
And to save you the bother, I have 123 distributors in stock..... ;D

DaveDUk

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Re: unknown washer in distributor
« Reply #5 on: March 02, 2021, 09:08:12 »
Thx all, i got it back together again, and cam free. Had to take the 2 shims out.
MarlowMercSL