Distributor dust cover question

[john.mancini]

I have just began the process of going through a few boxes of W113 original parts and came across some distributor dust covers. One has the metal snaps, the other two have plastic snaps. I have searched the website, but could not ascertain if the 230SL's had the dust covers. I do know that the metal snap versions were on earlier 113's and the plastic snap versions were on later 113's. Is there a definitive timeline on when these were used and when the change from metal to plastic snaps occurred?

I hope to list my for sale items, (many are NOS), soon. I will do it in phases. Thanks.

[ja17]

I believe only the later 280SLs had the plastic covers and metal snaps. These covers were added for moisture protection. There is actually a factory service bulletin on the subject when they were added. With these covers the spark plug cables had to be routed under the metal injection lines. Previously engines without covers, the spark plug cables were routed over the metal injection lines.

[Jonny B]

If you look at the list of changes in Pagoda Notes, Issue 11 no 1 starts the listing for the 280 SL. According to Engelen's research the protective cover was started at VIN ending in 2663.

My understanding is that all of the caps for the Pagoda should have the metal snaps.

[john.mancini]

Thanks. Appreciate the info.

[Benz280]

The dust cover conundrum, having viewed many late vin 280SL's and many with very low miles, most do not have the cover.
I'm beginning to think that some came with, and others did not.

[john.mancini]

Seems like a lot of owners threw them away. Most of my 280SL's actually had them.

[Jonny B]

I have also heard that because they were a pain in the butt to put in place, a number of the mechanics would just toss the covers when the car came in for service.

[MikeSimon]

They also crack. Once that happens, they may have been tossed.

[lreppond]

I have also heard that because they were a pain in the butt to put in place, a number of the mechanics would just toss the covers when the car came in for service.

When I got my dad’s car, the distributor cover was in the trunk.  I really had no idea what it was!  I suspect now, either he or a mechanic removed it.  My dad being a depression era baby, wouldn’t throw anything away.