"Metal or Plastic "(bakelite)

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

My Euro 65 230sl ignition wires needed replacement.

The present ones had metal jackets. (whether that was correct or not when done years ago)  To be "more correct" I purchased a set  listed for 230sl with bakelite connectors.  When they were installed, (I didnt do) was told they were "too loose" causing sparking etc. and not proper.

My vin 010662 I have been told is "mid run" neither early nor late if that matters

much confusion here, educated opinions?

jb

[Jonny B]

The change list for the VIN you have is covered in Pagoda Notes Vol 10 No 2 - available in the technical manual. I scanned through it but did not see anything relating to wiring changes at the switch.

You might want to check the change list on the Pagoda Notes issues on each side of No2

[lpeterssen]

Dear JB

A w113-230Sl harness can be converted to use the bakelite plug in connector.

Bakelite plug in connector was used on newer cars like 280SL

The cylindrical pins that go inside a rounded 8 terminals connector can be adjusted by pressing them is they are loose, or the pins itself can be changed for new ones which sell for about 2$ each

Best regards
Lp
Www.wiredoktor.com

[Pawel66]

John,

Some hints here perhaps: https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27585.msg198220#msg198220

I am not sure about the 90 deg connector for the cylinder No. 1 - I am often reading it should be used there.

What you describe as "lose bakelite" connectors might have been that way because they were of the wrong kind, not because they were bakelite.

Check it out also here: https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/de/mercedes-230-280sl-w113/15-motorelektrik/15-a-zuendung-traditionell-

I will check later what EPC says about 90 degree connector - it is not working right now.

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

Could I, if I might, tag on another question. 

Does anyone know or point me to a chart of the lengths of the ignition wires.  The ones that were just put on seem long with lots of extra wire, especially the one to to the coil?  I don't have the old ones to compare.

v/r
JB

[lpeterssen]

Dear JB

A w113-230Sl harness can be converted to use the bakelite plug in connector.

Bakelite plug in connector was used on newer cars like 280SL

The cylindrical pins that go inside a rounded 8 terminals connector can be adjusted by pressing them is they are loose, or the pins itself can be changed for new ones which sell for about 2$ each

Best regards
Lp
Www.wiredoktor.com

Dear friends

I understood bad Sadies question. I though he was talking about the IGNITION TUMBLER SWITCH, and not as I now realize he was talking about the IGNITION PLUGS wire connectors

Pay no attention to my previous answer

Best regards
Lp

[Benz Dr.]

For the most part, the plug wire ends with metal covers are similar to those without shielding.  Same basic equipment only with metal covers. 

[Jonny B]

To answer a question about No 1 cylinder. For the Pagoda the No 1 plug connector is just like all the rest. The angled connector was only used on the carbureted cars.

[TJMart]

To answer a question about No 1 cylinder. For the Pagoda the No 1 plug connector is just like all the rest. The angled connector was only used on the carbureted cars.

I can personally confirm what Jon is saying. Mercedes sold me a set of plug wires long ago that I assumed were the correct ones. They had the 90 degree #1 plug connector. I later found out that they were the incorrect wires for my 1970 280SL because the 90 degree connector adds 5k ohms of resistance unlike the rest of the wires that add 1k ohms each. I replaced all of mine with a set from K&K with the copper core wire and it made a significant difference in tuning my car before I addressed my mixture issues.

[Benz Dr.]

I can personally confirm what Jon is saying. Mercedes sold me a set of plug wires long ago that I assumed were the correct ones. They had the 90 degree #1 plug connector. I later found out that they were the incorrect wires for my 1970 280SL because the 90 degree connector adds 5 ohms of resistance unlike the rest of the wires that add 1 ohm each. I replaced all of mine with a set from K&K with the copper core wire and it made a significant difference in tuning my car before I addressed my mixture issues.

MB sells Bosch wire sets which often contain carbon core coil wires. The difference you saw would most likely be found with that part.

[John Betsch - "SADIE"]

It appears my original post has gotten sidetracked.  Anyway, can someone help with my add-on question regarding the proper length of standard ignition wires noted half-way through the posts

merci

JB

[ja17]

Improper looking and fitting ignition wires will detract from the good looks of your engine compartment and could even cause running issues down the road. It is very difficult to find a wire set which is built correct and fits correctly. Find a quality set with solid core wire, six straight connectors at the spark plugs and screw off ends. If you know the correct routing for each wire, remove the ends one at a time and trim the wire to length, after routing it correctly. You can screw the end back on the trimmed wire after you make it the perfect length. If you do not know the correct original routing, simply find a good photo of an original engine (plenty on this website). Don't forget the large diameter plastic sleeve, wire collector, where the wires pass over or under the injection lines near the distributor. With later 280SLs, having the plastic distributor cover, the wires pass under the injection lines. All earlier cars the wires pass over the injection lines.

[BobH]

Have a look on here for the different routing changes, whether you have the metal tube, or the leads are loose and clipped

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=12919.0