Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: 1405Stby on June 28, 2012, 00:48:12

Title: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: 1405Stby on June 28, 2012, 00:48:12

I have recently made the conversion to electronic ignition on my 1969 280SL.  Everything went smoothly as I followed the directions included with the Crane RX3000 unit I purchased.  The engine runs smooth and starts on the first crank.  The problem I have is the unit gets quite hot after about 15 minutes of idling.  I am not sure that this is normal.  I have checked the coil to make sure that it does not have internal resistance and I have bypassed the ceramic resister.  The coil is a high performance unit from Bosch.  Crane recommends purchasing one of their coils if the unit gets hot.
Has anyone had experience with this situation?

Brady

Title: Re: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: mdsalemi on June 28, 2012, 12:43:04

Brady,

Thank you for not being "anonymous" and posting your name (so you can be properly addressed) and your contact information in your profile (so you can be directly emailed by full members).

I have just sent you an email, a 29 page document on installing the Crane in the Pagoda.  I believe it will give you some useful information.  I think you do indeed need a ballast resistor in the circuit.

I once had a Crane (but switched to Pertronix).  I had mine mounted (Dr. Benz, thank you!) to the underside of a fabricated aluminum plate; this plate was under the battery.  It was thus out of sight, so I can't tell you if it got hot.  The unit eventually failed, but inside the -051, not the Crane box itself.  That caused the change to Pertronix.

I am sure, Brady, you will find some useful information in the document I just emailed to you.  Good luck, and report back here with your findings!

Title: Re: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: JimVillers on July 10, 2012, 00:41:18

Brady ... If you are using the MB coil, you NEED the ballast resistor.  I also had two Crane cam units fail on me so carry a set of points and a condenser.

Title: Re: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: Ferrolanoman on July 31, 2012, 22:13:01

Michael,
My car (1970 280 SL, 4-speed) came with the Crane aftermarket ignition already installed. It works well but I know nothing about its properties, adjustment or installation. Would you be so kind as to email me <landeira@colorado.edu> the same 29 page document that you mention above? It would give peace of mind to know how the unit works and be able to care for it properly. Thanks very much in advance.
Ricardo

Title: Re: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: mdsalemi on August 02, 2012, 14:24:25

Quote from: Ferrolanoman on July 31, 2012, 22:13:01

Michael,
Would you be so kind as to email me the same 29 page document that you mention above?

Done.  You're welcome.

Title: Re: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: Ferrolanoman on August 02, 2012, 14:37:59

Thank you Michael. It's already part of the IGNITION 3-ring binder.

Title: Re: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: CraigD on August 03, 2012, 10:33:21

Michael,

Could you email me a copy of that Crane document too?  I'd appreciate it very much!

Thank you,

Craig

Title: Re: electronic ignition conversion 1969 280SL
Post by: mdsalemi on August 04, 2012, 00:24:49

Quote from: CraigD on August 03, 2012, 10:33:21

Michael,

Could you email me a copy of that Crane document too?  I'd appreciate it very much!

Thank you,

Craig

Done.  You're welcome.