Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Dave on September 18, 2013, 03:13:36
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I have read all i could find on the site and some have already helped but i am struggling. 051 distributor 1967 230 sl. I read the chart on the tech manual.
What is 8 degrees btdc at cranking? Before the car starts? I should be at 0 at idle? Or 8 degrees before tdc at idle? I know that i should read 38 btdc at 3000 rpm after the distributor does its thing but what do i set the distributor at and when, at idle right?
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Set it at 8 degrees BTDC. This is a general setting and you may end up using a bit more or less than that depending on how your engine runs.
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Ok. I am at 8 degrees before tdc. Will test as soon as it stops thunderstorming
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How did you get on? It's at idle. If you have the manual, it explains how to do the timing pretty well. I cleaned and then marked the timing scale with a paint pen so I can see what I'm aiming for when setting the timing. I actually sort of like doing this task, but there's quite a lot of preparatory work I do in preparation for the timing, which I do last. My process:
Normally I do this when I service the car. So change the filters, check the plugs, etc. But first and foremost, I would start with the linkage tour setting up the linkage the way that Joe sets out in that excellent post. I did that a while ago. It's an art not a science and it took me 3 goes to get it right. After that, I set the valve clearances. Then I check the points, looking at the gap, then check the dwell angle using the voltmeter setting, whcih has a handy digital readout. I also use this to check the rpm accurately, since when working on my own I can't see the tacho! I lubricate the distributor in accordance with the service schedule (a bit of oil in the lubrication port on the side, a drop of oil on the felt pad, etc). That done, out comes the timing light and there we go. Don't forget to reconnect the vacuum link to the distributor ::)
From memory that's my process, I think. Probably something missing, but it's part of my process for the day or so I spend giving the car a major dig out each year, greasing all 27 million grease nipples, etc.
The only thing I'd add, as Dan says, is that I find that once I've hit the specs I need to just play with the distributor position a little to get it to run perfectly. My car likes to have as much advance as possible, so it takes a little playing around.
Good luck.
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I have found that the easiest way to set the dwell is to pull the entire distributor out of the block and set the points to the spec gap while on the bench. This should get you close enough to the correct dwell angle once you re- insert the distributor into the block and do the final ck using a dwell meter. This eliminates the " bumping" over of the engine and the tiresome leaning over to try to get the points on the highest portion of the lobe. Just make sure you don't "bump" the engine over while it is out lest you run the possible risk of replacing it 180 degrees off.
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Thanks all. Good to go at 8 btdc. Too much info confused me the charts in tech, the different distributors etc. Simple direction easy tofollow. Thanks again. Now i might play with it an advance a couple of degrees like some suggested.
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The only thing I'd add, as Dan says, is that I find that once I've hit the specs I need to just play with the distributor position a little to get it to run perfectly. My car likes to have as much advance as possible, so it takes a little playing around.
Good luck.
Good point there about timing advance. These engines won't run to their full potential with anything less than maxium advance. Due to wear and other factors, you will probably find that you will need to adjust to more timing. I run my own engine at 10 degress BTDC where it seems to work the best. I adjusted the flyweights inside the distributor so they advance a bit more slowly to counter any problems with pinking. Some of you may find that you can barely get by with 5 degrees BTDC. If that's the case, it's a resonable bet that your distrbutor needs some adjustments.
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New pentronix, cap, rotor, plugs. Good to go. Thanks again. Now on to the power steering whoosh.