Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: Nickw on September 29, 2021, 16:44:16

Title: No spark
Post by: Nickw on September 29, 2021, 16:44:16

Hey guys I’m new here I got a weak spark on my 230sl I changed everything Strong spark at coil.  Very weak spark at plugs.  Everything has been replaced (condenser,  points,  coil,  plugs,  wires). Engine not firing at all.  Not even a hint of it trying to start please help

Title: Re: Need help!
Post by: mdsalemi on September 29, 2021, 17:01:07

Did you measure resistance of each wire? Should be solid wires, nearly zero.

Title: Re: Need help!
Post by: Nickw on September 29, 2021, 17:52:31

Should I just look into getting a 123 ignition

Title: No spark
Post by: Nickw on September 29, 2021, 17:57:12

Can anyone help me find out witch 123 ignition do I need to get for my 1964 Mercedes 230sl

Title: Re: Need help!
Post by: john.mancini on September 29, 2021, 20:51:44

Hi Nick. Just a few days ago I asked Pierre Hedary about switching to a Petronix or 123 ignition system in my 69 280SL. He said "No". "Stay with the conventional points/condenser etc". My problem was the wrong coil, (it was transistorized), which blew out the condenser. If you have good spark at the coil I agree with Michael Salemi, check the resistance of each wire.

Title: Re: Need help!
Post by: Pawel66 on September 29, 2021, 21:20:49

I think I wrote to you on fb. Below is the ignition system components - check it out. Should be fairly correct...

Title: Re: Need help!
Post by: Nickw on September 30, 2021, 01:19:28

Thanks so much I will definitely tell my mechanic about this

Title: Re: Need help!
Post by: Nickw on September 30, 2021, 01:20:35

No I haven’t yet but I will let my mechanic know

Title: 123 ignition
Post by: Nickw on September 30, 2021, 14:44:44

Hey everyone I can’t get spark so I am  changing it to 123 ignition 1964 Mercedes 230sl is there any video someone could refer me to on how to install this 123 ignition and if it’s easy or not thanks

Title: Re: 123 ignition
Post by: FresnoBob on September 30, 2021, 17:06:36

There are quite a few on Youtube.  Very easy install, just make sure you are TDC on the compression stroke, not the exhaust stroke.  I also could only install the 123 distributor rotor in one direction at the base, which seemed identical for both sides, but I guess they aren't.  My car now runs much more smoothly. 

Title: Re: Need help!
Post by: dirkbalter on September 30, 2021, 18:10:50

If you buy a 123, I suggest to buy the Bluetooth one. I believe, I had the same issue as Bob. Mine was 180 degrees off. Not a big deal but it messes with the spark plug wire length. Performs great.

Title: Re: No spark
Post by: steveq on October 04, 2021, 16:42:32

Hi,

You have 3 options:-

123/MERCEDES-6-R-V  -- This is the standard version which costs €324. I understand that the programme selection is done using a switch on the distributor.

123/TUNE-6-R-V-M, replaces Bosch distributors in Mercedes (USB version) which costs €381. You can connect and set the distributor using a laptop or tablet connected to the distributor using a USB cable.

123/TUNE+ 6-R-V-M (bluetooth) which costs €432.

I bought and fitted the one with bluetooth and it is very easy to download the app on a tablet and connect to it. You can connect and set the distributor curve from the comfort from the front seat of the car. This version also has a security device so that the distributor won't work until the code is entered.
I would say that it is worth the extra price to get the one with bluetooth.

Title: Re: No spark
Post by: Pawel66 on October 04, 2021, 18:48:24

I just wanted to point out if I may:

1. The title of the post is "No Spark" , but the distributor may or may not be the culprit of the missing spark.
2. You will need a new coil with 123.
3. i think the bluetooth is great, i agree with Steve's recommendation.

Title: Re: No spark
Post by: 66andBlue on October 04, 2021, 21:17:13

Quote from: Nickw on September 30, 2021, 01:20:35

No I haven’t yet but I will let my mechanic know

Before you buy a 113 you should really follow Michaels suggestion and measure the resistance of your spark plug wires. See reply #2!