Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Electrical and Instruments => Topic started by: landsea on July 23, 2025, 00:37:14
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Hi all, I've been chasing a problem for a while now. My stock distributor on my 69 280sl left me stranded with no spark. After a lot of nonsense, I finally realized that the whole distributor had actually rose up and out of its groove. Bent the clamp! I figured its old and worn so I got the 123 tune distributor to cover some bases along with a new clamp. Ultimately it did the same thing in a short amount of time, I had removed the spring before installing so was feeling confident. I have a bad feeling the seating groove has damage and is forcing these distributors up like a screw. I can't find any info on this problem or a fix. Appreciate any help. Ken
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Ken,
Welcome to the Group! Are you new to using the Search feature on our forums? Keep trying different terms, you're bound to find something.
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=30783.0
Do you understand all the components below the distributor that drive it? Perhaps there is too much slop/play beneath it (in the washer, or eventhe gear), and the timing gear slams upward? Just a guess. Search for timing gear washer or similar. Probably search the Drivetrain forum as well as electrical forum.
Any idea of actually miles on this engine?
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Thanks, I have found a bit of info today searching, "distributor drive gear". I would not be surprised if this is the problem. Now to learn how to replace it.
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A new gear is extremely expensive. Hopefully it is not worn. There is a bushing or washer on top of the gear that wears out. I believe JA17 shimmed mine years ago.
But, like I said above, I don't know if this is the problem so I look forward to hearing the thoughts of others.