Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: jaymanek on April 06, 2020, 12:12:09

Title: Ignition Timing Euro 280SL 1968
Post by: jaymanek on April 06, 2020, 12:12:09

Hi All,

Been a long time since i posted... Life!

Anyway, as the world has ended im trying to sort out fitting my pertronix ignition. I fitted last year and it didnt run very well once warm.
Should have left it alone as it ran perfectly on points for me!

I have a replacement kit from Pertronix, the lastest version (ignitor 2) with a new coil too.

I am trying to check the ignition timing at idle, but I cant remember the setting and im getting conflicting answers between the wiki on here, my manual and other posts i have seen.

Yes i have tried searching but i cant find a definitive answer for euro car.

Please could someone tell me for sure what it should be!

1968 Euro 280SL

So im checking with strobe at idle.

According to my manual its 2-4 ATDC with vac disconnected.
According to a manual i found on the wiki here its 8 BTDC with vac disconnected.
I found a post here indicating 2-4 ATDC.

Which is correct please?

Keep Safe!

Title: Re: Ignition Timing Euro 280SL 1968
Post by: MikeSimon on April 06, 2020, 13:01:07

Somebody correct me here, but I think the idle setting is not to be checked with vacuum disconnected. And it says 2° +/- 1 at 750-850 for my car. 1971 euro 280SL.
See the discussions on the Valve Cover Sticker in the Wanted to Buy section

Title: Re: Ignition Timing Euro 280SL 1968
Post by: Benz Dr. on April 06, 2020, 15:45:39

Those settings depend on which ignition system you are using. I thought that Euro 280SL's retained the early style ignition system with cast iron distributors. If that's the case you would set ignition timing to 8 degrees BTDC. The late USA system is timed at 2 - 4 degrees ATDC.

Title: Re: Ignition Timing Euro 280SL 1968
Post by: jaymanek on April 06, 2020, 16:50:06

Thanks..

Mine does not have the transistorised system the late cars had.

I think 8 degrees BTDC is what im going to use (with vac disconnected).

Im sure I marked it with paint on the crank last time, but that was a few years ago and i guess its worn off.
 

Title: Re: Ignition Timing Euro 280SL 1968
Post by: Pawel66 on April 06, 2020, 17:00:11

Sorry to interfere: make sure the advise was 8 BTDC with vacuum disconnected (???). I am not sure.

Title: Re: Ignition Timing Euro 280SL 1968
Post by: Benz Dr. on April 06, 2020, 17:26:00

No. Leave everything connected. You only disconnect to check distributor function. The BBB can be confusing at times.

Title: Re: Ignition Timing Euro 280SL 1968
Post by: jaymanek on April 07, 2020, 14:45:30

Ok so all connected 8 BTDC! Thanks