FIP linkage rod too short?

[baon3h]

I'm fixing the linkage on my '68 280SL. The Linkage Tour recommends to set the fuel injection pump linkage rod to 233mm (I do have the 10mm bore and it comes out to about the same).

As you can see from the picture, my linkage rod seems to be too short. I can't get enough thread into the ball ends to tighten it. The rod also has the same thread on either end.

Any idea what could be the reason? It doesn't look like anyone took a grinder to one of the ends. Are the ball ends too short?

[ja17]

Looks like someone has replaced the original rod with a shorter one?

[TJMart]

Definitely looks too short. A rough measurement of mine from end to end of the ball sockets is approximately 237 mm. I would order a new one as it is bent as well.

[baon3h]

Thanks for confirming my suspicions. They don't come cheap 

[David Robinson]

Hi baon3h
I believe I have a used one lying around for the price of postage. (12 bucks)
But its not worth the workload. See below from our postal service.

The US government is now enforcing new regulations for mail received from all other countries, including Ireland: 
•   You must now supply an Electronic Advance Customs Declaration (EAD) before sending any item that contains any type of goods to the US. There is no exemption for commercial samples or gifts of any kind, regardless of the value
•   Items of correspondence such as letters, cards, invoices and other documents are exempt as long as they do not have a commercial value (e.g. books or vouchers)
•   We also need to be able to provide an electronic version of the Customs Declaration to the US authorities, on your behalf, before we can accept your postal item and send it to the US

.

[Jack the Knife]

I'd consider measuring all the other linkages, too.

[ja17]

If all else fails, extend your old linkage by cutting your linkage in half and then braze weld a piece of hollow tubing, connecting your two halves, at the specified length required! Better yet, keep your original and modify another. New sections of straight steel brake or fuel lines make good slip over tubes, in the middle, to extend the ends.

[baon3h]

Thanks everyone for the valuable input.

As Joe suggested, I will try to "hot fix" it for now and see if I can get the car properly tuned. The rod from the pivot point on the engine to the manifold is also completely bent and rubs against the manifold. The accelerator lever arm hits the exhaust manifold when fully depressed... I got some work to do.

[David Robinson]

Sent you a PM