Author Topic: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.  (Read 3593 times)

CJHenderson

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Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« on: December 10, 2020, 22:14:23 »
Me distributor rotor rotates only 180 degree then stops, whether in the motor or in my hands. Whatever it is it's internal in the shaft. Question is, should I try a rebuild or just get another one?
1970 280SL/8 W113 101624 miles.
1950 MG-TD
2021 Harley Davidson CVO Trike

dirkbalter

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2020, 22:32:39 »
Your weights or springs probably became loose or broke and are looking up. Personally, I would open it up and take a look. If you need to spend money, I would opt for a 123.
Dirk
66 230 SL
70 280 SEL
53 CHEVY 3100
18 C300 COUPE
05 HD FLSTNI

Shvegel

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2020, 23:44:02 »
remove the screw holding the condenser and try again.  If that screw is too long it busts up everything in the lower area (Springs, weights, etc.)

Benz Dr.

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #3 on: December 11, 2020, 02:26:49 »
remove the screw holding the condenser and try again.  If that screw is too long it busts up everything in the lower area (Springs, weights, etc.)

I've seen that a number of times while doing rebuilds. Each screw has a predetermined length and installing them incorrectly can result in quite a bit of damage.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn
1966 230SL 5 speed
1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1990 560SEC

Shvegel

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #4 on: December 11, 2020, 12:31:34 »
CJ,
If you need parts rather than a whole distributor get ahold of me. I have a small bin of internal bits gathering dust.

CJHenderson

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2020, 12:48:58 »
Thank you for the offer, I'm going to see if backing out the condenser screw will allow the rotor to spin completely.
1970 280SL/8 W113 101624 miles.
1950 MG-TD
2021 Harley Davidson CVO Trike

CJHenderson

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2020, 17:36:16 »
Benz Dr. thank you for the advice I backed the screw out and it worked and you saved me several hundred dollars.  ;D ;D ;D ;D 8)
1970 280SL/8 W113 101624 miles.
1950 MG-TD
2021 Harley Davidson CVO Trike

Benz Dr.

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2020, 18:38:36 »
Benz Dr. thank you for the advice I backed the screw out and it worked and you saved me several hundred dollars.  ;D ;D ;D ;D 8)

You should check to see if the arms holding the springs aren't bent. They can be straightened if not damaged too much.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn
1966 230SL 5 speed
1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1990 560SEC

CJHenderson

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Re: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.
« Reply #8 on: December 11, 2020, 19:41:31 »
I'll look but I didn't try to force it beyond a minimum push against the arms
1970 280SL/8 W113 101624 miles.
1950 MG-TD
2021 Harley Davidson CVO Trike

 

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