Author Topic: Distributor Rotor rotates only 180 degree.  (Read 1990 times)

CJHenderson

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, AR, Benton
  • Posts: 433
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

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Corona
  • Posts: 1392
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

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Cleveland Heights
  • Posts: 2978
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.

  • Vendor
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7144
  • Benz Dr.
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

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Shvegel

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Cleveland Heights
  • Posts: 2978
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

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, AR, Benton
  • Posts: 433
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

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, AR, Benton
  • Posts: 433
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.

  • Vendor
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • Canada, ON, Port Lambton
  • Posts: 7144
  • Benz Dr.
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

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

CJHenderson

  • Full Member
  • Silver
  • ****
  • USA, AR, Benton
  • Posts: 433
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