Throttle Body -> Distributor Vacuum Line Question

[Jack the Knife]

Regarding the distributor vacuum line (https://www.authenticclassics.com/Distributor-Vacuum-Line-Mercedes-230SL-250SL-280SL-p/auth-005108.htm) going from the throttle body to the original distributor... what should I do with it once the 123 Ignition is installed? I was trying to find an answer in old threads, but I can't find anywhere for it to screw into.

[Bshaunessy]

Jack
  I just plugged that vacuum line when I installed 123 electronic distributor.  Works fine.

[Jack the Knife]

Jack
  I just plugged that vacuum line when I installed 123 electronic distributor.  Works fine.

Alright, will do! Many thanks.

[Cees Klumper]

I connected the vacuum line to the 123 distributor vacuum port. That is, on my 123 distributor, there IS a regular vacuum port and a quick search for 123 distributors turns up pictures showing a vacuum port on current ones as well. After all, it needs an input for vacuum level the same as the conventional Bosch distributors do, so it 'knows' what is being asked in the way of advance. Maybe you have a different type of 123 that somehow did away with this; installation instructions would clarify I suppose.

Here's a link to the 123 webpage for our model. In the photos you can see the vacuum port and in the specs the 'vacuum' spec is answered 'yes':

https://123ignition.com/product/mercedes-6-r-v/

[Jack the Knife]

I connected the vacuum line to the 123 distributor vacuum port. That is, on my 123 distributor, there IS a regular vacuum port and a quick search for 123 distributors turns up pictures showing a vacuum port on current ones as well. After all, it needs an input for vacuum level the same as the conventional Bosch distributors do, so it 'knows' what is being asked in the way of advance. Maybe you have a different type of 123 that somehow did away with this; installation instructions would clarify I suppose.

Here's a link to the 123 webpage for our model. In the photos you can see the vacuum port and in the specs the 'vacuum' spec is answered 'yes':

https://123ignition.com/product/mercedes-6-r-v/

I somehow missed the little port. My vacuum line has a little screw on one end, similar to the one shown in the Authentic Classics kit, so it won't mount to the little brass(?) port which I assume to be the vacuum port.



... as seen there. I suppose I can just get a small bit of vacuum hose, say, https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-mercedes-benz-parts/vacuum-hose/1179970982/, and attach it that way with a tiny clamp?

[Bshaunessy]

Interesting as my 123 Distributor does not have that vacuum port ( I’ll look a little closer but think mine does not have).  Seems to run fine without that vacuum connection?

[Cees Klumper]

Yes, just make sure to connect the vacuum line to this port 'snugly', no need to clamp it so long as the fit is tight. The vacuum will do the rest. I probably just fitted a piece of vacuum hose that connected the old line from the throttle body to this port, when I installed my 123 now some 15-20 years ago.

(Not with the car now so can't double check or take a picture. I'll be in France with the car in July and August).

[Cees Klumper]

@Bshaunessy Yes for sure double check. Your car may be able to run even better. Or you somehow have a different type 123. But I still think it should need the vacuum input because how else will it 'know' how far you're pressing the gas pedal etc.