QuestionYes Ron, I usually tune mine by ear too but this time I thought I want to seek a second opinion. Not knowing the dwell angle, I set my ignition by swaying the distributor right or left to get the smoothest firing, then I turn a screw on the throttle body in or out to get the smoothest idling. It worked well though. Exhaust smells 'nice' too with slight water condensation dripping from the tail pipe at times. I live in Malaysia so it must be the European standard (exhaust emission not as stringent as in California). What else have I missed or erred?
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Hi Ron
Sorry I didn't make the query clearer for you.
The model is 280SE 6-cylinder Petrol Auto transmission.
The distributor is contactless, original equipment. How do I determine the setting with the dwell meter?
Also, how do I set the fuel/air ratio, and idling speed, please?
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I have just purchased a 1983 Mercedes Benz Saloon Model 126 (2.8 liter petrol, automatic transmission).
The engine needs some attention in respect of ignition timing and fuel/air mixture.
It has an electronic distributor. How do I set the distributor to get dwell or firing angle spot on?
How many turns on the screw do I make to get the correct fuel/air mixture and what is the correct idling speed on the tacho.
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I may need some more information. Is this a 280S, SE or SEL and by electronic do you mean that someone has replaced original set up with aftermarket.
In general Dwell is best set with a meter using new points,the camshaft wear on the distributor makes feeler gauges not as acurate
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Ahh, you don't, this is all vacuum driven points, my bad. I will need to do a little research for you but if I recall your points are set by using your timing, just opposite what you would think. Air/fuel mixtures on these old cars is best done by exhaust analysis reading of the CO level. You would need to find a emisions manual to know the levels, othere than that I tune mine "by ear"
IS this a Euro version or US version car?
Answeryour way may in fact be the best way, I have found some specs for an 81 280 which may help. I do know that to set the timing on your car requires a special dynamic timing light
dwell angle at 1500 rpm for transistorized ignition 33 to 51 degrees advance.
timing 110.988 engine 12 BTDC static, 30 dynamic, uk specs.
timing 110.988 engine 10 BTDC static, 10 dynamic ( plug gap .031.
valve clearance cold. intake .004, exhaust .010 in.
You can also check plugs for color to determine if you are running lean or rich.
