RIV timing tool purchase
 

Hi all,

Having used the static 'notch' tool to set up the timing on my OM605 i am considering buying the A + B light RIV tool from MB here in the UK.

It's not cheap so wanted to make 100% sure it will do the job as expected.

Looking at the way it works it seems to earth out on one of the two contacts at the top of the plug illuminating one of the A + B bulbs?

Isn't this the same as using the notch tool or does it have a way of linking into the start of delivery electronically?

I have two engines that need checking, the OM605 which is all mechanical and the 606 part electronic.

Many thanks,

That's the tool.

And, it's a very simple device. There are two copper probes on the tip. One probe contacts ground as the "notch" approaches. The "B" light will illuminate. As the notch gets to the middle of the tool, it contacts both copper probes and both lights illuminate.

It's way too costly for what it is.............

I just bought one from MB Classic Center in California. It was not as expensive as the one they sell on some aftermarket tool house sites. With shipping I believe it was about $200.
Yes that is kind of steep, but I have no Benz dealer within 150 miles of my house and they have no interest in working on my old 86 300sdl. I believe they do not have a Technician who has ever seen a car as old as mine!!
There are no independent shops in my area either, so I bit the bullet and made the investment.
I enjoy my old classics very much, and I like to have the correct tools to work on them.

That's a great price............it had been well over $300. for many years.

You can contact Tom Hanson at the Classic Center if you are interested. I am a MBCA member and they give a generous 15% discount on original parts to members. Tom is a great guy and is very helpful with a lot of the older parts. Our W126 is now a classic in the eyes of Mercedes. Also, this year the W124 is now considered a classic, so a 87 300D with the 603 is now a classic!

Thanks Brian, that clears up the mystery of how it works.

It's really just an electronic version of the notch tool, i.e. static, it's purpose is to line up the notch on the IP central to the port.

I thought maybe it had a function that allowed dynamic timing while the engine was running, although there's no mention of that in WIS.

Would the 'drip/spill' method be as or more accurate?

I believe this method is the most accurate. The drip method, even in the best of hands, leaves a bit to be desired.

Furthermore, there is no drip method approved for this engine so you would need to invent your own specs.

There is a dynamic timing tool that adds another piece to the static timing tool. I have seen it in the Mercedes special tools section of the Star Tek area on their epc website. It has another component that measures the rpm of the motor and it has clips that hook onto the battery also. I am sure it is much more expensive than the static timing tool.

The good thing about having a tool the makes your job easier is that you will be motiveted to do the job more often.

I bet a lot of Engines have never had their IP Timing checked at all.

Yup, I have seen that one too, from memory it's about $500 + the RIV tool.

As I have the notch tool which gives the various measurements, I am thinking about making one just for the odd use it will get.

My thoughts are a screw in plastic adaptor with two thin foil contacts mounted horizontal, the contacts would be the thickness of the notch apart.

Connect a small battery/lamp in series which would illuminate only when the notch has completed the circuit.

Just a thought, will have a play around with a few ideas if I get something workable will post :thumbsup:

What someone needs to do is come up with a DIY RIV tool. Its only slightly more complicated then a probe light.

Will it work on the 617? Is it easily duplicated? Do you have one or know anyone with one I can look at? Thanks!

Agreed, if anyone has one could they post detailed pics of the adaptor.

Thanks,

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/d...k500/RIV-1.jpg

Later model 617s have the hole for it. I think my 83 does not.

It only works on the IP's from '84 and '85.

I have one that is not quite working properly.........doesn't go in far enough.

You can look at it to see its function if you wish.