ALDA: Shim or Screw? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 12-28-2011, 07:15 PM

Been going through another round of ALDA reading. Have noted some disaster stories from people trying to turn the set screw. So I guess shimming is safer though less precise?

For those who've made the adjustment, which method do you recommend and why?

toomany MBZ · #2 12-28-2011, 07:47 PM

I understand 603 engines are more prone to the shim, the 617's the screw. I believe it's the fact it's easier to get to it on a 617, making adjustments easier too.

vstech · #3 12-28-2011, 08:32 PM

Hmmm.
I've only removed the alda on my 603's... I can easily envision someone twisting off the adjustment screw there with it buried under the intake manifold... if it were me, I'd remove the alda, take off the seal, loosen the lock nut, then put it back on and VERY gently tinker with loosening the screw until the performance I was after or black smoke began... then lock it down...

vstech · #4 12-28-2011, 08:33 PM

unless you have a lot of shims, and don't mind removing and reinstalling over and over to tweak the performance...

shertex · #5 12-28-2011, 09:27 PM

I guess I'd be willing to touch the set screw if I could be assured that those who had bad experiences had those experiences as a result of their mistakes (as opposed to something that hasn't been touched in 20 years being brittle, etc....).

I'm all for removing the ALDA per GSXR's method....then shimming or screwing.

I assume that 602 and 603 would be the same.

Brian Carlton · #6 12-29-2011, 10:51 AM

Can't speak for the 602's, but once you remove the ALDA on the 603, you won't be reinstalling it. Since there is no issue with excessive smoke, unless you're stupid..........why bother?

toomany MBZ · #7 12-29-2011, 11:19 AM

^ Good point. I have adjusted mine (no issues, or broken screw) on my SD, a 617. Yet it's loose enough, it might as well be removed.

shertex · #8 12-29-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Can't speak for the 602's, but once you remove the ALDA on the 603, you won't be reinstalling it. Since there is no issue with excessive smoke, unless you're stupid..........why bother?

In my case, there's the issue of people other than me driving the car.

Brian Carlton · #9 12-29-2011, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

In my case, there's the issue of people other than me driving the car.

Depending on the level of smoke, it might not be an issue. Take it for a test drive with the ALDA off..........and you'll know.

vstech · #10 12-29-2011, 12:31 PM

... I agree. my 87 with the alda off drives fine, plenty of power, no smoke unless I'm feeling REALLY STUPID... to get smoke, I've got to mash the go pedal climbing a steep hill, or similar from a light.

Orv · #11 12-29-2011, 01:32 PM

Mine definitely broke from me turning it too far. I would say if you go more than about a turn and a half and don't get the response you're looking for, start shimming instead. This is on a previously unmolested ALDA; if the cap is missing I'd stick to shimming because you just don't know how far the previous owner tweaked it.

dagObx · #12 12-30-2011, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Carlton

Can't speak for the 602's, but once you remove the ALDA on the 603, you won't be reinstalling it. Since there is no issue with excessive smoke, unless you're stupid..........why bother?

What he said^^^^... I took the ALDA off of my 603 & never looked back. It will be like a new car with it off. Keep it for when you sell it & give it to it's new owner.

Friend of mine has a 602 & took the ALDA off. He says it's like having a new car...