OK in my 1988 190E 2.3 8v, the distributor is different compared to the 85' 190E that I used to have. The '88 one does not have a vacumm line. I read somewhere that these 'updated' distributor is sort of 'automatically positioned'in regards to correct timing position.

So I borrowed a timing lamp and loosened the distributor bolt (6mm allen) and checked the position of the crankshaft pulley check mark with the one on the engine block. It's important to mention that both marks were aligned when my engine was rebuilt using the directions of the Haynes manual. I meticulously aligned them the way the manual described.

After using the timing lamp, the result was that the crankshaft pulley mark was a few milimeters apart to the right (driver's side) from the mark in the engine block.

I moved the distributor many times in different positions, each time stopping the engine before moving it and starting the engine again. No matter the position of it, the timing lamp was always giving me the same readings of crankshaft/block marks.


Since I am not a mechanic and my limited knowledge makes me an ignorant about these things, what do you think of this?? Do I have a correct timing??? Do I really need some good adjustment??? Do I have to replace something???


Thanks for any comments.