C230 camshafts timing

[droland52]

The car in question is a 1997 C230 sedan with the 111974 engine - the earlier version. I have successfully remove the cylinder head and replaced a bad head gasket. Set the crank position to 20° after TDC. Reset and installed the 6mm locking pins in the camshaft sprockets per MITCHELL SERVICE MANUAL specifications. My setup was a perfect duplication of the manual's illustrations (supplied by MB). The results are, when I rotate the engine by hand, it is a smooth and without much resistance. When rotating engine with the starter engaged, it spin rapidly, without compression and vapor are pumped out of the throttle body. And of course, the car will not fire.

Upon close inspection, I found 2 locking holes on the exhaust camshaft sprocket mount, and 3 holes on the intake. Which do I use? I have tried 3 different positions, so far, and all have been incorrect. I located a setting where the No.1 and No. 6 lobes are 180° opposite - that didn't seem right - I think I heard piston/valve contact in this arrangement. I have not found a source of comprehensive or stable data on this particular setup.

I have search the net/forum for specifics with no luck. The illustration published by MB show 2 identical camshaft sprockets. The difference is that I have 2 very different camshaft sprockets.

Anyone with a clue as to the correct arrangement, I would certainly appreciate any and all comments and advise.

Best Regards,
davidrol