380sl ignition control unit question

[pchmalibu]

I have an issue with the green wire (condenser) that runs from the ICU to the dist. At the point where it connects to the side of the dist. the plastic has decayed and broken off, there also appears to be little pieces of plastic in the distributor. Is there some sort of plug/connecter part that fits on the dist. to connect this condenser wire?

[Strife]

This is common, and while putting together a spare distributor for myself, I discovered that this part is hard to get and expensive. It has no magical properties, it's just a two-conductor, shielded cable. Unfortunately, although I have a pretty good knowledge of electronics, I don't think I can come up with a exact replacement connector on either end.

The two wires inside (which are shielded by a ground lug at the distributor) transmit a very low-level signal from the distributor sensor, which works via (it looks like) inductance.

As long as both small metal connectors (that were inside the plastic) to the inductor in the distributor are intact and the ground is OK, it will probably still work, but I'd get a replacement (while you can).

[juice1492]

Strife,
Does the distributor have to be removed to replace the green wire? I know I can just unplug the connector from the ICU, but it looks like I may have to remove the distributor to access the connector.

Thanks

[Strife]

Well...there are two very tiny bolts that screw a bracket to the distributor, that holds the connector in. With the distributor installed, I think you would be in danger of losing them.

Note that if you have a disintegrated connector, removing this connector will turn an intermittent failure into a hard failure.

[juice1492]

Thanks Strife,
The connectors are fine but the wire itself was vandalized - a 3 in segment was cut out of it. I've ordered a new one and I guess I'll remove the distributor to install it.

[juice1492]

I installed the new wire today without completely removing the distributor. I removed the top of the distributor to provide better access to the two 7mm screws that hold the connection to the distributor in place. Only took about 15 minutes.