300CE No Spark (Help)! 1990 DOHC 6cyl - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

yellit · #16 12-23-2010, 03:33 AM

Thanks for the reply.....This module is certainly of the devil.....

I have seen several posts about the inside epoxy thing, but what is in this one is just a very clear layer of very soft, almost flowable silicone gel or such....
It can be removed easily with q tips although it does want to pull back a bit.....
It could even be put back in after removal but it loses some of its transparency.....
Best consistency that comes to mind is that flowable silicon gel that you can get at parts stores for windshield leaks.......I am familiar with the epoxy bound circuits in devices but this is a different animal.....maybe its just in the Seimans units and not the Bosch.....Thanks again....

mlozzi200478 · #17 12-23-2010, 06:00 AM

im no genious but have you checked the ignition control box on the drivers side firewall it controls spark output.just a shot in the dark.goodluck.marc

yellit · #18 12-23-2010, 02:12 PM

Thanks for reply....Not sure what box you are speaking of ...??

stormyc88 · #19 12-23-2010, 04:16 PM

yellit,

I believe the ignition control box on the driver's side firewall that mlozzi200478 is speaking of IS the EZL unit. As far as your problem goes, you can find good used EZL's on ebay or at your local salvage yard for very nice prices. I think that would save you a lot of trouble over trying to repair the one you have.

good luck & happy holidays

OTTOBUNZ · #20 12-23-2010, 05:35 PM

These guys have a couple for your car @ 150

http://www.lkqcorp.com/location/fSearch.asp?L=72

yellit · #21 12-23-2010, 10:27 PM

Thanks for the replies ...I know the unit is the EZL that is what I started thread with but thanks for trying to get me some relief.......I have it apart without destroying it....The only EZLs I found for 150 bucks are the M103 4 pins/per connector type...this unit has 8 pins per connector......no epoxy inside just a clear soft gel that can be removed.....I work on small electronic devices for a living (camcorders, 2 way commercial handheld radios,broadcast television equip and such) and this module is not too bad to get into ....Im just trying to identify a heat sink mounted smd chip that is a mystery...looks like a miniature strain gauge .....2 leads going back to main board....it is obviously overheated and cracked....The other modules have the same type component but all the modules at the salvage yard are gone......trying to find similar modules even if they are scrap.....so I can get donor components.....I always enjoiy trying to repair the impossible.....

Rahulio1989300E · #22 12-23-2010, 11:53 PM

Well, if you do end up figuring out how to repair these units, you might have a line of potential customers...

yellit · #23 12-24-2010, 01:59 AM

Yep....Its usually just one component that has croaked in most devices....just wish I had an internal schematic to find the path that is down.....mostly power output stages ....this infernal thing uses lightweight semiconductors to switch off the coil current for field collapse......
So its probably in that output leg that does the on/off work.....
Not interested in the monetary side of these repairs...more just curiosity and resentment of being held hostage to a box.... ...this is a co-worker friend of mines Benz....and its just sitting there dead as a hammer.....he really liked the car up until this ....I usually hang out on the diesel forum....with my 240D and beater 300D.....This is my first post/thread on the gasser site...
Computer engine management is fine until it dies.....then your left holding an empty bag begging for info....before long, hammers and commode plungers will have usb ports and keyboards....and you will have to log in to to slosh the toilet.....damn......

Ferdman · #24 12-24-2010, 07:55 AM

yellit, best of luck attempting a DIY repair of the fried EZL. As I mentioned previously Beckmann Technologies which specializes in reconditioning electronic parts is unable to rebuild those EZL's. Be prepared for a long, frustrating ordeal.

yellit · #25 12-24-2010, 02:32 PM

Yep...Thanks Fred....
I spoke with Beckman and they said the owner of The shop may know more about them than the fellow I spoke with....may call after holidays and see what specifics makes them unrepairable....It is not epoxy filled and the components look very close to the other modules innards I have gotten into....mainly just curiosity on my part....
Thanks again for the replies....at least this DIY forum is available to view others efforts and history of the problem....

Oz 300te · #26 12-24-2010, 03:34 PM

The only problem with this particular ezl is its scarcity.
Paying up to $900 for a second hand unit is not an ideal solution.
If mine were to burn out I would convert it to megasquirt to control the spark and probably convert to EFI or go Propane only.

yellit · #27 12-25-2010, 12:08 PM

Yep trying to think of aftermarket system that may work ok... Have not seen many posts on this topic with this model......Thanks...!

mlozzi200478 · #28 12-28-2010, 02:12 AM

hi guys im just curious,what is an EZL? as far as i know all my plugs wires cap and rotor are original with 68k on them,the ignition system feels solid but you never know how much better it will run with a tune up,i had to regap the plugs and noticed a difference in acceleration and fuel economy,does it have something to do with the spark output control? sorry for my ignorance!

Cal Learner · #29 12-28-2010, 09:38 AM

EZL is the German acronym for ignition control unit. It does indeed control ignition timing.