The rotor is red and the sealer is actually red as well and it is in the sealer that this crack is evident. Logic tells me the resistor overheated and that created the crack in the sealer. Would this effect the operation of the sparkplug wires? Though that wouldn't explain why only 3 cylinders have firing issues.

I know where the condenser is and it is appears to be new. I looked at the picture of a new point set in the parts section and the part that I was talking about be closely located to the shaft appear to be plastic. If you look at the picture of the part it is a small tab about 1/4 tall, maybe less, and is vertical.

What is the purpose of an "oiler" in this instance?

When I go to measure the point gap and let's say it's our of spec. can it be adjusted or one just buys a new one?

I will be helping my friend again this Sat., so I am definitely taking notes.

Thank you.

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1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

Cracked sealer isn't much of an issue. Some rotors ( non MB ) have exposed metal from the center to tip. For the car in question, measure resistance from the center to tip. I _think_ it will be ~ 5,000 Ohms but don't quote me on that . ( 5 K ohms is the same as your meter might show that )





The oiler keeps the distributor cam lubricated, a thin wipe of grease is used at initial install. Not too much as it will fly off and cover the points.

They can be adjusted by backing the mounting screw (s) off a bit and pivoting the point base.

Check the plugs? if 1, 2, & 8 misfire is there black soot on the plug?

Also trigger points could cause misfires in certain cylinders.

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Where are the trigger points? I assume that is different than the breaker points. Are they something that can be adjusted or cleaned?

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member

I was able to look up the MB factory manual online and they talk about checking/adjusting the dwell. Without the use of a O-scope, how does one check the dwell? The spec says it should be 30 degs.

97SL320, will adjusting the points affect the dwell angle?

__________________
1999 MB SL500 (110,000 mi)
2004 Volvo V70 2.5T (220,000 mi)
2014 Tesla Model S 85 (136,000 mi)
MBCA member