Cover me boys, I'm going in!

The only timing spec I can find for this is 23-25 BTDC. For optimum performance without smoke what should I set it to? I am using the drip method.

Change it to a petrol engine? M117 or the like.

Nah seriously, if is set it to 23-25 degrees with it in the center of the adjusting slot, you're good to go. That will leave you some wiggle room for minor adjustment.

Do you have the cut off injection line to use for the "spout"?

Did you get the chance to check the compression readings?

__________________
“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

I got this car not running. The previous hack had utterly screwed up the fuel system and it appears that he adjusted IP timing too. I got it set on 25 BTDC and was getting a steady stream of fuel from the drip tube.

I got it adjusted where the drip is about every .75 seconds. Is that "close enough" or do I need to screw with it to get it closer?

Also, and tips on adjusting the IP other than the prybar-and-jiggle method? I did loosen all of the hard injector lines to allow for "easier" movement of the pump but it is still a motherf**er to make fine adjustments. Why didn't Mercedes build these things with a vernier adjuster from the factory?

Oh, and I went to the wrecker last week and got an injector line and cut it off for the "spout".

It's been a while but I seem to remember you should only have ONE drip within 30 seconds. If you are getting a steady drip every .75 seconds you are quite a bit off.

Nah, the jiggle and pry method is the only one I've used.

No need for adjustments once it is initially set so why have any type of vernier adjuster? It is a "set it and forget it" kind of deal. Unless you change pumps or rebuild the engine the timing won't change. Or have some wise-acre who thinks he knows what he is doing moves it.

__________________
“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

Way back in the murky recesses of my memory I seem to remember removing the rear mounting bracket or at least backing out the bolts to where it hangs freely makes it much easier to twist the pump.

__________________
“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

Here's a decent write-up of the procedure.

Injection Pump Timing Adjustment for Mercedes 617 Engines - Topic

Using the drip tube is the same as the "welling up of fuel" he describes.

__________________
“Whatever story you're telling, it will be more interesting if, at the end you add, "and then everything burst into flames.”
― Brian P. Cleary, You Oughta Know By Now

Well, it was most definitely out of adjustment. But it still runs like crap and has no power after adjusting it.