How often do you need to set the points?

[alabbasi]

My D-Jet was running poorly about a 10 months ago so we reset the points and the car ran like a train until a week or so ago when it started missing. Now the engine does not feel half as powerful as it was.

How often do the points need to be set or replaced? Any other common problems that could cause the miss?

[t walgamuth]

They could have worked loose. Also a bad condensor (IIRC) can cause points to burn very quickly.

Tom W

[300SDog]

Yep, thats true about condenser. In fact depending on which side of the points get pitted or peaked you can tell if condenser matches the system or spot which side has too much resistance. On my m180's points were changed annually. Frequently cut back ignition wire ends for fresh connections too. And then there's the scrawny distributor pigtail ground (usually green or black/white) that frays at the ends.

[mbdoc]

All of your listed cars should have electronic ignition switching units. The current flow is very low on those cars & require cleaning, esp if the distributor shaft is worn & allows oil vapors into the distributor.

MB's with electronic ignition systems don't have OR need a condenser.

They have a radio suppressor that LOOKS like a condenser.

[meltedpanda]

may have developed a vacuum leak, check all hoses, very sensative to this, also disconnect the sensor in the air cleaner, see if that helps

[carnut]

There is also a set of points on the distributor shaft that fire the left and right bank injectors. If they are oil vapor contaminated, they will affect driveability. I've clean them with very fine sandpaper dragged thru them as well as spraying with brakleen.