How do I do this? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

katana · #1 11-27-2005, 10:09 AM

Hi all!
I think I may have to clean the trigger points.
Do I have to remove the entire distributor assembly to do this? And do I have to set the timing and all that while re-installing afterwards?
I have looked through the forum and haven't found anything really conclusive.
Maybe you can give me tips or links...
Thanks,
Fritz

Tomguy · #2 11-27-2005, 10:44 AM

Yes to both.

Either mark where the rotor is before removing it, or turn the engine to TDC. I can always remember where it was, you might not be able to. If you install it with the rotor way off, you won't be able to get the timing right and it won't start. I dunno what would happen if you installed it so it sparked on the intake stroke or the exhaust stroke, but it probably wouldn't be pretty. Otherwise, it's pretty straightforward.

katana · #3 11-27-2005, 11:06 AM

Ok,
Here goes...
Thanks.

kpb · #4 11-27-2005, 07:54 PM

hey katana, would you be so kind as to post your results/findings/methodologies?

I've been meaning to look at/clean my trigger points for the 2 yrs I've owned it, but never got around to it since it runs very well.

katana · #5 12-02-2005, 09:57 PM

Will do, but, alas, I have no heated garage, and the forcast calls for stiff fingers. May take a while...
Fritz

300SDog · #6 12-02-2005, 11:45 PM

Business card makes a nice tool for cleaning the points. Basically you just pry em open with your finger, pinch the card in there and pull it through.

Tomguy · #7 12-03-2005, 12:04 AM

Don't sand them. Brake cleaner might work well. Make sure to put a tiny tiny dab of grease on each of the 2 lobes.

#8 12-04-2005, 02:42 PM

Having had a W109 3.5. I can offer a few do's and don'ts.

DON'T:
1. use carb cleaner. Eats the plastic.
2. file points. They have a thin coating of precious metal and if the are filed they will foul up in short order and will be ruined.

DO:
1. use spray electrical contact cleaner(made br CRC for example). This doesn't leave residue, and is pretty safe to use.

2. Use a $1.00 bill to clean points. The cotton will clean much better than anything else, and won't rip or leave residue.

3. use "point grease" sparingly.

Usually, if the trigger points keep fouling up with oil, you should look into rebuilding the distributer. The oil seal goes bad and allows oil to wick up in between the shaft and housing and into the trigger points. Whatever you do, don't buy a "rebuilt", keep your distributer and find someine in Hemmings that can rebuild it using a SUN machine. Good luck.

nhdoc · #9 12-04-2005, 03:24 PM

The best electrical contact cleaner that I have found is called "de-oxit" and comes in spray cans or a pen type applicator to apply the stuff directly. It was recommneded to me by a guy who makes electronics gadgets for a living for the US Government. I would use this if I were going to tackle cleaning up the contact points, it has always worked well for me.