Adrian:

Point gap at max opening -- right on the point of the cam. Difficult to get exactly right (sigh).

Dwell should be 30. Make sure you have the meter set properly, no way it can only get 20 max unless the cam lobes are really worn down or the distributor shaft wobbles -- try moving it back and forth sideways -- too much play, and the point spring will push it away all the time.

I'm sure parts are available, but who knows what they will cost! Probably have to get them from MB.

A conversion to breakerless ignition might be in order, eliminate most of the mess with points and dwell.

On the carbs:

Vac leak could be bad or loose gasket or vac line, leaking manifold., etc. However, if it runs well except at idle, I think you have just fixed the airflow imbalance from a sick engine and just have to re-adjust the carbs.

Make sure you have the basic flow set with the linkage off, and that full throttle is the same with linkage on. Check the idle opening stop on both carbs, make sure the throttle plates are the same number of turns on the screw from completely closed. Set actual idle speed with the idle speed screw that works the linkage.

Ditto for mixture screws -- need to be the same number of turns from closed.

If it runs well off idle, you just need to re-synch!

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!