ITS ALIVE!

Issue resolved.


For future reference on 560 SEL 126 chassis 117 V-8 motor, (sorry, using keywords others like me in the future with the same problem) the distrubuter is not 100% self-timing!

You have to install the distributer so that it's close (ie the sprocket is timed to the engine), and the "self timing" feature fine-tunes the ignition. Since there were no markings on the distributer on where TDC was, I had to guess by setting the engine to TDC and looking into the oil filler port on the passenger's Valve Cover Gasket to see where the front cam lobes were (and thus determine wether it was at Ignition TDC or Intake TDC). I was then able by trial and error to try to start the engine, if it failed, remove the distributer spindle from engine, move the rotor one tooth, replace the spindle and repeat. Once I found the "sweet spot" the engine fired up, self timed and ran smoothly.

Kurt Weildheim is almost back on the road!