230E 1988 Distributor Queries - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DeanoW · #1 07-18-2013, 01:33 AM

Hello
I have a Merc 230E w124 1988. It has been suffering from some of the cold/low throttle misfiring that many other owners have apparently shared. I have decided to make a start on remedying the problem as a very novice mechanic. My first step has been to tackle the ignition system and after new plugs and air filter didn’t work, have moved onto replacing distributor cap, rotor arm and leads – all of which are original and fairly worn.
My first hiccup came when I ordered a replacement set of leads and found that the ignition coil lead had a female connection to the coil instead of the male on my original. I think I have found the correct lead through a local dealer and as I destroyed the original on removal I will just have to keep trying until I can get a correct replacement somewhere. On removing the rotor arm I also dislodged a plastic cover/seal leading to the distributor base. Under this seal seemed to be a very badly worn o-ring that fell apart in my hand. I also noticed that there was a small quantity of reddish oil in a recess at the base of the distributor. As the recess seemed to be part of the design I wonder whether the oil is meant to be there or is it a symptom of some other problem.

So these are my two main questions – i. What exactly was that steel o-ring that had decayed? and ii. What exactly was that oil?

I am now aware that the 230E wasn't sold in the US (thanks Pooka) but I thought that maybe someone may have seen or heard of something similar. Any help would be very much appreciated.
Cheers
Russell

DeanoW · #2 07-20-2013, 12:06 AM

Thanks to all those who I have had a look at my initial post but remain puzzled. I think I may have found some sort of explanation for the oil. Just next to the distributor is the reservoir for the power steering fluid which is very similar to the fluid I found in the bottom of the distributor. It is possible that a little of this was simply spilled into the distributor when topping up that reservoir. It's the best explanation I have been offered.