Distributor moisture?
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2
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From: Brooklyn, NY
1985 190E-8V; 2009 C300 4MATIC
Distributor moisture?
In the last couple of rains, but my 1985 190e (just bought--my first mb) has been idling very rough when cold, and stalling when putting it into gear (auto trans). But then it runs smooth as butter when fully warmed up. The first rain, it was a bit slow to start, but not bad. The second rain a week later it started right up. And it was running fine between rains. But still the rough cold idle when it has rained. My guess is it's condensation/moisture in the distributor. Any advise before I take it apart? Any other possibilities? Is there a seal I should replace? Spray it with wd40 or something else to evaporate the moisture? I'm ok with cars, just apprehensive in my first mb, and I'd appreciate the advise from folks with experience. Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 52
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From: FLOMATON, ALABAMA
Mercedez 1995 SL500 r129, 1967 Camaro RS Convertible, 1971 Corvette Stingray T Top
I have a distributor moisture problem also in my 1995 sl500...... where can I find the answer to this problem.... as stated in thread, am I missing a seal, or what? I can't drive it on high moisture days so it ain't no fun just looking at it.
Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 222
Likes: 7
2007 ML 350 - VIN 4JGBB86E17A211020
I started to have the same exact problem this week. Normally my 190 is kept indoors/under roof at the airport but due to irregular travel it has been outside in the freezing cold a few times.
It started to have a rough idle when cold but gets better as it warms up. I recollect the last time I had my distributor/rotor replaced ages ago the tech mentioned that it runs better warmed up as the rotor makes better contact w the distributor.
So I called my trusty tech this week to get the distributor & rotor replaced...don't trust myself to do it!
It started to have a rough idle when cold but gets better as it warms up. I recollect the last time I had my distributor/rotor replaced ages ago the tech mentioned that it runs better warmed up as the rotor makes better contact w the distributor.
So I called my trusty tech this week to get the distributor & rotor replaced...don't trust myself to do it!
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: FLOMATON, ALABAMA
Mercedez 1995 SL500 r129, 1967 Camaro RS Convertible, 1971 Corvette Stingray T Top
I replaced rotor on one distributor and cap on the other. Not difficult .... on my SL 500 I needed # 3, 4, and 5 metric allen wrench tips plus appropriate ratchet w/adapters. DON'T FORGET TO USE DIELETRIC GREASE WHERE THERE IS A MOISTURE, corrosion, or lub problem. I found the rotor was missing 1 of 3 screws, ignition wires connecting to cap were not set fully and distributor cap had crossfire trails inside. See my other MOISTURE IN DISTRIBUTOR posts. If you purchased a used Benz you may find lots of surprises await you.
