1980 SL500 Won't Start

[cammy]

Hi a mate of mine has a 1980 SL500 he is restoring got a message from him today as follows:
I have a problem starting the merc. I wonder if you could post a question on the forum you're part of. I have renewed the following, plugs, rota arm, all leads, distributor cap & coil. Still not getting a spark to plugs. Hope you can help.
Any suggestions?
Thanks

 

[Ierton]

Is there an old alarm fitted isolating the LT supply?

 

[cammy]

Not sure will write back and ask,thanks

 

[rawc43]

is there a live and earth to the coil

 

[cammy]

Will check raw, No alarm. Don't know if it could be ignition module or condenser.

 

[cammy]

Hi Raw Yes, one live & one earth is the reply.

 

[carat 3.6]

Faulty flywheel sensor?

 

[grober]

EZL ignition module kaput would be my guess. Try to borrow a substitute to test.

 

[cammy]

Thanks Grober Anyone in Glasgow/Scotland got a EZL ignition module?

 

[grober]

Can't help personally sorry They are getting increasingly rare nowadays as they are pegging out. Breakers yards are a possibility?

 

[grober]

WHOA---- just reread your post the car is a 1980!!! Won't have the EZL unit I am thinking about. Sorry about that. Your mate could try asking the Mazzoni brothers at MERPARTS Merparts Ltd,Mercedes-Benz vehicle Specialist,Ashgrove Lane,Port Glasgow,PA14 5NQ

 

[grober]

It might share the same ignition components as these http://handbook.w116.org/Engine\107\M117_45\075-519.pdf
there is a transistorised switching unit which is triggered by the distributor points. Its difficult finding data on these old systems.

p.s. the good thing is if it is a simple transistor switched unit it should be relatively simple to substitute a cheap after market switching unit triggered by the distributor like lumenition if you can't source the original componentry

http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/shop/viewproducts.aspx?plateindexID=12625