How to set the timing on a '84 2.0l petrol?

[quenching]

My '84 2.0 190E is just back from a service and the mechanic mentioned that setting the timing accurately is difficult as the fuel injection system (Bosch KE Jetronic?) is not self adjusting as in full electronic fuel injection systems and also can't be set using a strobe gun as in older systems, its a halfway house between the 2 systems that needs a particular Mercedes computer to set it, not the common laptop interface that can usually be used. He doesn't have one and was doubtful if any Mercedes dealerships would have them sitting around on the off chance that they might need it. Does anyone know the specifics of what he's talking about or is there another way of setting the timing on these early cars before the full electronic system was introduced?

 

[Simba]

Hi,I also have a 190E. If you have an 84 car,thats one of the very first ones and I thought all those early cars had a carb. The Bosch JE Jetronic was fitted to the later cars ?

 

[quenching]

Hi,I also have a 190E. If you have an 84 car,thats one of the very first ones and I thought all those early cars had a carb. The Bosch JE Jetronic was fitted to the later cars ?

It is indeed one of the first right hand drive cars, most had carbs and were called "190" but a "190E" was also available with Bosch K fuel injection - not the JE version I mistakenly mentioned above

 

[219]

Why can't you just use a strobe light in series with no.1 spark plug and refer to the timing marks on the pulley whilst adjusting the distributor ?

Edit - I also had an '84 190E , with 14" wheels , non panoramic wiper etc , and while I never had occasion to adjust my timing , the Haynes manual ( I just checked ) confirms it can be done in the standard way .

 

[atlantictable]

My '84 2.0 190E is just back from a service and the mechanic mentioned that setting the timing accurately is difficult as the fuel injection system (Bosch KE Jetronic?) is not self adjusting as in full electronic fuel injection systems and also can't be set using a strobe gun as in older systems, its a halfway house between the 2 systems that needs a particular Mercedes computer to set it, not the common laptop interface that can usually be used. He doesn't have one and was doubtful if any Mercedes dealerships would have them sitting around on the off chance that they might need it. Does anyone know the specifics of what he's talking about or is there another way of setting the timing on these early cars before the full electronic system was introduced?

Have you got a picture of the engine bay? Also near the battery is there a round dome thing with letters on anywhere - probably says EZL on it.

Once I know what you have I can help. Cheers

 

[219]

The 190E does indeed have an EZL plug which can , like your 300TE , give 3 deg retardation , but , unlike the M103 you have , the M102 has a conventional distributor which can be adjusted in the normal way .

 

[atlantictable]

One has to make sure the EZL plug is in the correct position before adjusting the timing - probably position S but there were some variations as I recall. Not all were EZL but that may be europe only. Yes you are right though. Once everything is checked it is fine to time the light on No.1 cylinder with a conventional light.

 

[quenching]

Thanks Pontoner, I'm off to buy a Haynes manual tomorrow! I'm a bit confused now as to why the mechanic said it couldn't be done with a strobe gun, I'll ask again tomorrow. I've also managed to find the technical manual for the Bosch K Jetronic system while searching the net in case thats ever needed.

No EZL knob on mine, I remember looking for this before

 

[andymerc]

timing is adjustable,normally a sticker on panel above n/s headlight from memery +10 at idle you can use timing light on front pully

 

[atlantictable]

Thanks Pontoner, I'm off to buy a Haynes manual tomorrow! I'm a bit confused now as to why the mechanic said it couldn't be done with a strobe gun, I'll ask again tomorrow. I've also managed to find the technical manual for the Bosch K Jetronic system while searching the net in case thats ever needed.

No EZL knob on mine, I remember looking for this before

Hi sounds like you're onto it. The system you have is indeed probably the K-Jetronic as opposed to the KE-Jetronic (with EZL adjuster). The Bosch manual explains it's foibles and the Haynes manual should be all you need. Good luck.

Just an aside in Oct 84 there were some engine detail changes so depends when your car was built as to what actually is fitted.