Symptoms
Hard starting, misfires or a weak spark from worn points, a cracked cap or tired shielded leads.
The fix, step by step
- On a stock truck, set the points to 0.40 mm (dwell 36–38) and the plug gap to 0.50 mm, per the translated factory schedule.
- For a Pertronix Ignitor in the military distributor, Expedition Imports' steps are: remove cap, rotor and points; drill the 17 mm distributor fitting to 7/32 in; fit the half-moon blank and module; feed the leads through the shielding; and connect red to the input side of the noise suppressor.
- Their civilian conversion kit replaces the shielded cap, leads and coil wiring.
- Fire in the order 1-5-3-6-2-4 and time it at 10–14° BTDC.
Tools & part numbers
- Feeler gauges
- dwell meter
- timing light
- 7/32-in drill bit
- crimper. Check whether your head takes short- or long-reach plugs first (see the valve-adjustment job).
Where to buy the parts
Bosch ignition point kitExpedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Condenser (000 156 81 01)Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Civilian ignition conversion kit, with pointsExpedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Pertronix ignition productsPerTronix ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz Unimog 404 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.