Steve, It would be easy to miss the wire placement. After all, I, as the bone headed owner did it.The old wires were at least 10 yrs old/20K miles and are not intended to last forever. I agree on the tape, but figured it was an easy test. The lack of an air cleaner didn't make any difference other than NO popping...strange! The filter has never ever clogged, only very basic filtered stuff. The assembly doesn't interfere with anything, no leaks of any kind.
I have ordered a new drop bace 14x3 filter assembly. It will take the place of the sealed fresh air breather assembly and engine performance and oil consumption, if any will be closely watched over the next 500-700 Miles. Dennis

 

Fresh info on the popping.
We all know that these cars generate numerous sounds and sensations, some good, some bad. That is what I have experienced trying to find the source of the popping. I take responsibility for not changing ignition parts at a more reasonable date and time. Everything was 10 yrs and 20K miles of no problem driving except until last Nov. when I noticed the popping. This sound would eventually take me for a ride, a different one!
My ride started by changing the plugs....I guess that made some unnoticeable difference in performance, but created the buzzing sound in the 6x9 speakers and the popping was still noticeable and performance was acceptable. Then I changed the plug wires....the buzzing stopped, but still had some popping. I continued testing and wondering what next. On the next test drive I experienced some really serious mis-firing, breaking down and popping, the likes of which I had never experienced before. At this point, what was next to test, the coil maybe? I was using the Mallory coil. This got me thinking about what I had read and learned about what part the ignition coil plays in the system. That round can can send you, experienced or not, in different direction trying to figure out some suspected ignition problem/s. I dug into several tech narratives, called two ignition companies and learned the details. The primary and secondary coils inside are tricky to say the least, but once I tested the ohms and what type of ignition system they should be matched to, my popping stopped. I'm using the MSD Blaster II which matches ohms perfectly to the Mallory Unilite and the Jacobs CDI Computer. I drove about 40 miles and nailed it a few times yesterday...I'm smiling' while driving'! So if you suspect ignition troubles, whether you have points, or upgraded systems of any kind, check your coil. Dennis

 

Glad you have full success! Stuck with it till you won. You mentioned burning a quart of oil every 900-1000 miles. I know in the old days this was always considered fine. I suspect you do have failing valve stem seals. You should get over 3,000 miles per quart of oil. Modern cars are expected to get 20,000 miles before needing a quart. New cars do have many new advantages over our old engines to do that but oil control can be much better than 900 miles a quart and valve stem seals are the most likely culprit if your engine has less than 100,000 miles on it.

 

Glad you figured it out.

Your battle reminds me of a friend who totally restored a big Mercedes v8. He had a miss , decided it was fuel injection and spent thousands.

He came by to show me his handiwork, which was beautiful. But, I asked isn’t it missing. He said he must not have done something right, and was going to spend another bunch.

i said are those wires new? He said no. Went home and replaced them, and problem solved!

I don’t know a thing about Mercedes , but thorough tune up is cheap and easy place to start.

 

Mark, I understand your thoughts on the oil, but my engine has 129K miles and has historically used a quart of oil 900-1200 miles. I replace the o-ring seals about 10 yrs back. Remember the #5 plug I post a pic of?. I'll be watching it closely over the next 500-1000 miles. If it exhibits oiling, I'll start by doing a cylinder pressure test. If those numbers are unacceptable, I may be in for some more serious work. Dennis

 

At 129,000 miles you are good. Add Oil and enjoy every minute. Oil is easy and cheap.

 

Congrats, Dennis!



Live well,

SJW