1979 1/2 140HP Inline6? Such a thing?

[SuperGlue]

Does anyone know the story behind this '79 1/2 motor? I was reading about the ignition system in my Seloc manual(1408) when I started to notice some strange things. My motor has what is refered to as the the TYPE III ignition system, but according to the manual the 79 140HP L6 has the TYPE II. The 1980 140 L6 has the TYPE III according to the manual.<br /><br />OK, the serial number should solve this right? My serial number is 5328005. In the Seloc the 1979 140HP SN is 5189788, and the 1980 140HP SN is 5625108. Mine is no where to be found. So I pop the plate off the motor cover and find a sticker on the support in front of the carbs that reads "79 1/2 M 140 Timing".<br /><br />So for all practical purposes, could this motor be considered a 1980?<br /><br />Thanks for any help.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1979 1/2 140HP Inline6? Such a thing?

In 1979 the ignitions switched from distributor to modern ADI type. That's the whole story.<br /><br />In Merc parlance we say that ADI started in the 1979 and 1/2 model year. <br /><br />-W

 

[SuperGlue]

Re: 1979 1/2 140HP Inline6? Such a thing?

Thanks Clams! Makes sense.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1979 1/2 140HP Inline6? Such a thing?

What's worse is that in my mind I tend to disregard 1979 for simplicity. If it's got a distributor it's a 1978, ADI it's 1980 in my simple way of thinking. <br /><br />Kind of like the non-existant 1983 Corvette.<br /><br />-W