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The space cam sits behind the governor and determines fuel mixture under different load conditions. The hole on the left connects to a lever which rotates the space cam while a stylus reads the grooves on the right, which adjusts the fuel mixture.
Product Identification
BOSCH Fuel Injection PumpS:
Models and Space Cams for the W113 SL
The W113, also known as the "pagoda", is quickly becoming a hot commodity in the classic market with prices regularly approaching six figures, and the best models reaching nearly $200K. As these vehicles become more and more collectible maintaining them correctly, along with their plethora of parts, will become more important as each component becomes rarer and more valuable.
Maintaining Bosch fuel injection pumps was already a specialized field with only a few stateside technicians offering the knowledge and know-how, and even fewer with the time to take on new projects. As one of the experts on Bosch fuel injection pumps of the era, we are building a resource to better assist the W113 community on fuel injection pump history, information, and technical specs so that all owners can have access to this vital material and can make the decisions necessary to preserve and restore these icons of automotive history.
The number etched into the side of the space cam determines the model indicated in the right-hand column. While changes may be slight, each cam is specifically engineered for its corresponding fuel injection pump model.
Each space cam features slight variations in the grooves that improved performance as fuel injection pumps were refined and redeveloped over the years. To the untrained eye, these grooves are often misidentified as wear damage however performance can be irreparably effected if these specifically engineered grooves are adjusted in any way during the restoration process.
The governor ensures
that the adequate amount
of fuel is supplied to the engine to prevent stalling and excessive engine speed. It also helps manage engine efficiency, which in later years became important for ever-developing emissions regulations.
Vehicle Model
Fuel Injection Pump Model
230SL
Governor PROD. YEAR SPACE CAM
R11
1/1R JULY 1963 - DEC 1965 1 or 1X
1/9R JAN 1966 - JAN 1967 25
250SL
Governor PROD. YEAR SPACE CAM
1/11R DATES TO COME 8
R18
1/11R
1/16R
R18Z
8
32
R18Y
1/15R
33
280SL
Governor PROD. YEAR SPACE CAM
1/18R DATES TO COME 35
R20Y
R21
1/19R
39
R22Y
1/26R
48
1/27R
1/38R
R23
39
R24Y
1/33R
1/45R
48
51
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