Magneto timing

[Dave Knaack]

It’s been a while since I set the timing. Working on a ‘52 Falcone. The tapered shaft of the magneto has provisions for a key. Do I use the key or just do the timing and tighten the sprocket onto the tapered shaft without a key ?
Thx, Dave
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[Patrick Hughes]

Dave,
That's what I do. It runs perfectly well without the key.

Regards
Patrick UK

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[Dave Knaack]

Thanks, that’s what I thought, and it should allow a more precise setting. I appreciate the confirmation of my thoughts
Sent from my iPhone

> On Oct 17, 2025, at 6:18 AM, Patrick Hughes <patrick...@harmill.co.uk> wrote:
>
> Dave,

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[Gordon de la Mare]

Well I have always used the key on my mag for timing on all my Guzzi Singles (2xFalcone Sports, 1xGTC/Leggera and on my long gone Dondolino).
If I need to do any really fine adjustments then the small crankshaft pinion has three internal keyways and is reversible so you can get 6 variations if needed.

Gordon

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[Dave Knaack]

Thx Gordon 

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 17, 2025, at 2:35 PM, 'Gordon de la Mare' via Guzzi Singles <guzzi-...@googlegroups.com> wrote:



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[jerry atric]

Just as a matter of interest, the flywheel on my new GTS has been stamped (it looks professionally) under the chrome for TDC, Ian and fully advanced. I/ve never seen that before, has anyone else? I haven't checked to see if they are correct! lol.

[RICHARD YAMANE]

Yes, they have a timing mark. It's at about 5 o'clock in this pic of my GTV. 

Rick Yamane
Importer of Vape/Powerdynamo ignition systems and Polisher of bikes at Motion Pro

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[jerry atric]

Yes, all mine have had the arrow but these are 3 labelled marks on the edge of the wheel. I'll try and remember to photograph them tomorrow.

[John Martorano]

Hi Jerry,

My magneto is back from the repair shop and I still can’t get the dam thing started.  Would you be willing to work on it get it running, and of course I’d pay you.  I can bring it to you or pick you up to bring you here (Pleasant Hill). What ever work best for you.  I’m begging you on bended knee, and I could also sweeten the deal with a dinner bribe of anything you’d like cooked by my wife Janet who’s a very good cook.  Please let me know what you think.

Best, John

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[Dorien Berteletti]

Do you have spark?

[Alan Comfort]

Valve and ignition timing is a bit time consuming, but easy to do with basic tools and a little patience. Follow Dave Thomas' instructions and your slicer will start easily and run like a fine watch (or a well tuned ditch pump, depending on your perspective).

https://www.thisoldtractor.com/mg_manuals/falcone_ignition_timing.pdf

Be sure to check the condition of the rollers in your cam followers. If there is any sign of wear, replace them. They are considered to be a wear item and a full on failure could be catastrophic and expensive. You can replace the followers as an assembly or you can just replace the pins and wheels. 

Make sure that you have a copper wire for the spark plug lead and a non-resistor spark plug cap. A non-resistor spark plug is best, but not essential if your magneto is good. Non-resistor plugs are getting hard to find, but you can remove the resistor in a R plug and replace it with a piece of solid copper wire. Modern plugs are a PITA to take apart, but it can be done with heat, patience and determination.

Alan in Roberts Creek

Alan in Roberts Creek

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