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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[jerry atric]

John, I'd love to help you but I'm in the UK so probably a bit too far. If you have a spark and valve and ignition timing are right, then I would suspect  the carb. Having said that, my new to me, slicer has become a difficult starter. I fitted new followers (180euro from Guzzi Retro). I've done all the usual things to the carb which is Amal. In exasperation, I removed the head to check valves and although the plug  was dry, there  was fuel in the bore! work that one out. The odd thing is that  since replacing the followers, the flywheel ignition timing  measurement is out. It doesn't matter as there's more than enough adjustment on  the  lever but  its puzzling if anyone has any thoughts?

[Alan Greenslade]

Is this the correct original fuel line for a Falcone (1962 Turismo). I need to replace the hose and will try and recreate the crimped ferrules if they are correct. 

Regards

Alan NZ

[RICHARD YAMANE]

If you have fuel in the intake  but a dry plug and it still isn’t starting I would suspect low vacuum, too tight on the valve clearance or improper cam timing. I’ve also seen a hole it the top of the piston cause that. 🤣

If the plug has carbon on it, when dampened by fuel it could be shorting out. (Fouled plug) I’ve been having trouble with my RGS and suspect that’s at least part of the problem. I’m going to a hotter plug and trying to get a new needle jet.

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

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[jerry atric]

Thanks Rick, Thats why I took the head  off, I thought I was going to find valves slopping around in the guides but  it's all really good. The engine was claimed to have been rebuilt  and it seemingly has been.

[jerry atric]

Update: I spent all evening lapping in the  inlet valve and it  turns out to have been  the  cause of all my starting and running problems since I bought the bike last November. 80 mile run today with my localVMCC section and its starts and runs just great. Thanks for all the advice, all was followed up on. When will I learn not to trust a 'professionally rebuilt' motor?

[RICHARD YAMANE]

Good news!

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

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