Moto Guzzi V700, V7 Special, Ambassador, 850 GT, 850 GT California, Eldorado, 850 California Police Distributor

Condenser cross-reference

Updated: 2008 Apr 18

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The condenser has the following part number cross references:

• MG# 12715421
• Magneti Marelli part number 56181103
• Magneti Marelli part number CE 29 D
• Magneti Marelli part number CE 36 E
• Facet part number 0.0613
• Fiat part number 9912723
• Fiat part number 9942107
• Kohler part number 230722-S

  Thanks to Leon Karlak for sending me the information about the Kohler. In Leon's own words:

  I needed to try and get a new condenser for my Eldorado somewhat quickly so, rather that call Joe Eish, I looked at your recommendations. I couldn't find NAPA's equivalent on their web site or anyone else's. The guy helping me do the job said lets use a Kohler condenser that he happened to have on the shelf. It seems like a great substitute. We took the condenser out of the bracket that came with it and turned it upside down in the bracket. Then we drilled a smaller hole in the bracket closer to the condenser and cut of some of the excess bracket off. Then finished by grinding the sharp edge off of the remaining bracket. This may be helpful for others.

The condenser has a Ø of 18 mm, a Length of 31.5 mm, and a µF of 0.25.

The condenser was used on the following vehicles:

Similar condensers (same µF) from Facet include the following:

Facet Part Number	µF	Diameter	Length	Manufacturer Part Number	Application
0.0127 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Bosch 1 217 330 037 1 237 330 037	Unknown
0.0179/114 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Bosch 1 237 330 329 FORD 1 584 306	FORD Model Engine First Year Last Year ESCORT III 1.1 GSE 1983 Aug 1985 Dec ESCORT III Familiare 1.1 GSE 1983 Aug 1985 Dec FIESTA I 0.9 TKA, TKW 1976 May 1983 Aug FIESTA I 0.9 TLA 1976 May 1983 Aug FIESTA I 1.1 GLA 1976 May 1983 Aug FIESTA I 1.1 (WFBT) GLW 1981 Feb 1983 Aug
0.0179/118 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Bosch 1 237 330 330 1 237 330 352 FORD 6 147 962	FORD Model Engine First Year Last Year CAPRI III 1.3 J1E 1978 Jan 1985 Jun TRANSIT 1.6 LAC 1985 Sep 1992 Sep TRANSIT 2.0 NAW 1986 Jan 1992 Sep TRANSIT 2.0 NAX 1986 Jan 1992 Sep TRANSIT Autobus 1.6 (TBL, TES) LAT 1985 Dec 1989 Jan TRANSIT Autobus 2.0 (TBS, TCL, TCS, TEL, TES) NAT, NAV 1985 Nov 1992 Sep TRANSIT Furgonato 1.6 (TAS) LAT 1985 Sep 1992 Sep TRANSIT Furgonato 2.0 (TAL, TAS, TGL, TWS) NAT, NAV 1985 Sep 1992 Sep TRANSIT Pianale piatto/Autotelaio 2.0 (TTE, TTL, TTS) NAT, NAV 1986 Jan 1992 Sep FORD (AUS) Model Engine First Year Last Year Cortina_TF 2.0 -- 1976 Jan 1981 Dec Escort 2.0 -- 1977 Jan 1981 Dec Escort 2.0 RS -- 1977 Jan 1981 Dec
0.0179/124 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Bosch 1 237 330 339 VOLVO 1306223-7	VOLVO Model Engine First Year Last Year 240 1.8 B 17 A 1978 Nov 1985 Jul 240 Kombi 1.8 B 17 A 1978 Nov 1985 Jul
0.0188/1 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Unknown	ZASTAVA Model Engine First Year Last Year YUGO 0.9 -- 1980 Apr 1992 Jun
0.0253 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	DANSI 422 192 GUZZI 19 708 620	MOTO GUZZI (I) Model Engine First Year Last Year V35II,V35Imola -- 1977 Jan on V50III,V50Monza,V50C -- 1977 Jan on V65;SP -- 1982 Jan on
0.0262 Direct link to image	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	31.5 mm	DELCO REMY D-204	Unknown
0.0263 Direct link to image	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	31.5 mm	DELCO REMY 1 869 704	Unknown
0.0291/17 Direct link to image	0.25µF	15 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 553221600 6553221600	INNOCENTI Model Engine First Year Last Year 500 L; LS -- 1986 Dec on
0.0291/20 Direct link to image	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	25 mm	HOLDEN (AUS) 3326177090 SUZUKI 33261-77090 VOLKSWAGEN J90 099 520 70	HOLDEN Model Engine First Year Last Year Scurry_NB 1.0 F10A 1985 Oct 1986 May SUZUKI Model Engine First Year Last Year SK410 -- 1986 Jan VOLKSWAGEN Model Engine First Year Last Year TARO 1.8 2Y 1989 Apr 1994 Sep TARO 2.2 4Y 1989 Jun 1994 Jul
0.0390 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	FEMSA 10249-30 Fiat 9936837 SEAT SE 127914.007A	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 127 0.9 100 GL.048 1971 Jun 1983 May 131 1.3 Mirafiori 131 A6.000 1974 Oct 1981 Sep 131 Familiare/Panorama 1.3 Mirafiori (AF) 131 A6.000 1975 Mar 1978 Dec 132 1.6 -- 1977 May 1982 Sep PANDA 800 -- 1981 Feb 1985 Dec SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year FURA 0.9 -- 1982 Jan 1986 Jun MARBELLA 0.8 08 NCA 1986 Aug 1993 Dec MARBELLA Furgonato 0.8 08 NCA 1987 Jan 1993 Dec PANDA 34 850 -- 1980 Jan 1983 Dec PANDA 35 850 -- 1980 Jan 1983 Dec
0.0392 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	FEMSA 10249- 9 SEAT SE 028914.007A SE 141914.007B	SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year IBIZA I 0.9 146 A 000 1986 Aug 1993 May IBIZA I 0.9 146 A 000 1990 Aug 1993 May MARBELLA 0.9 09 NCA 1987 Jan 1993 Dec MARBELLA Furgonato 0.9 09 NCA 1987 Jan 1993 Dec PANDA 40 -- 1982 Jan 1985 Dec PANDA 45 -- 1982 Jan 1985 Dec TERRA 0.9 09 NCA 1987 Feb 1996 Dec
0.0397 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	FEMSA 10249-43 RENAULT 77 02 124 317	RENAULT Model Engine First Year Last Year 4 0.8 (1123) 800 01 1971 Sep 1988 Dec
0.0399 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	FEMSA 10249-35 RENAULT 77 02 163 085	RENAULT Model Engine First Year Last Year 11 1.2 (B/C37S) C1G 700, C1G 710 1984 Oct 1988 Dec 11 1.7 (B/C376) F2N 700 1983 Oct 1987 Dec 11 Furgonato 1.2 (S37S) C1G 700, C1G 710 1984 Oct 1988 Dec 4 1.1 (1128, S128) 688 712 1978 Jun 1990 Jun 9 1.2 (L42S) C1G 700, C1G 710 1985 Sep 1988 Dec EXPRESS 1.1 C1E 1985 Jan on EXPRESS 955 C1C 1985 Jan on
0.0471 Direct link to image	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	31.5 mm	FORD 1 575 222 MOTORCRAFT EDC 2	FORD Model Engine First Year Last Year CORTINA 1300 -- 1970 Oct 1972 Mar FIESTA I 0.9 TKA, TKW 1976 May 1983 Aug FIESTA I 0.9 TLA 1976 May 1983 Aug FIESTA I 1.3 J3E 1977 Aug 1983 Aug TAUNUS 80 Familiare 1.6 LCJ 1979 Jul 1982 Jul TAUNUS 80 1.6 LCJ 1979 Jul 1982 Jul TRANSIT Autobus 1.6 (VAS, VLS, VZS 4RB 1977 Dec 1986 Oct TRANSIT Autobus 2.0 (VAS, VBLVIL, VLS, VUL, VZS) 4RC 1977 Dec 1982 Jul TRANSIT Furgonato 1.6 (WS) 4RB 1977 Nov 1986 Oct TRANSIT Furgonato 2.0 (VVS) 4RC 1977 Nov 1982 Jul TRANSIT Pianale piatto/Autotelaio 2.0 (VGL, VSL, VTL) 4RC 1977 Nov 1982 Jul
0.0561 Direct link to image	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	35 mm	LUCAS 400 308	Unknown
0.0602 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9902578 9903303 9912722 Magneti Marelli CE 29 B CE 29 G	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 1000er-Serie D, R -- 1954 Jan 1968 Dec 124 1200 (TA) -- 1966 Jul 1973 Oct 124 1400 Special 124 B2.000 1968 Dec 1972 Dec 124 1600 Special T -- 1973 Jan 1975 Jul 124 Familiare 1200 -- 1967 Apr 1973 May 850 0.8 -- 1964 Jul 1972 Oct
0.0606 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Magneti Marelli CE 29 A	Unknown
0.0608 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Magneti Marelli CE 11 M CE 29 Q	FSO Model Engine First Year Last Year POLONEZ I 1.5 AA 1977 Oct 1988 Aug
0.0612 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9921499 9925255 Magneti Marelli CE 36 G	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 127 0.9 100 GL.000 1971 Jun 1983 May 131 1.3 Mirafiori 131 A6.000 1974 Oct 1981 Sep 131 Familiare/Panorama 1.3 Mirafiori (AF) 131 A6.000 1975 Mar 1978 Dec 132 1.6 -- 1977 May 1982 Sep 242-SERIE Autobus 1.6 124 B3.000 1975 Oct 1982 Jul 242-SERIE Furgonato 1.6 124 B3.000 1975 Oct 1982 Jul DUCATO Furgonato 1.8 169 B 1982 Jan 1988 Oct
0.0613 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9912723 9942107 Magneti Marelli CE 29 D CE 36 E	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 126 600 126 A.000 1972 Sep 1977 Jun 126 650 126 A1.048 1977 Jul 1987 Sep 128 1.1 128 A.000 1969 Mar 1984 Dec 128 Familiare 1.1 (AF) 128 A.000 1969 Oct 1982 Oct 500 0.5 110 F.000 1965 Jan 1975 Dec 500 0.6 -- 1973 May 1976 Jan 600 0.6 -- 1955 Mar 1961 May PANDA 650 141 A.000 1982 Jan 2004 Jul X 1/9 1.3 128 AS.000 1975 Oct 1978 Jun FSO Model Engine First Year Last Year 126P 0.6 -- 1972 Jul 1977 Jul 126P 0.6 -- 1977 Jul 1991 Dec ZASTAVA Model Engine First Year Last Year YUGO 0.9 -- 1980 Apr 1992 Jun
0.0614 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9922454 9925263 Magneti Marelli CE 36 L	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 132 1.6 -- 1977 May 1982 Sep ARGENTA 1600 132 D.000 1981 Apr 1985 Dec SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year MARBELLA 0.8 08 NCA 1986 Aug 1993 Dec MARBELLA Furgonato 0.8 08 NCA 1987 Jan 1993 Dec
0.0617 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9928245 Magneti Marelli CE 22 B CE 22 C CE 39 A CE 39 G	ALFA ROMEO Model Engine First Year Last Year ALFASUD 1.2 (901.D0, 901.D1) AR 30102 1972 Jun 1984 Sep ALFETTA 1.8 AR 01608 X 1974 Jul 1977 Dec GIULIETTA 1.3 (116.44A) AR 01644 1977 Oct 1983 Jun FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 127 0.9 100 GL.048 1971 Jun 1983 May 127 1.0 127 A.000 1977 Apr 1986 Dec 127 Panorama 1.0 127 A.000 1977 Jan 1986 Dec 131 1.3 Mirafiori 131 A6.000 1974 Oct 1981 Sep 131 Familiare/Panorama 1.3 Mirafiori (AF) 131 A6.000 1975 Mar 1978 Dec 132 1.6 -- 1977 May 1982 Sep ARGENTA 1600 132 D.000 1981 Apr 1985 Dec FIORINO 900 100 GL.000 1977 Oct 1984 Dec PANDA 800 -- 1981 Feb 1985 Dec PANDA 950 A 112 B1.054 1982 Sep 1983 Aug PANDA 950 4x4 A 112 B1.054 1983 Sep 1986 Dec SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year FURA 0.9 -- 1982 Jan 1986 Jun PANDA 34 850 -- 1980 Jan 1983 Dec PANDA 35 850 -- 1980 Jan 1983 Dec
0.0626 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	GUZZI 14 715 433	MOTO GUZZI (I) Model Engine First Year Last Year 1000 SP -- 1976 Jan on 850 Le Mans III -- 1976 Jan on 850 T3 California -- 1976 Jan on 850 T3, T4 -- 1976 Jan on V1000 California II -- 1976 Jan on V1000 I-Convert -- 1976 Jan on V1000 G5 -- 1976 Jan on
0.0627 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9938268 Magneti Marelli CE 39 P	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year REGATA 70 1.3 138 B2.000 1983 Sep 1986 Jul REGATA 70 1.3 149 A3.000 1983 Sep 1989 Jul REGATA 85 1.6 149 A.000 1983 Oct 1990 Jun REGATA Weekend 70 1.3 138 B2.000 1984 Jan 1989 Jul UNO 60 1.1 SX -- 1983 Jan 1985 Dec
0.0628 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9938269 Magneti Marelli CE 39 R SEAT SE 141914.007A	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 126 700 126 A2.000, 126 A2.048 1987 Sep 1996 Jun PANDA 750 (141AI) 141 B.000 1986 Jan 1995 Jan PANDA 900 100 GL3.000 1980 Oct 1994 Jun PANDA 900 CL 146 A.048 1986 Jan 1991 Apr PANDA 900 CL 146 A.048 1991 May 1992 Dec PANDA Van 750 141 B.000 1986 Jan 1992 Jul UNO 45 0.9 146 A.000 1983 Mar 1992 Sep UNO 45 0.9 Trend 146 A.048 1989 Sep 1992 Sep FSO Model Engine First Year Last Year 126P 0.6 -- 1977 Jul 1991 Dec SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year IBIZA I 0.9 146 A 000 1986 Aug 1993 May IBIZA I 0.9 146 A 000 1990 Aug 1993 May MARBELLA 0.9 09 NCA 1987 Jan 1993 Dec MARBELLA Furgonato 0.9 09 NCA 1987 Jan 1993 Dec TERRA 0.9 09 NCA 1987 Feb 1996 Dec
0.0630 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Magneti Marelli CE 39 S RENAULT 77 01 030 507	RENAULT Model Engine First Year Last Year 11 1.1 (B/C371) C1E 720 1983 Mar 1986 Jun 4 1.1 (1128, S128) 688 712 1978 Jun 1990 Jun 9 1.1 (L421) C1E 715 1981 Sep 1987 May
0.0631 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Magneti Marelli 561 811 87 RENAULT 77 01 031 990	RENAULT Model Engine First Year Last Year 11 1.7 (B/C376) F2N 700 1983 Oct 1987 Dec
0.0633 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9940570 Magneti Marelli CE 39 T	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year PANDA 1000 156 A2.000 1995 Jan on PANDA 1000 156 A2.000 1993 Dec 1994 Dec PANDA 1000 CLX 156 A2.000 1991 May on PANDA 1000 Fire 156 A2.000 1986 May 1991 Apr PANDA 750 (141AA) 156 A4.000 1986 Jan 1995 Jan
0.0699/2 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	35 mm	SKODA 113-911 060	SKODA Model Engine First Year Last Year 105,120 1.0 33* 1976 Aug 1989 Dec 105,120 1.0 105 S,L 742,10 1988 Feb 1990 Dec 105,120 1.0 105 S,L 742,10 1976 Aug 1990 Dec 105,120 1.0 105 S,L,GL 742,10 1976 Aug 1983 Aug 105,120 1.0 105 S,L,LS 742,10 1983 Oct 1990 Dec 105,120 1.2 37* 1976 Aug 1989 Dec 105,120 1.2 55* 1981 Jan 1984 Dec 105,120 1.2 120 GLS -- 1983 Feb 1990 Dec 105,120 1.2 120 L -- 1976 Aug 1990 Dec 105,120 1.2 120 L 742,12 1987 Aug 1990 Dec 105,120 1.2 120 L 742,12 1983 Oct 1990 Dec 105,120 1.2 120 LS 742,12 X 1976 Aug 1990 Dec 130 1.3 43* 1984 Jan 1988 Dec 135 1.3 43* 1987 Jan 1989 Dec 136 1.3 46* 1987 Jan 1989 Dec
0.0856 Direct link to image	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	38.5 mm	PEUGEOT 5948.04 SEV 430 01203	RENAULT Model Engine First Year Last Year 4 0.8 (1123) 800 705 1983 Oct 1988 Oct
0.0912 Direct link to image	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	LADA 2101-3706400	LADA Model Engine First Year Last Year Lada 1.2 -- 1980 Jan on Lada 1.3 -- 1980 Jan on Lada 1.5 -- 1980 Jan on NIVA 1600 BA3 2121 1980 Apr 1987 Dec NIVA 1600 BA3 2121 1976 Dec 1987 May

Condenser wire bolt

Updated: 2006 Sep 19

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The little bolt that is insulated and serves to connect the electrical wire from the condenser to the points is 5 mm wide × 0.8 mm thread pitch × 22 mm long. Note: the 7 mm nearest the head of the bolt is specially designed to prevent the bolt from rotating within the insulation.

Distributor advance curve information

Updated: 2012 Jan 28

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I extracted this information from George Dockray off of the GuzziTech website after he made note of it on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In George's own words:

Here's what I've found out about Loop / Eldo advance curves as they relate to detonation problems.

1st off, I noticed in the owner's handbook, that “98/100 NO R.M.” is the recommended fuel rating. I poked around, but can't find anything that might be a clue as to what the “NO” part of that is, the “R.M.” part is plain enough, so I assume that it's the same expression for octane rating as is used in N America now unless somebody knows different. The highest octane rating usually found is 94 R/M in Canada and 91 R/M in the US Pacific NW. Especially in the US PNW then, the difference from the factory recommended octane rating and what's available is considerable. So, I'm taking that as pretty good “probable cause” exibit “A” .

I have an Eldo distributor off the bike (thanks Steve) to install on the piece of steam-punk apparatus you can see below. Somebody was cleaning out their garage and it ended up given to our shop. Put a charged-up 6V battery in there and the damn thing worked! The distributor spec paper “scroll” in it includes up to 1956, so there you go.

Distributor advance curve tester.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

Distributor advance curve tester.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

Direct link to image

Anyway, I installed the Eldo distributor to this rig and ran it up with my note pad and then drew up the 1st hand-drawn graph below as compared to the graph in the service manual just above it. The total advance is right, but it's not quite the pair of straight shots from the factory graph. That's not surprising, but it's really not that far off. On the “actual” stock curve graph you can see that just pulling on the 1 spring as the stock spring set-up is designed to do, the 1st part of the curve is pretty steep - you're already at 20° BTDC @ 2000 RPM. So there's a second reason why stock Eldos might be prone to detonation - lots of advance early in the engine RPM range.

Moto Guzzi Eldorado advance curve from factory publications.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

Moto Guzzi Eldorado advance curve from factory publications.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

Direct link to image

Observed advance curve of the Eldorado distributor using the tester.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

Observed advance curve of the Eldorado distributor using the tester.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

Direct link to image

The bottom graph is one of the 3 curves available with Cliff Jefferies “REC-Ignition” module. I have not included the other 2 since after drawing them out based on Cliff's curve numbers he sent me, it looks like the most appropriate one.

An advance curve provided by Cliff Jeffries “REC-Ignition” module.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

An advance curve provided by Cliff Jeffries “REC-Ignition” module.

Photo courtesy of George Dockray.

Direct link to image

The REC-Ignition curve is quite a bit shallower and even given an 8° BTDC static point rather than the 5° stock setting, you have (for instance) a 12° spark point at 2000 RPM rather than 20° and shallower all the way up the curve until you get to about 3200 RPM - a point where you have a high enough engine speed that will not be as prone to detonation except for very high load situations. The REC-Ignition web page mentions that you cannot use points as the trigger signal with the built-in curves. I'm partial to the Laubtec unit rather than the Harper's / Pertronic for a couple reasons, but that's another subject.

So there it is. Granted, a fixed curve set-up is not a silver bullet to be sure - humping it up a long hill in E Wash. in the summer when it's 92° F outside pushing a windshield and saddlebags at 70 MPH with all your gear piled on it, but a reasonable band-aid that should help address a tendency towards detonation with an otherwise stock set-up, especially for those that would like to retain a visually-identical to stock distributor.

BTW: I forgot to mention that the REC-Ignition has selectable ignition coil charging “soak times” so it should do a far better job making efficient use of the coil and give easier starting, and perhaps off-set the still less than perfect advance curve to a certain extent in the way of fuel consumption.

Distributor ball bearing

Updated: 2006 Sep 19

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There is a tiny little spring loaded ball bearing used to make contact between the advance plate shaft and the main shaft that is connected to the gear. The size of this ball bearing is 3.175 mm or 0.125 in or ¹⁄₈ in.

A suitable replacement is available from McMaster-Carr. Search for part number 9528K11.

Distributor cap cross-reference

Updated: 2011 Jan 28

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Thanks to John Cowart from Lakeland, Florida for providing me with this information.

The distributor cap has the following part number cross references:

• MG# 12715432
• Magneti Marelli part number 71037202
• Reference number CLT123616
• Facet part number 2.8163
• Fiat part number 9910469
• Fiat part number 9911820 (1)
• Fiat part number 9991820 (1)

The distributor cap was used on the following vehicles:

• 1960-1965 Fiat 500 Giardiniera (9911820)

Distributor cap securing screws

Updated: 2006 Sep 19

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The two shoulder screws that screw into the points-plate and whose shoulders serve as a pivot for the spring wires that secure the distributor cap are 4 mm wide × 0.7 mm thread pitch × 13 mm long. Note: the 5 mm nearest the head of the screw is the shoulder; the remaining 8 mm is threaded.

A suitable replacement is available from McMaster-Carr. Search for part number 90270A657.

Distributor clamp improvement

Updated: 2008 Feb 27

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I extracted this information from Patrick Hayes off of his own website after he made notice of it on the Yahoo! Loopframe_Guzzi news group. In Patrick's own words:

The Problem:

The single point Magneti Marelli distributor used on the loopframe Moto Guzzi has a minor nuisance fault. When the spark timing is set, a pinch bolt is tightened to hold the distributor in fixed position. If secured with a little too much force, the pinch bolt head and its support washer can gradually become somewhat embedded into the machined surface of the adjustment arc on the distributor body and form a surface crater in the casting. The distributor body is cast from a very soft alloy. When you next try to set the ignition timing, the pinch bolt and this subsequent crater have a “mated” relationship. Unless the pinch bolt is loosened completely, the distributor body can not rotate easily for adjustment. When the pinch bolt is re-tightened, it has a tendency to ramp the distributor back into the old position rather than the required new position. This is a picture of a “mildly cratered” adjustment arc on the distributor body.

Direct link to image

The Solution:

I have fabricated a clamping piece to improve the load distribution of the pinch bolt and help alleviate the tendency of the adjustment arc on the distributor body to become cratered. The clamp piece is fabricated from stainless steel, so no additional finish is required. The material is 2.4 mm thick so it is not likely to bend or distort at all under the clamping stress. The clamping piece will lift the pinch bolt head by this 2.4 mm thickness dimension, so you will need to fit a longer screw. I recommend a stainless steel Allen head cap screw, 6 mm diameter by 1.0mm pitch by 25 mm length below the head. Using a screw of insufficient length presents an increased risk of stripping threads from the cast distributor base.

What YOU have to do:

Source a new screw. Don't use the original. It is already not long enough to utilize the full thread available in the lower body. Now the head will be lifted by 2.4 mm. A new screw at 25 mm below the head would be best. I suggest an Allen head screw. It will be easier to access using a ball-end “T” handle wrench for easier clamping.

You need to determine how badly your own distributor clamp area has been cratered and what to do about it. It is possible that you may be able to just install this clamp plate and be done. If the distributor arc is badly cratered, then consider removing it and carefully hand filing the upper surface so that it presents a single, smooth surface for the clamp to slide. If at all possible, I highly recommend that you find someone with a lathe and use that to cut the cratering from the upper surface. Using a lathe will ensure that the cut surface is now true and perpendicular to the axis of the distributor shaft. Search your neighborhood for a lathe. The most basic lathe setup should be able to do this cut in a minute. Below is the result of a lathe-cut surface. This is the same distributor body whose crater is shown above. Three-fourths of a millimeter had to be cut away to remove all trace of the clamping crater.

Direct link to image

You are welcome to mail your distributor to me for this lathe service, but that isn't really practical. Hopefully you can find someone local and ask for their help.

Here is the final product installed. It helps to use a “wavy” washer under the screw head so that you have a little residual spring pressure on the clamp when you are adjusting the distributor. I'll include a wavy washer for you in the mail.

Direct link to image

The Cost:

I'm not in the fabrication business. I do little tasks like this just out of curiosity and to help the Guzzi community. I do have to buy the metal stock material. I have invested in a lot of tools. There is a substantial time element to push these out. Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle generously donated the distributor body template, added some design opinions, and tested the first production units. I think these are certainly worth the equivalent of a favorite local brew. Its not practical to mail a can of beer and I can't wait until we meet at some rally. What I would like YOU to do is to pledge an equivalent donation value ($5 seems about right) to your favorite charitable cause. Buy some Girl Scout cookies. Put a FIN into the bell-ringer's kettle. Buy a bat for your local Little League team. You don't need to tell me what you do for a donation. There is no one, other than your own internal moral compass, to check up on you to assure you have followed through with the donation. Provide your postal address and I will post one of these off for your machine. I had the stock to produce about 50. I still have to cover the postage to you. I doubt I will make any more of these. Please don't ask for one unless you think it represents a functional improvement to your motorbike.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA
pehayes at comcast dot net

Distributor drive gear clearance

Updated: 2010 Jan 14

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Thanks to Craig Sheldrick for sending me some of this information in a private email.

Every loop frame distributor I've seen has had a tremendous amount of end play on the distributor drive gear. Guzzi (or perhaps Magneti Marelli) installed shims in this location, but the end play can be huge (at least 0.01 in or more…when the exhaust valve clearance is only 0.001 in). I've routinely shimmed these to be much closer. Historically, I've done this by feel. Craig Sheldrick has asked around and has learned that a value of 0.004 in - 0.005 in is a good clearance to use. That sounds reasonable to me, too.

Distributor drive gear pin removal

Updated: 2008 Mar 31

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Thanks to Charlie Mullendore of Antietam Classic Cycle for providing me his methodology in a private communication.

The pin that holds the distributor drive gear in place can be extremely difficult to remove. Charlie shares his methodology:

Just removed two pins very easily last week doing this same exact swap. Here's what works for me:

1. grind the peened head off one end.
2. tap the pin in from the other end with a hammer and punch (helps you to see the pin on the ground end for the next step).
3. center punch the pin and drill the remaining head off (I used a ³⁄₁₆ in bit IIRC). You don't need to drill very deep, more a countersink.
4. using a good quality ¹⁄₈ in punch, drive the pin out.

Re-installation is very easy, tap the pin in and peen both ends. Here's a few shots of the crude fixture I made for the job out of ³⁄₈ in thick steel.

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Direct link to image

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Direct link to image

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Direct link to image

Distributor drive gear pin replacement

Updated: 2010 Mar 27

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Distributor drive gear shims

Updated: 2010 Jan 15

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Thanks to Craig Sheldrick for sending me some of this information in a private email.

The original shims are 10 mm × 18 mm. 10 mm × 16 mm shims are easily sources and perfectly adequate. McMaster-Carr carries several thicknesses:

• 0.1 mm - McMaster-Carr part number 98055A117
• 0.2 mm - McMaster-Carr part number 98055A118
• 0.3 mm - McMaster-Carr part number 98055A119
• 0.5 mm - McMaster-Carr part number 98055A121
• 1.0 mm - McMaster-Carr part number 98055A122

Distributor rotation (advance vs. retard)

Updated: 2006 Sep 19

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The rotor under the distributor cap rotates clockwise.

To retard the timing: Rotate the distributor body clockwise.

To advance the timing: Rotate the distributor body counterclockwise.

Distributor rotor cross-reference

Updated: 2011 Jan 28

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The distributor rotor has the following part number cross references:

• MG# 12715431
• Reference number SPZ123613
• Magneti Marelli part number 70189503
• Facet part number 3.8252

The distributor rotor was used on the following vehicles:

• 1960-1965 Fiat 500 Giardiniera

Distributor spring

Updated: 2006 Sep 19

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There is a tiny little spring that pushes on the tiny little ball bearing that is used to make contact between the advance plate shaft and the main shaft that is connected to the gear. The size of this spring is 3 mm OD, 5 mm long uncompressed, 0.3 mm wire thickness.

A suitable replacement is available from McMaster-Carr. Search for part number 9435K11.

O-ring for sealing the distributor body to the distributor base

Updated: 2011 Feb 28

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This O-ring is used to seal the distributor body to the distributor base. The groove in the distributor body has a diameter of 21 mm and a width of 2.5 mm. The diameter of the body is 24 mm.

This would lead me to believe that a 21 mm ID × 2 mm wide O-ring would work great. However, I've only ever received (and used) O-rings that are 17 mm ID × 2 mm wide. Hans Hampes tried a 21 mm ID × 1.5 mm wide O-ring and found it to be way too sloppy (but found a 18 mm ID × 2 mm wide O-ring worked very well for him). This seems to be one location where sizing the O-ring to the measurements just doesn't quite work out. I will continue to use the 17 mm ID × 2 mm wide O-rings that I've had good luck with in the past.

This O-ring is not listed in any spare parts catalog that I've seen. Viton O-rings are best, but Buna-N will also work and are a lot cheaper. Make sure to purchase an O-ring that is sufficiently soft…something with a Shore Durometer (A Scale) = 70 is great.

Points cross-reference

Updated: 2011 Apr 14

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The ignition contact points (MG# 12715445) have the following part number cross references:

• Facet part number 1.4920
• Fiat part number 9903324
• Fiat part number 9909413
• Fiat part number 9911552
• Magneti Marelli part number 71006701
• Napa Auto Parts part number CS225
  Thanks to Joel Parks for sending me this cross-reference.
• Niehoff part number WA166
• O’Reilly Auto Parts part number A512, Borg Warner (1950 - 1977 Fiat, 1962 FIAT 600D L4 0.8 Liter Carbureted - 47 CID)

Facet part number 1.4920.

Photo courtesy of Facet.

Facet part number 1.4920.

Photo courtesy of Facet.

Direct link to image

Ignition contact points.

Photo courtesy of Napa Auto Parts.

Ignition contact points.

Photo courtesy of Napa Auto Parts.

Direct link to image

Ignition contact points.

Photo courtesy of Napa Auto Parts.

Ignition contact points.

Photo courtesy of Napa Auto Parts.

Direct link to image

Ignition contact points.

Photo courtesy of Napa Auto Parts.

Ignition contact points.

Photo courtesy of Napa Auto Parts.

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The contact points were used on the following vehicles:

Points-plate and condenser screw

Updated: 2006 Sep 19

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The little screw that secures the points-plate and condenser to the distributor body is 4 mm wide × 0.7 mm thread pitch × 8 mm long.

A suitable replacement is available from McMaster-Carr. Search for part number 91292A108.

Points to points-plate hold-down screw

Updated: 2008 Dec 08

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The little screw that secures the points to the points-plate is 3.5 mm wide × 0.6 mm thread pitch × 4 mm long.

A suitable replacement is available from McMaster-Carr. Search for part number 91800A175. It is 6 mm instead of the required 4 mm length (a shorter version is not available from McMaster-Carr). You'll want to file off the extra 2 mm so that it won't interfere with parts beneath.

Spark plug cap replacement

Updated: 2008 Apr 02

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NGK makes a very suitable replacement spark plug cap. Look for Stock Number LB05F (8051).