Setting dual points and adjusting timing

[Cdn850T5NT]

To naysayers out there re this set-up: these are apparently points from a Fiat 127  - a 4 cyl car.  In service with the Guzzi ea. set of points serves a single cyl.  1/4 the duty compared to the Fiat 127. They should give little hassle or prbs in the Guzzi application with this light a use.

[Bob_Fla]

Thanks Cdn850T5NT

No more timing chain slack. The reason I'm trying to set points and time is because I installed a new banana tensioner.

Going for the points first then the light timing. I'll have question as to how to hook up the leads on the strobe light.

Thanks again.

[Cdn850T5NT]

With the banana tensioner, yes, you will have significantly reduced timing chain slop - but don't count on zero.  Banana tensioner doesn't have the strength compared to crankshaft pulling the camshaft sprocket against valve spring opposition.  I do know the banana tensioner has a pretty stout spring.  All the same.

Really suggest always determining static timing / opening of the points by going far enough back, and barring over engine in normal rotational sense.

[Cdn850T5NT]

Most timing lights have inductive pick-up clamp that goes over the high tension lead to the sparkplug at issue.  If not, you insert the timing light signal clamp onto an extension you make... to the high tension lead.  Obviously, a bare-conductor extension.... and you connect the normal lead to the end of that extension.  Ensure it does not come close to a cylinder fin lest it ground-out the spark...

[Cdn850T5NT]

Just a  couple/three more items...  Note the potential for pitted points.  Also, can use ignition files to smooth them... or new points.

[wirespokes]

Looking at the previous photo, you can see one set of points attached to a separate plate.

Adjust the other ones first (upper ones in the photo) - and I thought that was the right side. If it's the left, then so be it. The timing for that set of points requires rotating the full mounting plate.

Set the timing of the second set of points (bottom in the photo) by moving the partial mounting plate.

Step one - adjust gap for both sets of points
Step two - adjust static (idle - no advance) timing for the set of points pictured in the top in the photo.
Rotate engine to static timing mark on the second cylinder
Step three - adjust static timing for the other set of points.

Using a timing light, check your work. If the full advance is off, rotate the complete points mounting plate to adjust.

[Cdn850T5NT]

... Using a timing light, check your work. If the full advance is off, rotate the complete points mounting plate to adjust.

You mean rotate whole distributor body, do you not?

[antmanbee]

A Fiat 127 might be right for one set of points but the other set is a mirror image.
I don't recall which Fiat the other set came off of.

[JayDee24ca]

Seeing as no one has mentioned it yet, I'll jump in and say that i find a little old transistor radio works great to tell me when those points are opening. It gives off a sharp little SNAP exactly at the point they open. I personally have found it way easier and precise (for me) than using a light or a piece of cellophane to give me that info. Of course, I guess I am showing my age, in that I still have a couple of old Japanese transistor radios around the shop.
JD 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

A Fiat 127 might be right for one set of points but the other set is a mirror image.
I don't recall which Fiat the other set came off of.

http://thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_tonti_points_cross-reference.html

[Cdn850T5NT]

JayDee24ca's notion of using a transistor radio...

That's an excellent idea.  No need to hook up any test light... the "pop" is transmitted by radio-waves.  I will try that...

[wirespokes]

You mean rotate whole distributor body, do you not?

Right! Thanks for catching that.

...now where will I find a transistor radio?