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Timing Moto Guzzi 850 T in Type 1

Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2026 7:01 pm
by Tennessee
I have been driving and working on my Type 1 powered by a 1975 Moto Guzzi 850T with Dellorto carbs. The left cylinder spark plug seems to get black quickly after test rides and I have had issues fouling the plug on that side. I just installed a new Dyna 3 electronic ignition and want to insure that the motor is timed properly. I set the static timing per instructions from Dyna. I have not been able to figure out a way to time with a timing light due to the frame interference with the timing hole. My question, has anyone come up with a way to time the motor with a timing light, or should static timing be close enough. I am aware that this could be a carb issue but want to make sure timing is spot on. Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer.

Cheers, Jim

Re: Timing Moto Guzzi 850 T in Type 1

Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2026 8:32 pm
by Richard and Pat
From the Facebook Page for Triking Owners Club:
Derrick-Alexys Jack
Can you tape a fiber optic line to the timing light and get the light down there with it? I have a flashlight with a fiber optic from a TV cable that I use to get light down into deep small holes for inspection at work. Anyway I think it could work.

Tom Kenny
Suggest you align the existing timing marks then replicate new timing marks somewhere else you can get access to with the timing light

Re: Timing Moto Guzzi 850 T in Type 1

Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2026 7:29 pm
by Richard and Pat
From Facebook club page:
John Ferguson
The easiest way is to remove the alternator cover and fit a timing disc using the alternator bolt. You might need a longer M8 bolt, because the cap head sits inside the sliprings. Probably need a washer to stop the disc deforming. Use a long bit of soft wire fixed to one of the cover retaining screw holes and bent around to sit over the disc as an indicator. Get the right cylinder to TDC, turning the engine (plugs out) using the alternator bolt. Thumb over the plug hole will find the compression stroke, then feel it to TDC. Use a pencil for this, nothing hard. Then when you have TDC, position your pointer over TDC on the timing disc by bending into place.