My Guzzi didn’t run for 2 years - 85 Moto Guzzi California II contact points and static timing

My moto guzzi didn’t run 2 years ago. It didn’t get a spark on one cylinder. After I replaced the coils, contact points and condensers it ran … for 30 miles but then started to misfire badly.
I had enough back then and so the guzzi sat for 2 years waiting to get some quality time.
…
The time has come. I also bought a repair manual and first wanted to check the timing (which I haven’t done last time). After the right cylinder was timed correctly I learned that the left cylinder can‘t be adjusted enough. The problem is with the ne contact points which have a slightly different geometry. Other guzzi drivers had the same problem so I had to file the screw openings larger for the base plate and then right contact point.
…
Now it’s fixed. It Ned’s some deep cleaning, a new battery and frequent use

[@Fudders]

Well done on fixing the issue and fabulous to hear the Guzzi running again. I was wondering why you didn't fit electronic ignition instead, but I see you have done that now. You have good taste in motors with a lovely Moto Guzzi ...and a nice Nissan 300ZX too! 😉👍

[@2lefthands769]

Thanks for your feedback. Initially I tried to do the mechanical set points to maintain an original setup but since the set points don’t really fit I went for electronic. I rather drive than repair ;). The Nissan is my son’s car. Unfortunately he doesn’t have the time to work on it so it’s just sitting there but I agree, it’s a nice ride.

[@josephleister9198]

Good video, very informative....thank you.

[@2lefthands769]

Glad it was helpful, thanks

[@MrSebfrench76]

Congratulations for your success at re-starting this beautiful bike. Some months ago, i was looking for the same Calif, but here in France, a decent one turns around 5000 euros. My budget made me choose a BMW K 100 RT from 1985, at the bargain price of 1500 euros, in quasi-pristine condition. But one day for sure, i'll get my hands on a Calf, héhéhé..

[@2lefthands769]

Thanks, it just didn’t work very long. I ended up installing an electronic contact point system from Dynatec. Now it runs fine so next I need to do some deep cleaning and other maintenance. Good luck with your BMW. Those are awesome bikes and I think their value is increasing over time

[@MrSebfrench76]

@@2lefthands769 thank you so much for giving me a reply! I will keep my flying brick " as it" was produced in 85. No café racer with me, héhéhé...

[@oluffriesthomsen7680]

One thing, you forgot was to lube the center of the distributor

[@2lefthands769]

Thanks, I‘ll do that .

[@rongeernaert1208]

Nice lesson for contact points, and is the red wire always the right cilinder normal setting ?

[@2lefthands769]

Thank you :) … and as far as I know based on research: yes, red is always right on the Guzzi

[@llamamanism]

Well it sounds to me that off idle it’s running on both cylinders but the last few seconds of engine sound like it’s ticking over on one cylinder only. Is it my ears?

[@2lefthands769]

Not sure. I thought idle rpm is just a tick too low but I‘ll have to check next time. Meanwhile I installed the Dynatec so it might be good by now

[@jojobutter1]

hi there- watching your video- I have a Moto Guzzi v65c, 1984 - i believe it has the same engine. Bought it for $500 U.S. dollars. Engine was completely locked up, due to sitting for years. I'm going to throw in new bearings, lapped the valves whatever else I can to make it a solid running bike. I saw your comment about a dynatec ignition- did you buy the coils also that go with it or just the electric ignition...thing? I read in the "Guzziology" book the author talking about throw those points in the trash and buy the electric ignition system- Curious about what the difference is of electric vs. new points

[@2lefthands769]

Congrats to your Guzzi. I first tried to fix the ignition with traditional parts so I bought coils, condensers and points. The points were original guzzi parts however they did not match the original geometry. After a lot of filing holes larger I got it close but not right. You can also read this in guzzi forums so I assume it’s a common problem. The Dyna worked right away and with the new coils I already had. I can‘t really say if the Dyna works better than my old original points because I can‘t remember how it ran 2 years ago. I hope this answers your question.

[@roygrant4723]

Those Chinese made condensers can fail from new. Don't trust them.

[@2lefthands769]

Well I thought OEM from a guzzi dealer should work but the geometry was off. I‘m happy now with my electronic Dynatec.