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

Condenser cross-reference

Updated: Apr 18, 2008

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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 elses. 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.

Facet part number 0.0613

The condenser was used on the following vehicles:

Make & Model	Engine	First Year	Last Year
Fiat 126 600	126 A.000	09/72	06/77
Fiat 126 650	126 A1.048	07/77	09/87
Fiat 128 1.1	128 A.000	03/69	12/84
Fiat 128 Familiare 1.1 (AF)	128 A.000	10/69	10/82
Fiat 500 0.5	110 F.000	01/65	12/75
Fiat 500 0.6	--	05/73	01/76
Fiat 600 0.6	--	03/55	05/61
Fiat Panda 650	141 A.000	01/82	07/04
Fiat X 1/9 1.3	128 AS.000	10/75	06/78
FSO 126P 0.6	--	07/72	07/77
FSO 126P 0.6	--	07/77	12/91
Zaztava Yugo 0.9	--	04/80	06/92

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

Facet Part Number	µF	Diameter	Length	Manufacturer Part Number	Application
0.0127	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	BOSCH 1 217 330 037 1 237 330 037	Unknown
0.0179/114	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 08/83 12/85 ESCORT III Familiare 1.1 GSE 08/83 12/85 FIESTA I 0.9 TKA, TKW 05/76 08/83 FIESTA I 0.9 TLA 05/76 08/83 FIESTA I 1.1 GLA 05/76 08/83 FIESTA I 1.1 (WFBT) GLW 02/81 08/83
0.0179/118	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 01/78 06/85 TRANSIT 1.6 LAC 09/85 09/92 TRANSIT 2.0 NAW 01/86 09/92 TRANSIT 2.0 NAX 01/86 09/92 TRANSIT Autobus 1.6 (TBL, TES) LAT 12/85 01/89 TRANSIT Autobus 2.0 (TBS, TCL, TCS, TEL, TES) NAT, NAV 11/85 09/92 TRANSIT Furgonato 1.6 (TAS) LAT 09/85 09/92 TRANSIT Furgonato 2.0 (TAL, TAS, TGL, TWS) NAT, NAV 09/85 09/92 TRANSIT Pianale piatto/Autotelaio 2.0 (TTE, TTL, TTS) NAT, NAV 01/86 09/92 FORD (AUS) Model Engine First Year Last Year Cortina_TF 2.0 -- 01/76 12/81 Escort 2.0 -- 01/77 12/81 Escort 2.0 RS -- 01/77 12/81
0.0179/124	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 11/78 07/85 240 Kombi 1.8 B 17 A 11/78 07/85
0.0188/1	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Unknown	ZASTAVA Model Engine First Year Last Year YUGO 0.9 -- 04/80 06/92
0.0253	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 -- 01/77 on V50III,V50Monza,V50C -- 01/77 on V65;SP -- 01/82 on
0.0262	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	31.5 mm	DELCO REMY D-204	Unknown
0.0263	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	31.5 mm	DELCO REMY 1 869 704	Unknown
0.0291/17	0.25µF	15 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 553221600 6553221600	INNOCENTI Model Engine First Year Last Year 500 L; LS -- 12/86 on
0.0291/20	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 10/85 05/86 SUZUKI Model Engine First Year Last Year SK410 -- 01/86 VOLKSWAGEN Model Engine First Year Last Year TARO 1.8 2Y 04/89 09/94 TARO 2.2 4Y 06/89 07/94
0.0390	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 06/71 05/83 131 1.3 Mirafiori 131 A6.000 10/74 09/81 131 Familiare/Panorama 1.3 Mirafiori (AF) 131 A6.000 03/75 12/78 132 1.6 -- 05/77 09/82 PANDA 800 -- 02/81 12/85 SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year FURA 0.9 -- 01/82 06/86 MARBELLA 0.8 08 NCA 08/86 12/93 MARBELLA Furgonato 0.8 08 NCA 01/87 12/93 PANDA 34 850 -- 01/80 12/83 PANDA 35 850 -- 01/80 12/83
0.0392	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 08/86 05/93 IBIZA I 0.9 146 A 000 08/90 05/93 MARBELLA 0.9 09 NCA 01/87 12/93 MARBELLA Furgonato 0.9 09 NCA 01/87 12/93 PANDA 40 -- 01/82 12/85 PANDA 45 -- 01/82 12/85 TERRA 0.9 09 NCA 02/87 12/96
0.0397	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 09/71 12/88
0.0399	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 10/84 12/88 11 1.7 (B/C376) F2N 700 10/83 12/87 11 Furgonato 1.2 (S37S) C1G 700, C1G 710 10/84 12/88 4 1.1 (1128, S128) 688 712 06/78 06/90 9 1.2 (L42S) C1G 700, C1G 710 09/85 12/88 EXPRESS 1.1 C1E 01/85 on EXPRESS 955 C1C 01/85 on
0.0471	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	31.5 mm	FORD 1 575 222 MOTORCRAFT EDC 2	FORD Model Engine First Year Last Year CORTINA 1300 -- 10/70 03/72 FIESTA I 0.9 TKA, TKW 05/76 08/83 FIESTA I 0.9 TLA 05/76 08/83 FIESTA I 1.3 J3E 08/77 08/83 TAUNUS 80 Familiare 1.6 LCJ 07/79 07/82 TAUNUS 80 1.6 LCJ 07/79 07/82 TRANSIT Autobus 1.6 (VAS, VLS, VZS 4RB 12/77 10/86 TRANSIT Autobus 2.0 (VAS, VBLVIL, VLS, VUL, VZS) 4RC 12/77 07/82 TRANSIT Furgonato 1.6 (WS) 4RB 11/77 10/86 TRANSIT Furgonato 2.0 (VVS) 4RC 11/77 07/82 TRANSIT Pianale piatto/Autotelaio 2.0 (VGL, VSL, VTL) 4RC 11/77 07/82
0.0561	0.25µF	17 mm Ø	35 mm	LUCAS 400 308	Unknown
0.0602	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9902578 9903303 9912722 MARELLI CE 29 B CE 29 G	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 1000er-Serie D, R -- 01/54 12/68 124 1200 (TA) -- 07/66 10/73 124 1400 Special 124 B2.000 12/68 12/72 124 1600 Special T -- 01/73 07/75 124 Familiare 1200 -- 04/67 05/73 850 0.8 -- 07/64 10/72
0.0606	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	MARELLI CE 29 A	Unknown
0.0608	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	MARELLI CE 11 M CE 29 Q	FSO Model Engine First Year Last Year POLONEZ I 1.5 AA 10/77 08/88
0.0612	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9921499 9925255 MARELLI CE 36 G	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 127 0.9 100 GL.000 06/71 05/83 131 1.3 Mirafiori 131 A6.000 10/74 09/81 131 Familiare/Panorama 1.3 Mirafiori (AF) 131 A6.000 03/75 12/78 132 1.6 -- 05/77 09/82 242-SERIE Autobus 1.6 124 B3.000 10/75 07/82 242-SERIE Furgonato 1.6 124 B3.000 10/75 07/82 DUCATO Furgonato 1.8 169 B 01/82 10/88
0.0613	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9912723 9942107 MARELLI CE 29 D CE 36 E	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 126 600 126 A.000 09/72 06/77 126 650 126 A1.048 07/77 09/87 128 1.1 128 A.000 03/69 12/84 128 Familiare 1.1 (AF) 128 A.000 10/69 10/82 500 0.5 110 F.000 01/65 12/75 500 0.6 -- 05/73 01/76 600 0.6 -- 03/55 05/61 PANDA 650 141 A.000 01/82 07/04 X 1/9 1.3 128 AS.000 10/75 06/78 FSO Model Engine First Year Last Year 126P 0.6 -- 07/72 07/77 126P 0.6 -- 07/77 12/91 ZASTAVA Model Engine First Year Last Year YUGO 0.9 -- 04/80 06/92
0.0614	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	Fiat 9922454 9925263 MARELLI CE 36 L	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 132 1.6 -- 05/77 09/82 ARGENTA 1600 132 D.000 04/81 12/85 SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year MARBELLA 0.8 08 NCA 08/86 12/93 MARBELLA Furgonato 0.8 08 NCA 01/87 12/93
0.0617	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9928245 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 06/72 09/84 ALFETTA 1.8 AR 01608 X 07/74 12/77 GIULIETTA 1.3 (116.44A) AR 01644 10/77 06/83 FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 127 0.9 100 GL.048 06/71 05/83 127 1.0 127 A.000 04/77 12/86 127 Panorama 1.0 127 A.000 01/77 12/86 131 1.3 Mirafiori 131 A6.000 10/74 09/81 131 Familiare/Panorama 1.3 Mirafiori (AF) 131 A6.000 03/75 12/78 132 1.6 -- 05/77 09/82 ARGENTA 1600 132 D.000 04/81 12/85 FIORINO 900 100 GL.000 10/77 12/84 PANDA 800 -- 02/81 12/85 PANDA 950 A 112 B1.054 09/82 08/83 PANDA 950 4x4 A 112 B1.054 09/83 12/86 SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year FURA 0.9 -- 01/82 06/86 PANDA 34 850 -- 01/80 12/83 PANDA 35 850 -- 01/80 12/83
0.0626	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	GUZZI 14 715 433	MOTO GUZZI (I) Model Engine First Year Last Year 1000 SP -- 01/76 on 850 LeMans III -- 01/76 on 850 T3 California -- 01/76 on 850 T3,T4 -- 01/76 on V1000 CaliforniaII -- 01/76 on V1000 Convert -- 01/76 on V1000 G5 -- 01/76 on
0.0627	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9938268 MARELLI CE 39 P	Model Engine First Year Last Year REGATA 70 1.3 138 B2.000 09/83 07/86 REGATA 70 1.3 149 A3.000 09/83 07/89 REGATA 85 1.6 149 A.000 10/83 06/90 REGATA Weekend 70 1.3 138 B2.000 01/84 07/89 UNO 60 1.1 SX -- 01/83 12/85
0.0628	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9938269 MARELLI CE 39 R SEAT SE 141914.007A	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year 126 700 126 A2.000, 126 A2.048 09/87 06/96 PANDA 750 (141AI) 141 B.000 01/86 01/95 PANDA 900 100 GL3.000 10/80 06/94 PANDA 900 CL 146 A.048 01/86 04/91 PANDA 900 CL 146 A.048 05/91 12/92 PANDA Van 750 141 B.000 01/86 07/92 UNO 45 0.9 146 A.000 03/83 09/92 UNO 45 0.9 Trend 146 A.048 09/89 09/92 FSO Model Engine First Year Last Year 126P 0.6 -- 07/77 12/91 SEAT Model Engine First Year Last Year IBIZA I 0.9 146 A 000 08/86 05/93 IBIZA I 0.9 146 A 000 08/90 05/93 MARBELLA 0.9 09 NCA 01/87 12/93 MARBELLA Furgonato 0.9 09 NCA 01/87 12/93 TERRA 0.9 09 NCA 02/87 12/96
0.0630	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	MARELLI CE 39 S RENAULT 77 01 030 507	RENAULT Model Engine First Year Last Year 11 1.1 (B/C371) C1E 720 03/83 06/86 4 1.1 (1128, S128) 688 712 06/78 06/90 9 1.1 (L421) C1E 715 09/81 05/87
0.0631	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	MARELLI 561 811 87 RENAULT 77 01 031 990	RENAULT Model Engine First Year Last Year 11 1.7 (B/C376) F2N 700 10/83 12/87
0.0633	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	25 mm	Fiat 9940570 MARELLI CE 39 T	FIAT Model Engine First Year Last Year PANDA 1000 156 A2.000 01/95 on PANDA 1000 156 A2.000 12/93 12/94 PANDA 1000 CLX 156 A2.000 05/91 on PANDA 1000 Fire 156 A2.000 05/86 04/91 PANDA 750 (141AA) 156 A4.000 01/86 01/95
0.0699/2	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	35 mm	SKODA 113-911 060	SKODA Model Engine First Year Last Year 105,120 1.0 33* 08/76 12/89 105,120 1.0 105 S,L 742,10 02/88 12/90 105,120 1.0 105 S,L 742,10 08/76 12/90 105,120 1.0 105 S,L,GL 742,10 08/76 08/83 105,120 1.0 105 S,L,LS 742,10 10/83 12/90 105,120 1.2 37* 08/76 12/89 105,120 1.2 55* 01/81 12/84 105,120 1.2 120 GLS -- 02/83 12/90 105,120 1.2 120 L -- 08/76 12/90 105,120 1.2 120 L 742,12 08/87 12/90 105,120 1.2 120 L 742,12 10/83 12/90 105,120 1.2 120 LS 742,12 X 08/76 12/90 130 1.3 43* 01/84 12/88 135 1.3 43* 01/87 12/89 136 1.3 46* 01/87 12/89
0.0856	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 10/83 10/88
0.0912	0.25µF	18 mm Ø	31.5 mm	LADA 2101-3706400	LADA Model Engine First Year Last Year Lada 1.2 -- 01/80 on Lada 1.3 -- 01/80 on Lada 1.5 -- 01/80 on NIVA 1600 BA3 2121 04/80 12/87 NIVA 1600 BA3 2121 12/76 05/87

Condenser wire bolt

Updated: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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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 x 0.8 mm thread pitch x 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.

Contact points cross-reference

Updated: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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The contact points have the following part number cross references:

• MG# 12715445
• Magneti Marelli part number 71006701
• Niehoff part number WA166
• Facet part number 1.4920
• Fiat part number 9903324
• Fiat part number 9909413
• Fiat part number 9911552

Facet part number 1.4920

The contact points were used on the following vehicles:

Make & Model	Engine	First Year	Last Year
Fiat 126 600	126 A.000	09/72	06/77
Fiat 500 0.5	110 F.000	01/65	12/75
Fiat 500 0.6	--	05/73	01/76
Fiat 600 0.6	--	03/55	05/61
Fiat Panda 650	141 A.000	01/82	07/04
FSO 126P 0.6	--	07/72	07/77

Distributor ball bearing

Updated: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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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" or 1/8".

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

If you need one, let me know as I've got plenty. greg>at<thisoldtractor.com

Distributor cap cross-reference

Updated: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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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
• 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: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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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 x 0.7 mm thread pitch x 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: Feb 27, 2008

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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 Magnetti-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.

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.

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.

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: Jan 14, 2010

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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 Magenti Marelli) installed shims in this location, but the end play can be huge (at least 0.01" or more…when the exhaust valve clearance is only 0.001"). 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" - 0.005" is a good clearance to use. That sounds reasonable to me, too.

Distributor drive gear pin removal

Updated: Mar 31, 2008

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

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

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. centerpunch the pin and drill the remaining head off (I used a 3/16" bit IIRC). You don't need to drill very deep, more a countersink.
4. using a good quality 1/8" punch, drive the pin out.

Reinstallation 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" thick steel.

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.Fixture to support distributor during removal of the drive gear.

Distributor drive gear pin replacement

Updated: Mar 27, 2010

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Gregory Bender's technique

Nearly all of the distributor drive pins I've seen were for holes 3 mm in diameter. I've used 1/8 inch diameter roll pins, cut to length and "peened" over at each end. I've got many thousands of miles and no troubles at all. I recently purchased a large bag of 3 mm roll pins, 16 mm in length just for the distributor drive gear.

Recently, however, I came across a distributor drive pin in an Eldorado that was 3.5 mm in diameter. A 1/8 inch diameter roll pin is too small. The next commonly available size is 5/32 inch, but that is too big. A 9/64 inch diameter roll pin would have been perfect, but those are next to impossible to find. Neither can 3.5 mm roll pins be easily sourced. I really didn't want to drill the hole any larger. Instead, I found a nail of the appropriate diameter, cut it to length, inserted it, and then peened the exposed end (the head of the nail takes care of the other side). I know, using a "nail" doesn't sound very sophisticated. But it is more than strong enough for the task at hand, yet sufficiently soft enough that it can be easily peened.

Moe Moore's technique

Moe Moore at Cycle Garden uses a piece of old drum brake spoke (the smallest diameter part of the spoke). After he drills out the hole in the gear and the shaft a little. The original pin measures 3 mm or 0.1380", the spoke measures 0.1400". He then heats up the end of the spoke and peens it over, the same for the other end. He uses a jig, so as not to bend, or damage the distributor shaft in the process.

Craig Sheldrick's technique

Craig Sheldrick measured the hole and found that a 3 mm pin is needed. In Craig's own words:

I deceided to try some "drill rod" for use as a new securing pin for the dist drive gear. (this rod is very inexpensive, for a 3ft lengh at 2.95. That will make a lot of pins. This rod is used for shafts, arbors etc., and is machinable, and water hardenable. The only thing is, I've not seen it in metric size, (at least not here), which means the hole will have to be enlarged to 1/8 inch. Although I'm sure it's available in metric sizes.

I'm going to make an extra long pin that I can put the hole and easily take out for set up purposes, in order to obtain the correct amount of shims.

Distributor drive gear shims

Updated: Jan 15, 2010

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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 x 18 mm. 10 mm x 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: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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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: Apr 02, 2008

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The distributor rotor has the following part number cross references:

• MG# 12715431
• 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: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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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.

If you need one, let me know as I've got a few extras. greg>at<thisoldtractor.com

Ignition contact points cross-reference

Updated: Apr 02, 2008

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• O'Reilly Auto Parts part number A512, Borg Warner (1950 - 1977 Fiat)
• Checker Auto Parts part number A512, Borg Warner (1962 FIAT 600D L4 0.8 Liter Carbureted - 47 CID)

O-ring for distributor shaft

Updated: Jul 20, 2010

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The size of the o-ring used to seal the distributor shaft inside the distributor body is 17 mm ID x 2 mm Thick. 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 A Hardness rating = 70 is great.

Points-plate and condenser screw

Updated: Prior to Dec 11, 2007

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

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

If you need one, let me know as I've got plenty. greg>at<thisoldtractor.com

Points to points-plate hold-down screw

Updated: Dec 08, 2008

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

If you need one, let me know as I've got plenty. greg>at<thisoldtractor.com

Spark plug cap replacement

Updated: Apr 02, 2008

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