Airone magneto

Technical all Single Cylinder Guzzis
1

Hi, can anyone help with sorting out a problem on my 1953 Airone magneto?

Thanks

2

Depending on the problem, it may be better seeking the help of a specialist. Either a repair or a rebuild could be in order.

Russell

3

Hi Russell,

Thanks for the info, all those companies are a long way from where I live.

I may dismantle it myself and see if there is anything obvious.

If not, then I will send it away.

Regards

Jef Walker

4

Give it a look it might be something simple - if it does need to go to a specialist you could always pack it well (very well) and send it via parcelforce or other insured courier service. Even fully insured it will probably cost less than the fuel to drive it to them.

Russell

5

There was a recent discussion about mags on the Google Guzzi singles group, this might give you a few bits to look at

6

Thanks for all your input Don and Russell,

But believe it or not, I’ve sorted it already.

I dismantled the whole magneto checked it for resistance, all ok, reset and cleaned the points and re-assembled it, now it works, I’m so relieved.

Thanks again for your help.

Regards

Jef Walker

1 Like
7

Excellent news

Russell

8

Hi Jeff I have recently bought an Airone Sport, it’s running a bit rough. The points on the magneto are sparking badly and so will be replacing the condensor once a replacement arrives.
Any great hints and tips on stripping it down to get to the condensor? It’s an MCR4E mag on my bike.

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9

Hi Don,

I stripped my magneto down not long ago and couldn’t find the condenser, so I’m not much help there, it is very easy to take apart, no nasty springs or anything to worry about.

I put it back together and the bike is running very nicely.

I didn’t have a spark before I stripped it, so I cleaned everything including the points and it’s working fine now.

Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

Where are you based?

10

Thanks for the reply, I’ll have a dig around on the internet and see what I can find about stripping and rebuilding the mag. Others have said that they are fairly simple.
Someone did suggest using a Thor Brightspark unit that is tiny little thing

or mounting the condensor externally like this.

I’m in Market Harborough, South Leicestershire.

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11

Hi Don,

Good luck with sorting it. The condenser on my Magneto must be inside the armature that is why I couldn’t find it I think. I’m not confident enough to unwind that, but luckily don’t need to now.

I ordered a new piston from Italy because mine started smoking but still running perfectly. I found out the wrong piston rings were sent to me when I rebuilt it.

Hopefully piston will arrive soon.

12

I stripped the mag off the bike today and took it round to my mates who knows a lot more about these things than me. New points and condensor fitted, I just need to refit it back on the bike and give it another try.

It sounds like you have a different mag set up as mine was easy to find under the front cover. Does yours have the manual advance / retard?

13

Hi Don, yes mine has the advance and retard and is a Marelli magneto.

Hope you have success when you refit it, they are very nice engines when running correctly and the ride is equally as good.

Good luck :+1:

1 Like