I knew I had the information somewhere. To set the timing on the 860 engine with Ducati CDI electronic ignition: Fit a degree disc to the crank with a suitable pointer and zero the disc. Set the vertical cylinder to TDC, both valves closed. Loosen the three screws securing the stator so that it can be moved. Rotate the engine backwards 90º (anti-clock for a bevel) then forward to the 38º position. Fit a small pin into the hole in the generator rotor and turn the stator until the pin slips into the hole in the stator. With the pin in position tighten the stator screws. The timing should now be set correctly.
Turning the engine slowly on my bevel will produce a spark. Would probably check tdc with the rocker covers off rather than a screwdriver done the hole as it's at an angle and the screwdriver may get jammed. Bit of engine start down the bell mouths might give it a wake up call. Or give a big enough kick back to break the kickstarter....been there done that
Update! OK, I got it started today. Not sure how but I think some starting advice from John Foyston did it (a little throttle on startup). It is not running on one cylinder at idle. I have swapped all the electrics from left to right and it still is not firing on the front cylinder so that narrows it down to the idle circuit of the front carburetor. I have dropped the bowl, cleaned the idle jet and still not correct. Tomorrow I will pull the front carb apart and check everything. I did remove the pilot adjuster screw, pilot jet, and squirted carb cleaner and 100lbs air through and everything to clean but still not working properly. #31
